Claire Dawson
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a significant increase in the demand for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in hospitals. Both medical staff and patients are required to wear PPE, and the former must wear it at all times. This has put pressure on hospitals, which have struggled to predict PPE usage and source supplies. As such, there is a need for established protocols and continued education on the proper use of PPE. For instance, a catchy video by an emergency physician detailing the correct way to put on PPE has gone viral on TikTok.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Putting on and taking off PPE | Involves a specific sequence that's easy to mess up |
| Who is it for? | Healthcare workers, patients, sweepers and cleaners, drivers |
| Types of PPE | N95 masks, triple-layer masks, surgical masks, KN95 masks, 3-ply masks, respirator masks, face shields, goggles, gowns, coveralls, gloves |
| Gown type | Water-resistant, impermeable to bodily fluids |
| Glove type | Nitrile, powder-free latex |
| Number of gloves | Two pairs |
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Put on gloves
Gloves are a crucial component of personal protective equipment (PPE) in hospitals, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to put on gloves in a hospital setting:
Prepare the Gloves
Before donning the gloves, ensure that you have selected the appropriate type and size for your hands. Gloves should be easily accessible and within reach. It is essential to use gloves that fit snugly and comfortably. Check the packaging for any visible signs of damage or tears.
Put on the First Glove
Start by taking one glove out of its packaging or from the box. Hold the glove by the cuff, allowing the fingers to dangle freely. Using your other hand, insert your hand into the glove, ensuring that your fingers are straight and your thumb is pointed outward. Slide the glove onto your hand smoothly, taking care not to touch your skin.
Put on the Second Glove
Now, take the second glove and hold it by the cuff as before. This time, use your gloved hand to grasp the cuff and gently pull the glove over your ungloved hand. Again, ensure your fingers are straight, and your thumb is pointed outward as you slide the glove on smoothly.
Adjust and Check for Fit
Once both gloves are on, take a moment to adjust them to ensure a comfortable fit. Smooth out any wrinkles and ensure the gloves fit snugly against your skin. Check that the cuffs are securely in place and not rolled or folded inward.
Be Aware of Glove Usage
It is important to remember that gloves are intended to protect you and the patient. Avoid touching your face or any contaminated surfaces with gloved hands. Change gloves between patients and whenever they become torn or contaminated. Always follow your hospital's guidelines and procedures for glove usage and disposal.
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Wear a gown
Wearing a gown is an essential aspect of personal protective equipment (PPE) protocol in hospitals. Gowns act as a protective barrier, safeguarding both patients and medical personnel from the transmission of microorganisms, infections, and contaminants through blood and bodily fluids. It is imperative to wear a gown correctly to ensure maximum safety and minimise the risk of contamination.
Before donning the gown, it is crucial to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This step prevents the transfer of contaminants from your hands to the gown. Additionally, ensure that you have selected the appropriate gown for your specific task and environment. Gowns come in different levels of protection, so choose one that meets the requirements of your job.
When putting on the gown, ensure it covers your torso, back, and reaches your knees. Inspect the gown for any gaps or openings, as these can increase the risk of exposure. Adjust the gown as needed to achieve a proper fit. Depending on your situation and the nature of the task, you may need to wear additional PPE, such as gloves, masks, and eye protection, in conjunction with the gown.
After donning the gown, perform a final check to ensure that you are properly protected and all PPE is securely in place. This final check is crucial to minimising the risk of contamination and ensuring your safety and the safety of those around you. Remember, proper gowning procedures are essential in maintaining a safe environment in healthcare settings.
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Don a face mask
Donning a face mask is a critical step in protecting oneself from infectious diseases, especially in a hospital setting. Here is a detailed guide on how to properly put on a face mask as part of your PPE (Personal Protective Equipment):
Step 1: Choose the Right Mask
Select an appropriate mask for the hospital environment. Common types include N95 respirator masks, surgical masks, and triple-layer masks. N95 masks are critical for blocking droplet transmission of infections like COVID-19 and offer good breathability for extended use.
Step 2: Inspect the Mask
Before putting on the mask, ensure it is intact and has no visible tears or damage. The mask should be clean and free of any debris or contamination.
Step 3: Prepare Your Face
Make sure your face is clean and dry. Remove any facial hair that may interfere with the mask's seal. Adjust any hair that could cause discomfort or affect the mask's fit.
Step 4: Put on the Mask
Hold the mask with the nosepiece or top edge at the level of your fingertips, allowing the headbands to hang freely below your hands. Allow the nose clip to rest at the level of your fingers. Bring the mask to your nose and place it comfortably over your nose, mouth, and chin.
Step 5: Secure the Mask
Secure the mask by tying it at the middle and then the bottom, or by pulling the elastic bands over your ears, depending on the type of mask. Ensure the mask fits snugly. Mold the nose clip to the shape of your nose by pinching it firmly. Make sure the mask covers your nose and mouth adequately and feels comfortable.
Step 6: Check the Fit
Check that the mask is properly sealed to your face. Breathe in and out sharply to test the seal. If the mask collapses slightly towards your mouth and face, the seal is good. Adjust the nosepiece or headbands if necessary.
Remember, proper donning and doffing of PPE, including face masks, are crucial to ensuring your safety and that of your patients. Always follow your hospital's specific guidelines and protocols for PPE usage.
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Put on goggles
When putting on PPE goggles in a hospital setting, it is important to follow the correct procedure to ensure your eyes are protected from exposure to harmful substances or pathogens. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to put on goggles as part of your PPE:
- Choose the Right Goggles: Select goggles that are appropriate for the specific task and environment. Consider the type of hazards you may encounter, such as liquids, particles, or infectious agents. Goggles should meet the necessary safety standards and provide a comfortable, secure fit with good peripheral vision.
- Clean the Lenses: Prior to donning the goggles, clean the lenses using a lens cleaning solution or mild soap and water. This ensures clear visibility and removes any dirt or residue that could obstruct your vision.
- Adjust the Fit: Place the goggles over your eyes, ensuring the lenses completely cover your eyes and eye area. Adjust the nosepiece to achieve a comfortable, secure fit. The temples of the goggles should extend over your ears and fit snugly without being too tight.
- Check the Seal: Ensure that the goggles form a proper seal around your eyes. This is especially important when wearing goggles with a respirator to maintain the integrity of the respirator's seal.
- Compatibility with Other PPE: Consider the compatibility of the goggles with other PPE you may be wearing. For example, if wearing a P2/N95 respirator, select goggles that are compatible and do not interfere with the respirator's fit or facial seal.
- Fit Testing: Perform a fit test to ensure the goggles are suitable and provide an adequate level of protection. This may include using mirrors or working with a PPE spotter to verify the correct placement and fit of the goggles.
- Donning the Goggles: When putting on the goggles, handle them with clean hands to avoid contaminating the surfaces that come into contact with your face. Ensure the goggles are securely in place and will not dislodge easily.
- Maintenance and Replacement: Keep your goggles clean and inspect them regularly for any damage or wear. Replace the goggles as necessary to maintain optimal protection.
Remember, eye protection is crucial in healthcare settings to safeguard your eyes from exposure to infectious diseases, bodily fluids, chemicals, and other hazardous substances. By following the above steps, you can ensure your goggles are properly donned and offer the intended level of protection.
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Remember the correct sequence
Putting on and taking off personal protective equipment (PPE) in a hospital setting involves a specific sequence that is easy to get wrong. To help people remember the correct steps, it can be useful to create a catchy jingle or an off-beat dance video, as demonstrated by doctors at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
The correct sequence for putting on PPE in a hospital is as follows:
- Put on a gown. The gown should be water-resistant to ensure it is impermeable to bodily fluids, including blood.
- Wear two pairs of gloves. Nitrile gloves are resistant to some chemicals and are a good option for those with a latex allergy. If these are unavailable, powder-free latex gloves may be used.
- Put on well-fitted goggles that seal properly with the skin of your face.
- Wear a mask. An N95 mask is recommended for healthcare workers as it blocks droplet transmission of infection and has good breathability.
It is important to follow the correct sequence when putting on PPE to ensure your protection and safety in a hospital environment.
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Frequently asked questions
The correct way to put on PPE in a hospital will depend on your role and the type of patients you are dealing with. PPE requirements also vary between hospitals and countries. However, as a general guide, here is a list of PPE that healthcare workers dealing with COVID-19 patients should wear:
- N95 respirator mask
- Goggles
- Gown (water-resistant)
- Gloves (two pairs of nitrile gloves or powder-free latex gloves)
The order in which these items are put on is important and easy to get wrong. One doctor recommends creating a catchy jingle to remember the correct steps.
Healthcare workers who transport suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases should wear a triple-layer mask. The driver of a COVID-19 ambulance only needs to put on a triple-layer mask for protection.
Hospital sanitation staff should wear heavy-duty gloves and a triple-layer mask.
