It’s Covid-19 pandemic and it seems like Covid is here to stay for a while. Donning (putting on) and Doffing (taking off) of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) have suddenly gained a great importance for the health professionals and many of us must have already practised this.
RN Susan E. Sammons has provided a mnemonic way to the steps of donning and doffing of PPE. These are CDC based recommendations. We have improvised a bit by adding the boot covers as well. If you are finding difficulties, these mnemonic may help you.
Don PPE from bottom up
- Boot covers
- Gown/Apron
- Mask
- Goggles
- Gloves (when hands raised above head)
Doff PPE in alphabetical order
- Boot covers
- Gloves
- Goggles
- Gown
- Mask
Perform hand hygiene before starting to Don and after removal of gloves and at the end during Doffing.
There’s another mnemonic that has been circulating around a while. For donning the PPE, remember:
“When Feeling Very Itchy, Go To (2) The Doctor”
- Wash hands
- Face mask
- Visor
- 1st pair of gloves
- Gown (need a buddy)
- 2nd pair of gloves (need a buddy)
- Tape the gloves (need a buddy)
- Done!
This sequence can be used as well.