For example, there was a nationwide critical shortage of N95 masks
when he was creating the algorithm. Dr. Forrester's team mandated
that staff wear face shields over the masks to protect the masks from
excessive soiling and conserve supplies. At the completion of the
case, the face shields could be disinfected and the N95 masks reused.
Dr. Forrester recommends instituting mandatory training on the
proper handling of PPE for all members of your clinical team. The
University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston produced a series
of staff education videos showing the proper way to don and doff
PPE (osmag.net/dUQtH3). A few highlights:
• Face shield. Don a clean shield and adjust the knob in the back
for proper fit. After use, perform hand hygiene with an alcohol-based
rub and don a new pair of gloves. Grab the sides of the shield to pull it
up and away from your face. Wipe down the shield and place it in a
sterile processing bag. Perform hand hygiene again.
• N95 masks. Some facilities are mandating the use of N95 masks
for procedures generating aerosols and allowing standard surgical
masks for non-aerosol producing procedures. To safely remove an
N95 mask, use a gloved hand to stabilize the mask, taking care to
expose as little of the glove as possible to the respirator's surface.
Pull the mask's bottom strap up and over your head and release.
Repeat for the top strap. Lean forward over a waste bin to dispose
of the mask. Perform hand hygiene.
• Headgear. Remove your surgical cap or bouffant by pinching it at
the top and pulling it back and away from your face. Place the head
gear in a trash can and perform hand hygiene. Remove your gloves
using the glove-in-glove technique. Perform hand hygiene, then pro-
ceed to the nearest sink to wash your hands with soap and water.
The right amount
Safety
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