FEMA has developed a PPE Preservation Planning Tool Guide, which is an instructional guide to be used with the PPE Preservation Planning Tool (PPEPP Tool). The PPEPP Tool is designed for user inputs leading to estimates of the benefits of preservation practices you may implement. The tool guide is designed to guide healthcare facilities, first responder services, and other impacted organizations in the following activities:
- Assess personal protective equipment (PPE availability and preservation practices)
- Understand and implement strategies for preventing PPE shortages or addressing realized PPE shortages by maximizing the duration and utility of existing PPE supplies
- Access additional resources
Although the time for using the tool will vary based on the size and complexity of the organization and the familiarity of the user with the organization and the concepts, initial estimates are (a) 15-30 minutes for orientation and preparation for using it; (b) 15-30 minutes for entering the information in sections 1-5 to become familiar with and anticipate the use of the preservation strategies; and (c) one to two hours for entering the information in tabs 6-8 to enable estimation of the use (burn) rate and impact of preservation strategies on the duration of supplies.
The 2020 pandemic has been a wake-up call. How will you be sure that you are prepared for the future? Please consider investing in the time it takes to use this great planning tool; check out the PPEPP Tool fact sheet to learn more about how it can help you and your facility. Keep your residents, staff, and community safe!
Stay the course, stay well, mask up, get vaccinated, and stay tuned!