COVID-19 Support for Medical Workers- Open Source Face Shield Templates
March 23, 2020 COVID-19 / humanitarian response / Museums
Our world is experiencing an unprecedented crisis and all sectors of society can support the work of our front-line healthcare workers at this time.
Given the worldwide shortages in PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), many people are looking for DIY solutions for making masks, face shields, and other protective gear.
Museums and museum professionals in countries that are not under lock down have a unique ability to support medical professionals in their regions with one of their urgent needs, the face shield.
Face shields or visors, protect medical professionals from airborne body fluids, in this case from coughing, sneezing, or intubation. The Center for Disease Control in the United States states, “Goggles are no longer recommended as they may not provide complete skin coverage in comparison to a single use disposable full face shield.“
This simple piece of equipment is life saving when used in conjunction with a mask. As you can see, it is comprised of materials that every museum conservation and exhibitions department most likely has on hand.
Below is a PDF with an overview of open-source templates for making face shields and a supply list and instructions for making shields from readily available materials for distribution in your own community.