A medical student’s quick guide to personal protective equipment (PPE) in the time of COVID-19

Please be aware that:

  • Various forms of PPE are indicated depending on the clinical scenario
  • As of July 2020, current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines recommend:
    • A facemask be worn at all times in a healthcare facility
    • Social distancing of at least 6 feet when possible
    • When caring for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19: Face shield or goggles, N95 respirator, isolation gown, and non-sterile gloves
    • Note: N95 respirators should be worn when interacting with patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 or during any aerosol-generating procedures such as intubation or cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Examples of commonly worn N95 respirators

PPE_Masks.JPG

The 3M and Kimberly-Clark N95 respirators are available in regular and small sizes. It is important that you are properly fit-tested prior to use.

You may also see clinicians wearing P100 respirators or Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR) pictured below.

PAPR_Respirators.JPG

 

Doning and doffing PPE

  • It is extremely important to properly put on (don) and take off (doff) PPE to ensure proper protection and infection control
    • Videos on how to properly don and doff PPE

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Where can I get PPE?

  • Since the beginning of the pandemic, PPE has been in short supply
  • GetUsPPE and its regional affiliates provide PPE to healthcare workers
  • Follow school and hospital protocol for where and when to request, reuse, and dispose of PPE


Can I see COVID-19 patients as a medical student?

  • Students should be aware of their medical school’s guidelines regarding their involvement with suspected or confirmed positive COVID-19 patients
  • Guidelines are often dependent on multiple factors (i.e. if the patient is undergoing an aerosol-generating procedure) and are rapidly evolving. Strongly consider reviewing rules and decision algorithms prior to starting a clinical rotation
  • Always check with your preceptor if you are unsure about whether to see a patient or what PPE is needed

Below is an example of a decision algorithm for medical students

PPE_Decision_Algorithm.png

COVID-19

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