Pat Grossmith
Granite State News Collaborative
Paul Mertzic, center, a registered nurse who works part-time at the CMC Healthcare for the Homeless Center in Manchester, is wearing PPE (personal protective equipment). Courtesy Photo
Paul Mertzic, a registered nurse who works at the Catholic Medical Center’s Healthcare for the Homeless Clinic in Manchester, wears an N-95 mask all day. When he sees a patient who has symptoms of COVID-19, he dons extensive personal protective equipment (PPE), including a disposable gown, gloves, and a face shield, and replaces his N-95 mask with a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR), which resembles a space helmet, to protect him from contaminated air.
Danielle Gerrior, 31, works on the COVID-19 floor at the Elliot Hospital in Manchester. The entire day she wears an N-95 mask and protective clothing – disposable gown, booties, a bouffant cap to cover her hair, and a shield to protect her eyes. When she sees a patient who has breathing treatment or uses special breathing equipment, the mask is replaced with PAPR.
New Hampshire nurses caring for COVID-19 patients go to extraordinary lengths to protect themselves from contracting the highly infectious disease. As more people across the state return to work, they can learn from these health care workers about how best to protect themselves from exposure to coronavirus.
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