Use PPE Kit Sensibly During Shortage

30 March 2020

Essex Police Officers are being urged not to use PPE kit when they don’t need to – as the force works hard to ensure adequate provision to combat the spread of COVID-19.

A national shortage of masks, gloves and sanitisers is a significant headache for the Government, and it is a big concern for police officers, NHS staff and emergency workers on the coronavirus frontline.

Essex Police Federation says the force is striving to get the kit into the hands of officers who need it and that more advice on how to deal with members of the public without having to use it unnecessarily is being shared.

Chairman Steve Taylor said: “We are feeling the pinch. But I’ve seen first-hand and know just how hard the organisation is working on trying to procure the PPE that we need on the frontline, be it face masks or sanitisers, aprons or goggles.

“They are desperately trying; officers from Essex went down to Hampshire and physically collected over 3,000 masks from a supplier down there.

“So, we have some victories, but we’re also beholden to the broader international supply chain, which means promised deliveries are getting bumped and we’re not getting stuff that we’ve paid for when we expect to get it.

“It’s frustrating, but I’m confident that a lot of the reasons for that PPE not being where we need it when we need it, is not the fault of the organisation. They are doing their absolute utmost to pull it together and get stuff. But it does leave us in a sticky spot with supplies close to, if not running out, in certain areas.”

One tactic to keep PPE kit available is not to use it when it’s not strictly needed, Steve said.

He explained: “The organisation is doing what it can, asking ‘are you doing what you can to reduce your reliance on PPE?’ Obviously for some officers, for some situations, you just need it. That’s a given.

“But we are trying as much as possible to encourage people that distancing is the best form of PPE because you don’t need anything, just stay a safe distance away.

“So, the messaging is out there, and we are supporting where we can.”