Why Personal Protective Equipment Is Essential in Healthcare 7 Items Every Healthcare Worker Needs & prudential verall 1What Is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)? Personal protective equipment, or PPE, is special clothing and equipment designed to help prevent the spread of infection. Itis commonly used in labs and by healthcare professionals in hospitals doctor's offices, clinics, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings. Using personal protective equipment in healthcare settings is essential. PPE not only protects healthcare workers, it also protects patients—this is critical, considering that there were more than 700,000 healthcare-associated infections (HAls) in 2011 alone.? Read on to learn about 7 essential PPE items all healthcare professionals should use.Perhaps the most recognizable garment in the world of me eee RUT iF) coats offer some protection from pathogens and bodily fluids, but like all non-disposable clothing, they must be laundered regularly. are another familiar medical garment, worn by everyone from front office staff to Decne) LORE parece essence Scrubs have many benefits: They help reduce the spread of pathogens, they can be easily changed Oa uel Remco UC Ru) Me Reo oe#2: Masks & Respirators Face masks help protect healthcare workers and patients from infected respiratory secretions that may be expelled during breathing, coughing, and sneezing. They also protect professionals from contact with patients’ blood and bodily fluids. ‘Simple surgical masks are usually sufficient to protect against basic droplets. Airborne infections, such as tuberculosis, require more robust protection from an N-95 respirator mask, which filters out tiny particles and has a metal nose bridge that is squeezed against the nose for additional protection.Disposable gloves made of non- CMe can aa De Ree Rg eae Se once Pee Tories ce a) contact with bodily fluids or Deel et eens a ara) PROUT Rea a rah eer aoe ir ae [Cen Deen Cee TC PE Neca oma tell Pea seg surgical equipment or supplies CNet caesar Re procedure#4: Surgical Gowns & Sleeves Rear-closing disposable surgical gowns help maintain a sterile environment immediately around the patient during surgical procedures. Designed to be worn over scrubs, surgical gowns should have long sleeves with elastic cuffs at the wrists, and they should drop down to at least the knees, but should not be long enough to impede walking or get caught on things. Surgical sleeves are often used during major surgical procedures; they extend from the wrist to the elbow and help protect against blood and other bodily fluids.#5: Safety Goggles & Face Shields PCC eu emo cco isn’t enough to protect from sudden sprays of blood or bodily fluids, or from chemicals. Stee eee eR ac led shields that extend from the brow line Pom Re Ree eR est (cu) Rem eUeev [Tee Safety goggles can help protect both Tecnu Caeser Rela gcse cd MOR d ai vurt cca Goggles can also help protect against chemical injuries and infectionDisposable shoe covers (also called surgical booties) are essential around immunocompromised patients and in surgical areas. Disposable, lightweight, waterproof shoe covers help prevent healthcare personnel and patients from tracking microorganisms and other potentially-hazardous materials into Operating or procedure rooms.Surgical caps help prevent bodily Creare iene and head of surgeons and other healthcare staff, and they keep Teac ea icc face, which could obstruct his or Tare Ly iret ce ser ead ts PEGE Rae cel Cente ta entree Plfele elt ee Se ane ecsieleecucic nal eo PRS cae ec) Cras TecoPrudential Overall Supply is a leading medical uniform store, providing healthcare facilities across the U.S. with essential medical equipment, including lab coats, medical scrubs, surgical gowns, and more. Healthcare providers and medical professionals need high-quality, reliable, comfortable uniforms and personal protective equipment—and Prudential delivers. At Prudential, we understand the many needs of the medical industry, and we are committed to offering excellent products by trusted brands in the industry at reasonable prices. Browse our online catalog of medical apparel and products here.Since 1932, Prudential Overall Supply has supplied the nation’s businesses with high-quality POEs nee nee eae oT ne acct eee ea Rates Pecos na Ce nee Mice a teen nocdSummary Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for healthcare workers in hospitals, labs, clinics, nursing homes, and other facilities. Learn more about this important equipment, and discover seven protective items every healthcare worker should use regularly.