View the full transcript and gain access to JoVE Science Education videos
Q1: Why is the doffing procedure for personal protective equipment so important during COVID-19?
Doffing contaminated personal protective gear after treating COVID-19 patients carries high risk of forming infective aerosols that could infect medical staff. Proper technique minimizes self-infection by preventing dispersal of contaminated materials. Following systematic procedures protects healthcare providers during this critical pandemic response.
Q2: What is the correct order for removing personal protective equipment?
Remove gloves first by grasping distally and disposing in black waste bins. Then remove the gown by pulling sleeves over hands and rolling it inward, touching only the inner surface. Next remove visor and glasses with wipe disinfection. Finally remove the face mask by pulling elastic straps away from your head, holding the lower edge to prevent aerosol dispersal.
Q3: How should you handle hand disinfection during the doffing procedure?
Use the elbow to dispense three spurts of disinfectant and rub into hands until completely dry. Perform hand disinfection after removing gloves, after removing the gown, and again after removing the face mask. Include forearms and elbows in the final disinfection. Allow adequate drying time between applications to ensure effectiveness.
Q4: What precautions should be taken when removing the protective gown?
Never rip the gown apart, as this disperses aerosol droplets and contaminated materials. Open the neck cord first, then pull sleeve ends over your hands and remove arms one at a time. Roll the gown slowly inward while touching only the inner or body contact surface. Dispose of it in the allocated black waste bin to prevent contamination.
Q5: How should you remove and store the protective face mask?
Pull the elastic straps away from each other and your head. Hold the mask from the lower edge to prevent flicking and aerosol dissemination. Hang the mask on an allocated hook for reuse. Store protective glasses in your breast pocket. Remove the visor from the room and hang it on the allocated stand to dry.
Q6: What special considerations apply when performing invasive procedures like intubation?
For invasive procedures such as intubation or bronchoscopy, use an FFP3 mask instead of an FFP2 for enhanced protection. Never touch cabinets, door handles, respirators, computers, or work surfaces with contaminated hands or gloves. Always remove gloves and disinfect hands before touching these surfaces to prevent cross-contamination.
Q7: What should you do with reusable materials and when should you change gloves?
Place reusable materials such as needle holders or clamps in white boxes located in the patient room. When changing gloves, disinfect your hands thoroughly and allow the disinfectant to dry completely before donning new gloves. This prevents cross-contamination and ensures proper hand hygiene throughout patient care.