Title: Donning & Doffing PPE
Course: COVID CURRICULUM (Export) > Section: Module1: Infection Prevention & Control

For learners completing clinical placements in hospitals, PPE will be provided to you by the organization.

For learners completing placements in community settings, PPE will be provided by the University of Toronto for your exclusive use in the community clinical setting. Please note that the delivery of PPE will be arranged by your Faculty/Department.

Image source:  ©ECDC European Centre for Disease Control licensed under CC BY 2.0

Please review the following videos:

Full precautions video

Droplet precautions video

*Please note that these resources were developed by UHN. There may be variations at your organization, so please ensure that you follow your local organizational policies and procedures.

Donning & Doffing Safety Tips

- Don and doff your PPE without any interruptions – focus on the task at hand.
- Take your time, don’t rush. Be especially mindful if you are tired, distracted or in a hurry, this is when mistakes are most likely to occur.
- Doffing is where you are most likely to self-contaminate, this is a critical step.
  - Be careful not to tilt your head down when reaching behind your head/back. Avoid touching your scrubs with your chin or face shield.
  - Ensure that the sleeves of your gown don’t touch your face.
  - When removing your mask, goggles or face shield, touch only the straps.
- Ensure that all PPE waste is placed fully into the disposal bin.

Included with permission from Trillium Health Partners, June 3, 2020

Making the best use of PPE video

Donning & Doffing Buddy System

- Use the buddy system for donning and doffing. Your buddy will:
  - Monitor you and assist with donning and doffing in the correct order (guided by a checklist if available).
  - Flag any errors, breaches or potential opportunities for contamination.
  - Remind you to perform hand hygiene.
- If you make a mistake while donning and doffing, pause, perform hand hygiene and consult a PPE checklist if needed/available.
- We all have a role in promoting safety. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you notice any safety concerns.

Image source: Florida National Guard on Flickr

To verify your understanding, you may wish to complete the COVID Care Learning  Test Yourself: Donning and Doffing Module.

You can access the module and other helpful COVID related resources by clicking on this link.

To create your COVID Care Learning account, please consult your Regulatory College or local hospital for login information. You can also send an email to covidcarelearning@michener.ca

Royal College of Emergency Medicine (2020);  Santos, Matlow & Takahashi, (2020)