The Corona virus that causes COVID-19 is highly contagious. Therefore, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) needs to be done to control and prevent Corona virus infection. PPE is very important to be used by people who often meet COVID-19 patients, for example medical personnel in hospitals.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a set of equipment that functions to protect users from certain health hazards or disorders, such as viral or bacterial infections. When used properly, PPE is able to prevent the entry of viruses or bacteria into the body through the mouth, nose, eyes, or skin.
One of the groups most at risk of contracting infectious diseases, including COVID-19, are medical staff, whether doctors, nurses, or other medical personnel who frequently come into contact with COVID-19 patients.
Therefore, medical personnel who frequently come into contact with COVID-19 patients need to use PPE according to standards so that they are protected from Corona virus infection.
If you belong to a group at high risk of being infected with the Corona virus and need a COVID-19 check, click the link below so you can be directed to the nearest health facility:
- Rapid Test Antibodies
- Antigen Swab (Rapid Test Antigen)
- PCR
Know the Different Types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The selection of PPE to prevent Corona virus infection cannot be done arbitrarily. The ideal PPE to prevent and protect the body from exposure to the Corona virus has certain criteria, namely:
- Able to protect the body from sprinkling phlegm containing the Corona virus
- Not easily broken
- It's light and doesn't restrict movement or cause discomfort
- Easy to clean
The following are some types of PPE that are generally used by medical personnel in dealing with ODP (people under monitoring), PDP (patients under surveillance), patients suspect (suspected positive), or has been proven positive for COVID-19:
1. Mask
There are 2 types of masks that are generally used as PPE in handling COVID-19 patients or people suspected of being infected with the Corona virus, namely surgical masks and N95 masks.
A surgical mask is a face mask consisting of 3 layers of material that is used once. This mask is considered effective for preventing the entry of the Corona virus through the mouth or nose, when there is a splash of saliva from a COVID-19 sufferer when he coughs, sneezes, or talks.
A more effective mask to prevent the Corona virus is an N95 mask. This mask is made of polyurethane and polypropylene capable of filtering almost 95% of small particles. The N95 mask has a shape that can cover the mouth and nose area more tightly, if the size is appropriate.
However, you need to know that N95 masks are only intended for medical personnel who are treating patients with certain infectious diseases, including COVID-19 patients.
To reduce the risk of transmission and prevent transmission to others, the government advises people who are not medical personnel to use cloth masks. However, regardless of the type of mask, make sure you wear it the right way.
2. Eye protection
eye protection or google made of transparent plastic which serves to protect the eyes from exposure to viruses that can enter the body through the eyes. This protective equipment must fit snugly to cover the eye area, and not easily fog up or interfere with vision.
3. Face shield
Similar to eye protection, face shields are also made of clear and transparent plastic. This type of PPE can cover the entire face area, from the forehead to the chin.
Together with masks and eye protection, face shields are able to protect the face area from splashing saliva or phlegm when a COVID-19 patient coughs or sneezes.
4. Medical gown
Medical gowns are used to protect the arms and other areas of the body from exposure to the virus during medical personnel carrying out procedures for handling and treating patients.
Based on their use, there are two types of medical gowns, namely disposable gowns and reusable gowns. Disposable gowns are dresses that are designed to be thrown away after one use. This type of dress is made of synthetic fiber materials, such as polypropylene, polyester, and polyethylene, which is combined with plastic.
While dresses that can be reused are dresses that can be reused after washing or cleaning. It can be used up to a maximum of 50 times, as long as the dress is not torn or damaged. This dress is made of cotton or polyester, or a combination of both.
Medical gowns also need to be equipped with an apron or apron to cover the outside of the gown. The apron is generally made of plastic that is resistant to disinfectants.
5. Medical gloves
Medical gloves are used to protect the hands of medical workers from the patient's body fluids while treating COVID-19 patients. These gloves are ideally not easy to tear, safe to use, and the size fits in the hand.
Gloves that comply with COVID-19 handling standards must be made of latex or rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nitrile, and polyurethane.
6. Head cover
The head cover serves to protect the heads and hair of medical staff from splashing saliva or phlegm from patients while they are treating or examining patients. The headgear must be made of a material that can hold fluids, does not tear easily, and is the right size for the head. This type of PPE is generally disposable.
7. Protective shoes
Protective shoes are used to protect the feet of medical staff from exposure to body fluids of COVID-19 patients. Protective shoes are generally made of rubber or water-resistant fabric and must cover the entire foot to the calf.
Procedure for Handling Used PPE
After use, single-use and reusable PPE must be put in a special plastic bag and packaged separately.
The following are some things that need to be considered in handling used PPE:
- Do not place used PPE carelessly, either on the floor or other surface objects, such as tables, chairs, or lockers.
- Do not disassemble used PPE that has been packaged in special plastic.
- Do not fill the special plastic bags for used PPE too full.
- Clean yourself or take a shower after using PPE.
Who Needs to Use PPE?
The use of personal protective equipment as mentioned above is only for medical personnel who treat and treat patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, especially those in hospitals.
In addition, the PPE also needs to be used by janitors who clean the treatment rooms and isolation rooms for COVID-19 patients in hospitals.
For people who are not medical personnel or cleaning staff at the hospital, the recommended PPE to use is only cloth masks and gloves. The PPE is also used only for people caring for sick people at home. When traveling outside the house, you do not need to wear gloves. The only PPE that you need to wear is a cloth mask.
In addition to wearing a cloth mask, to protect yourself from COVID-19, you also need to apply physical distancing, wash your hands regularly, and keep your immune system strong.
To find out how likely you are to be infected with this virus, you can use the Corona Virus Risk Check feature which is provided free of charge by ALODOKTER.
If you have questions about COVID-19, both symptoms and preventive measures, don't hesitate to contact us chat doctor directly in the ALODOKTER application. You can also make an appointment with a doctor at the hospital through this application.