COVID-19 / Coronavirus Outbreak: Doffing Personal Protective Equipment When Exiting A Patient Room

Dearest colleagues, we have produced this film in order to highlight several important precautions which must be taken due to the current situation regarding COVID-19. 

It is of particular importance to clarify the reusage of protective face masks. Remaining composed and maintaining concentration is also of high importance. An assistant should observe and assist with the doffing procedure of personal protection equipment until you are secure in your ability to carry this out independently. The recommendations in this film are based on international guidelines and recommendations. They apply solely to COVID-19. 

The personal protective equipment will be removed before exiting the patient's room. Firstly, open the lower cord of the protective gown. Then remove the gloves distally and dispose of them in the allocated black waste bin. Carry out a systematic and thorough hand disinfection. Use the elbow to attain three spurts of disinfectant and rub this into the hands until dry. 

Open the neck cord. Do not rip the gown apart as this will lead to a dispersal of aerosol droplets or other contaminated materials. Pull the end of the sleeves over the hands and one after the other, pull your arms through the sleeves. Importantly only touch the protective gown from the inner or body contact surface. Roll the protective gown slowly together whilst only touching the inner side. Dispose of the protective gown in the allocated black waste bin. Disinfect your hands again using the same procedure as previously recommended. 

If present, now remove the protective visor. Carry out a wipe disinfection and place the visor to the side to dry. The same procedure is applied to the protective glasses. 

Remove the protective face mask by initially pulling the elastic straps away from each other, and also your head. Hold the protective mask from the lower edge so that the mask is not flicked with subsequent dissemination of aerosol. Hang the protective mask on the allocated hook. If you have used a cap, pull it upwards and off and dispose of it. Disinfect your hands once more, importantly including your forearms and elbows. 

Store the protective glasses in the breast pocket of your work clothes. Remove the protective visor from the room and hang this on the allocated stand. 

Before we end, we have several recommendations. For invasive procedures such as intubation or bronchoscopy, an FFP3 mask should be used instead of an FFP2. Please do not touch cabinets, door handles, respirators, PCs, or work surfaces with contaminated hands or gloves. Always remove gloves beforehand and disinfect your hands. When changing gloves, it is also essential to disinfect the hands, allowing time for the disinfectant to dry. Always place reusable materials such as needle holders or clamps in the white boxes in the room. 

Thank you very much.