PPE is personal protective equipment consisting of elements to protect the body from external agents. It usually includes chinstraps, gloves, a gown and even glasses.
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Currently, due to the coronavirus pandemic, fear has been taking over the population. We have become accustomed to seeing other people wearing a mask or gloves. There are even many who are making an EPI manually at home.
A PPE is personal protective equipment. It is, in fact, any device that a person uses in order to protect themselves from any risk to their health or safety, such as an infection.
However, there are different types of PPE depending on their specific purpose. In addition, they must meet a series of characteristics, and be correctly evaluated to be useful. In this article we explain everything you should know about it.
What does EPI consist of?
An EPI, as we have mentioned, is a protection device for personal use. They are usually manufactured in solidarity to control a risk . So they come into play at this global time, due to the current risk of infection by the pandemic.
However, a PPE must be used as part of a specific protection program. The latter is important, since the danger, the manufacture of the product, and even the training of the people who are going to use it must be well evaluated.
This is so because, for a device to truly serve as protection, it must be properly cared for and maintained . They are a basic element for any risk control strategy . Most people who use PPE are healthcare professionals.
PPE is used during this pandemic to reduce the rate of infection
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What are they used for?
As they are different types of devices, their uses are also very diverse. First, an EPI can be used for less risk. Within this category we find, for example, helmets or glasses. They are used for small shocks or blows.
However, as we have pointed out, the most frequent PPE are for sanitary use . These are often used to protect against infection. However, we must emphasize that there are also specific devices against radiation or contamination.
In the case of toilets, the most usual thing is that the PPE is made up of gloves and masks. It also usually includes specific protective clothing and eye protection to completely cover the person.
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PPE against coronavirus
PPE is used within hospitals to care for suspected coronavirus cases
Currently, the vast majority of PPE is being manufactured and used to protect healthcare personnel against coronavirus infection. It is an extremely important measure due to the high risk of transmissibility and contagion of SARS-CoV-2.
In addition, we must emphasize that for a PPE to be valid it must meet a number of characteristics. That is why the health systems are saturated and lacking in material, since many centers were not prepared for a pandemic .
These teams are formed, first of all, by a mask. It allows healthcare personnel to be near a person with symptoms, protecting the respiratory tract . Remember that the contagion happens through droplets expelled through the nose and mouth.
There is also a set of sanitary gloves , which must be disposable. Along with this, it is advisable to wear a hermetic uniform that protects from any possible splash of fluid from the patient. The usual gown doesn’t seem to be enough.
It is also recommended that the PPE include eye protection. That is, it consists of glasses that stop the access of fluids directed to the eyes. They can be full face glasses or full face displays.
To remember
We cannot forget that, for an individual protection equipment to serve, it must meet certain characteristics. The ideal is to inform yourself correctly before using one, since they require knowledge for its use, such as knowing how to put it on and take it off without risk of contamination.