What should be removed first when taking off personal protective equipment (PPE)?

When removing personal protective equipment (PPE), the gloves should be taken off first. This is because gloves are often the most contaminated item, as they come into direct contact with bodily fluids and surfaces. By removing the gloves first, you minimize the risk of transferring contaminants to other areas of your body or to the environment.

Taking off the gloves correctly involves a technique that helps prevent the inside of the gloves from becoming contaminated. This involves pinching the outside of one glove while pulling it off and then using the clean inside of that glove to remove the second glove. Once the gloves have been removed, the other items such as masks, goggles, and gowns can be safely taken off without the risk of transferring contaminants that were on the gloves.

This method of PPE removal is crucial in infection control practices, particularly in healthcare settings, to reduce the likelihood of cross-contamination and the spread of infections.