A medical student’s quick guide to personal protective equipment (PPE) in the time of COVID-19

Please be aware that:

• Various forms of PPE are indicated depending on the clinical scenario
• As of July 2020, current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines recommend:
  • A facemask be worn at all times in a healthcare facility
  • Social distancing of at least 6 feet when possible
  • When caring for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19: Face shield or goggles, N95 respirator, isolation gown, and non-sterile gloves
  • Note: N95 respirators should be worn when interacting with patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 or during any aerosol-generating procedures such as intubation or cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Examples of commonly worn N95 respirators

The 3M and Kimberly-Clark N95 respirators are available in regular and small sizes. It is important that you are properly fit-tested prior to use.

You may also see clinicians wearing P100 respirators or Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR) pictured below.

Doning and doffing PPE

• It is extremely important to properly put on (don) and take off (doff) PPE to ensure proper protection and infection control
  • Videos on how to properly don and doff PPE

Where can I get PPE?

• Since the beginning of the pandemic, PPE has been in short supply
• GetUsPPE and its regional affiliates provide PPE to healthcare workers
• Follow school and hospital protocol for where and when to request, reuse, and dispose of PPE

Can I see COVID-19 patients as a medical student?

• Students should be aware of their medical school’s guidelines regarding their involvement with suspected or confirmed positive COVID-19 patients
• Guidelines are often dependent on multiple factors (i.e. if the patient is undergoing an aerosol-generating procedure) and are rapidly evolving. Strongly consider reviewing rules and decision algorithms prior to starting a clinical rotation
• Always check with your preceptor if you are unsure about whether to see a patient or what PPE is needed

Below is an example of a decision algorithm for medical students