Overview
In pandemic times, medical staff is becoming a key resource in fighting the infection. To achieve the best medical care, relevant techniques and procedures have to be taught to medical staff to reduce the risk of infection. In this video the donning of personal protective gear prior to treating COVID-19 patients is shown. A technique to reuse protective facemasks in shortage of supplies is also discussed.
Procedure
An assistant should observe and assist with the donning procedure until you are secure in your ability to carry this out on your own.
- Unpack and lay the protective glasses on a surface within grabbing distance.
- Carry out a systematic and thorough hand disinfection. Use your elbow to attain three spurts of disinfectant, and rub this into your hands until dry.
- Your name, the time, and the date should be written on a newly utilized mask (when planning to reuse it). The face mask can be used for one entire work shift.
- Don the protective gown and fasten both cords.
- Put on a pair of gloves, making sure that the gloves are pulled over and cover the sleeves of the protective gown.
- A protective cap can be worn, however this is not obligatory.
- Don the mask. If you have used the mask previously, remove it from the hook, taking care not to touch the potentially contaminated exterior surface.
- Next, spread apart the elastic straps and place the mask over your mouth and nose, starting from the chin and moving upwards. Pull one elastic strap over and one under your ears.
- Press the metal nose-grip to the shape of your nose, so that the mask is tight fitting.
- Carry out a leak test by breathing out powerfully.
- Put on the protective glasses. While avoiding touching the inner side of the glasses, pull the frame gently apart and place the glasses over your ears in an inwards direction.
- A protective face visor can also be worn.
Additional recommendations:
- Always remove your gloves and disinfect your hands.
- Always disinfect your hands when exchanging gloves and always allow the disinfectant to fully dry.
Dearest colleagues. We have produced this film in order to highlight several important precautions which must be taken due to the current situation regarding COVID-19.
It is of particular importance to clarify the reusage of protective face masks. Remaining composed, and maintaining concentration is also of high importance. An assistant should observe and assist with the donning procedure of personal protection equipment until you are secure in your ability to carry this out independently. The recommendations in this film are based on international guidelines and recommendations. They apply solely to COVID-19.
Unpack and load the protective glasses on a surface within grabbing distance. Carry out a systematic and thorough hand disinfection. Use the elbow to attain three squirts of disinfectant and rub this into the hands until dry. Your name, the time, and date should be written on a newly utilized mask. The face mask should be used for one entire work shift.
Now wear the protective gown and fasten both cords. Put on a pair of non-sterile gloves. Ensure these are pulled over and cover the sleeves of the protective gown. A protective cap can be worn, however this is not obligatory. Now the new and labeled protective mask may be worn. If you have used a mask previously, remove this carefully from the hook and be careful not to touch the potentially contaminated exterior surface. Next spread apart the elastic straps and place the mask over the mouth and nose, starting from the chin and then upwards. Pull one elastic strap over the ears and one under the ears. Press the metal nose grip to the shape of your nose so that the mask is tight fitting. Carry out a leak test by breathing out powerfully. Now put on the protective glasses. Do not touch the inner side of the glasses. Pull the frame gently apart and place the glasses over the ears in an inward direction. Additionally you now have the possibility of wearing a protective face visor.
Before we end we have several recommendations. For invasive procedures, such as intubation or bronchosocpy, an FFP3 masks should be used instead of an FFP2. Please do not touch cabinets, door handles, respirators, PCs, or work surfaces with contaminated hands or gloves. Always remove gloves beforehand and disinfect your hands. When changing gloves it is also essential to disinfect the hands allowing time for the disinfectant to dry. Always place reusable materials, such as needle holders or clamps, in the white boxes in the room. Thank you very much.
Disclosures
No conflicts of interest declared.
