When you go to see a doctor or go to a hospital, you must have seen doctors and nurses putting gloves on their hands and masks on their faces. We simply call this PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) . But PPE is not just that. This is a much bigger topic. These protect not only us, but also those in the healthcare sector from various accidents and diseases. Let's talk about this simply today.
What exactly is PPE?
Simply put, PPE is a general term for any piece of clothing or equipment that can protect you from various harms. The healthcare sector is almost entirely dependent on PPE. Because it protects both the person providing care and the person receiving care, that is, both of us.
Imagine this. Your doctor has just finished treating another patient's very festering wound. He doesn't come to treat you with those used gloves, does he? He takes off those old gloves, washes his hands thoroughly, and comes to you with two new, clean gloves. Why? To stop that patient's germs from spreading to you. See, the PPE here is what protected you.
Also, sometimes this PPE helps protect the doctor or nurse from an illness you have. So this is a two-way protection. In addition to regular gloves and masks, there are special types of PPE that require special training to use in some cases and are made to fit the body exactly.
Main types of PPE used in the medical field
Let's look at the most common types of PPE used in hospitals and clinics. These can be divided into several main categories.
| PPE type | Examples | A simple description |
|---|---|---|
| Face and respiratory protection | - Face masks - Surgical masks - Goggles - Face shields - Special respiratory masks (Respirators - like N95) | Covering the nose and mouth prevents germs from entering. Face masks prevent germs and fluids from splashing into the eyes. Special masks like the N95 filter out even the smallest particles in the air and seal the face tightly, providing greater protection. |
| Hand protection | - Exam gloves - Surgical gloves - Thick gloves for chemicals | Prevents hands from getting contaminated with germs, blood, and body fluids. Surgical gloves are completely sterile. |
| Body protection | - Aprons - Gowns - Full body covers (Coveralls) | They stop germs or fluids from spreading onto clothing and skin. They are special, like the gowns used in operating rooms. Coveralls provide greater protection because they cover the entire body. |
| Head and foot protection | - Head coverings - Shoe covers - Special Boots | In places that need to be kept clean, such as operating rooms, head coverings are used to prevent germs from falling from hair. Shoe covers are also used to stop germs on the floor from spreading through shoes. |
How to use PPE depending on the mode of transmission of diseases?
Did you know this? Not all diseases require the same type of PPE. The protective equipment we use varies depending on how the disease is transmitted . Experts have divided it into four main categories.
The most important thing is that it is standard practice to use gloves in almost all situations. That is the most basic thing.
Let's look at those four categories and what PPE is related to them.
| Precautionary method | What is it protected from? | PPE used | For example, diseases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact Precautions | Diseases that are spread by touching an infected person or a surface (bed, chair) that he/she has used. | Gloves, gown | Skin infections like MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), Norovirus, and stomach problems like C. diff (Clostridioides difficile). |
| Droplet Precautions | Diseases spread through droplets produced when coughing, sneezing, or talking. These can typically travel 1-2 meters. | Surgical mask, possibly goggles/face shield | Influenza, COVID-19 |
| Airborne Precautions | Diseases spread by breathing in tiny germs that can remain suspended in the air for long periods of time. This is when the greatest protection is needed . | A specially fitted respirator (e.g. N95), eye protection, mask, gloves. | Tuberculosis, Measles, Chickenpox |
| Bloodborne Precautions | Diseases transmitted through a skin break or ingestion of infected blood or other body fluids. | Gloves, eye protection, apron or gown if necessary. Safe disposal of sharps (needles). | HIV, Hepatitis B and C (Hepatitis B & C) |
Can these be used together?
Yes, absolutely. Some diseases can be transmitted in more than one way. In such cases, more than one of these precautions is used. For example, a patient may need both Contact and Droplet precautions. In that case, the doctor will use all three: a gown, gloves, and a face mask.
The importance of PPE outside the medical field
PPE is not just for doctors. PPE is essential in our daily lives and in various jobs. It protects us from serious injuries and illnesses.
Here are some examples:
- On construction sites: A helmet to protect against falling objects, steel-toed boots to protect against nails sticking in your leg, and falling objects are all PPE.
- When working in carpentry or mining: Dust masks to prevent inhalation of dust particles.
- In factories: earplugs used to protect ears from loud noise.
- Welders: Special glasses or face shields used to prevent eye damage.
- In the food industry: Hairnets and gloves to prevent hair from falling into food and spreading germs.
- When farming: Wear a mask, gloves, and protective clothing to protect yourself from breathing in and getting on your skin when applying chemicals such as pesticides.
- Firefighters: Special clothing worn to protect against extreme heat and fire.
There are many more examples like this. That is, PPE is an essential thing that protects us in many areas of our lives.
Take-Home Message
- PPE is something that protects not only healthcare workers, but also us patients. It's like a two-way safety shield.
- The type of PPE used varies depending on the risk faced or the nature of the disease being transmitted. The same PPE is not used for everything.
- Outside of the medical field, PPE is very important to prevent accidents in various jobs and everyday activities.
- If you or a family member is receiving hospital treatment and is taking special precautions due to an infectious condition, don't be afraid to ask your doctor or nurse if you're unsure. It's your right.
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