In response to the Ebola crisis, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revised their protective equipment (PPE) guidelines for healthcare workers managing patients with confirmed or suspected cases. These updates were critical for improving healthcare workers’ ability to effectively care for patients without unnecessarily exposing themselves and the community at large to the disease. Let’s closely look at how medical protective clothing help to fight against the disease.
An overview of Ebola
Ebola is a virus from the genus Ebolavirus that can cause Ebola hemorrhagic fever, which is fatal. It affects both human and nonhuman primates, such as monkeys, gorillas, and chimps. While the exact origin of the Ebola virus is unknown, bats are the most likely source. The virus was discovered in the DRC in the mid-1970s and has since caused outbreaks in several African countries. It includes the DRC, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea. Though using medical protective clothing can help you.
Ebola hemorrhagic fever, as the name implies, can cause fever, severe internal bleeding, and organ failure. Headaches, muscle pain, weakness, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, and unexplained bleeding and bruising can appear 2-21 days after initial exposure. It is also contagious. The virus can be transmitted directly or indirectly by coming into contact with the blood or bodily fluids of someone who is infected with the virus. Or by touching objects such as medical equipment, toilets, and door knobs that are contaminated by such fluids.
Infected fluids can enter the body through cuts in the skin or mucous membranes in the nose, mouth, and eyes. As a result, protecting these potential modes of transmission is the first step in preventing cross-contamination and infection.
Healthcare workers’ medical protective clothing
Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is critical for healthcare professionals and other workers on the front lines of Ebola outbreaks—not only for personal protection but also for preventing further infectious disease spread.
PPE design
According to the most recent CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) updates, PPE guidelines for healthcare workers assisting with Ebola management are summarised as follows:
PPE must cover the skin and clothing and prevent virus exposure through the eyes, nose, or mouth.
PPE clothing must be either a disposable gown with an apron or with coverall.
Because Ebola is in infected people’s bodily fluids, disposable PPE clothing should be resistant to blood, bodily fluids, and blood-borne pathogens. Contact PPE distributors for genuine buy or distribution.
All healthcare Ebola workers should wear a head and neck cover, double nitrile gloves, waterproof boots, fluid-resistant masks, and respirators. It depends on procedures performed and face shields and goggles with disposable gowns/coveralls and aprons.
PPE procedures
In addition to the proper type of PPE or medical protective clothing, the CDC correctly states that no PPE, no matter how resistant to infectious agents, will be efficient for infection control unless appropriate protocols are in place.
Such protocols, which include worker education and donning techniques, must comply with the CDC and the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA). Employers and organizations can learn more about these requirements by visiting OSHA’s pages on pathogens.
The comfort of healthcare workers
Of course, all PPE or medical protective clothing must be appropriate for worker efficiency, productivity, comfort, and safety—protective clothing should not impede a healthcare worker’s ability to perform her occupational duties or significantly increase her risk of heat-related stress.
Conclusion: PPE must also be simple to don, doff, and dispose of to improve workplace flow, patient care, and personnel safety. It is because CDC and WHO prefer breathable, lightweight, yet liquid-resistant materials. Contact Medical gown manufacturers in the USA for a genuine buy.
