Dr. Seema Rawat, Clinical Director TerraMD Rishikesh. demonstration

Donning and Doffing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The terms “donning” and “doffing” may sound unusual, but they have been used for centuries in the English language. “Donning” comes from the contraction of “do on,” meaning to put on, while “doffing” comes from “do off,” meaning to take off. These terms are now commonly used in healthcare to describe the process of putting on (donning) and removing (doffing) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Proper Use of PPE:

PPE is essential in protecting healthcare workers and patients from the spread of infectious agents. Knowing how to properly don and doff PPE is crucial in preventing contamination. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Donning PPE:

1. Hand Hygiene: Always start with thorough hand washing or use of hand sanitizer before putting on PPE.

2. Gown: Begin by putting on the gown, ensuring it covers your torso from neck to knees and arms to the wrists. Fasten the ties at the back of the neck and waist.

3. Mask or Respirator: Secure the mask over your nose and mouth, ensuring a snug fit. If using a respirator, perform a fit check to ensure proper sealing.

4. Goggles or Face Shield: Place goggles or a face shield over your eyes, securing them to prevent any gaps.

5. Gloves: Put on gloves last, ensuring they cover the cuffs of the gown.

Doffing PPE:

1. Gloves: Remove gloves first by gripping one glove at the wrist and peeling it away, then use the removed glove to remove the second one without touching the outside of the gloves.

2. Gown: Untie the gown ties, then pull the gown away from your body without touching the outside. Roll it into a bundle and discard.

3. Goggles or Face Shield: Remove them by grasping the strap and pulling away from the face, being careful not to touch the front.

4. Mask or Respirator: Remove the mask by handling the ties or bands, avoiding contact with the front of the mask.

5. Hand Hygiene: Perform hand hygiene immediately after removing all PPE.

Why This Matters:

Proper donning and doffing procedures minimize the risk of self-contamination and the spread of pathogens. Remember, each step must be followed meticulously to ensure the safety of both healthcare providers and patients. Understanding the origins of these terms not only helps in remembering the procedures but also emphasizes the importance of methodical practice in healthcare settings.