An outcome of the COV-19 pandemic is the routine, and in many cases improper, use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by the general public. This article will address some of the issues associated with such widespread deployment.
A concept from the world of insurance, “moral hazard,” should be kept in mind. Simply put, a moral hazard is when a person with insurance engages in more risky behavior then they otherwise would have because the behavior is insured. A simple example is a driver who operates a motor vehicle recklessly reasoning that if he has an accident issuance will “take care of it.” Although PPE mitigates the risk of exposure, it is only part of layered defense. It does not replace staying indoors, social distancing and proper handwashing.
All PPE is not created equally. K95, KN95 and surgical masks are now part of the common vernacular. In some cases, one can be substituted for the other, in other cases not. In addition, just because something is labeled N95 does not necessarily mean it meets the associated standard. Current circumstances present an opportunity for unscrupulous operators to take advantage of public fear.
PPE when worn correctly can be uncomfortable. It must be put on (donned) and removed (doffed) correctly to ensure it fits correctly and does not cause contamination (to the wearer or otherwise) when removed. Care must be taken when making fit adjustments while wearing.
In short, when choosing and wearing PPE the following must be considered:
- Am I using the correct PPE?
- Where is it sourced from?
- Is it reliable?
- How does it integrate into a layered defense?
- Am I cognizant of my other behaviors?
- Am I modifying my other behaviors because I’m using PPE?
- Does my behavior modification put me at increased risk?
- Does the PPE fit correctly?
- Is facial hair preventing a proper seal?
- Am I donning my PPE correctly?
- Am I taking care not to cause contamination while making adjustments to the PPE?
- Am I doffing my PPE correctly?
Even healthcare workers who wear PPE daily can find the donning and doffing process challenging. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published instructions on donning and doffing PPE that can be found here: https://excelsioradvisory.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/PPE-Sequence.pdf.