1.2.9 Donning and Doffing PPE
The purpose of using PPE is to protect the wearer and the client from being exposed to pathogens. The evidence that PPE reduces pathogen transmission was proven during the SARS outbreak and the studies that came from the SARS response. For example, masks were found effective to provide up to an 85% reduced risk of exposure in those cases when used by health care worker assisting infected clients (NC Department of Health and Human Services, 2020).
For the wearer, the sequence of putting on (donning) and taking off (doffing) the PPE is important. If the PPE items are not donned and doffed in this specific sequence, it will undermine the efficacy of your infection control practice.
Please take a moment to review the PPE donning sequence now. Please note that this resource card does not include shoe covers, which may be used in certain scenarios. If you are using shoe covers, they will be donned prior to the gown.
Now, watch a video of the process for donning PPE. Watch carefully to memorize the steps, including the way the steps are completed.
As you watch the following videos, practice the steps you would take even though you do not have the PPE in your hands. If you go through the steps in preparation for the PPE, it will go much more smoothly when you need to don and doff them on duty.
Click here to download a video transcript in .docx format: Video Transcript
This video is of the steps involved in putting on a mask:
Click here to download a video transcript in .docx format: Video Transcript
Practice Makes Perfect
Practice placing the steps for donning PPE in the correct order. Click each item and drag it onto the correct step number before releasing the mouse button.
The steps for doffing PPE are covered in the following video.
Click here to download a video transcript in .docx format: Video Transcript
Practice Makes Perfect
Practice placing the steps for doffing PPE in the correct order. Click each item and drag it onto the correct step number before releasing the mouse button.
