In a recent interview with WABE in Atlanta, Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the CDC, discussed the importance of face mask use in slowing down the ongoing pandemic (Goodnough & Sheikh, 2020). New data about COVID-19 displayed increasingly high rates of transmission from individuals that showed no symptoms. Those that were infected, in some cases, took a full two days before showing any indications of the coronavirus.
Masks such as the N-95 respirator mask work to stop fluids from the infected individual’s nose or mouth from spewing and possibly spreading the virus to others (Goodnough & Sheikh, 2020). As a preventative measure, to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 outbreak, it is essential to know how to properly wear and remove an N-95 mask.
N-95 masks are in great demand by healthcare workers who must wear them when caring for a person who has a presumed or documented positive case of the virus. This article will provide step-by-step directions on how to properly use an N-95 mask for healthcare workers.
Steps for Putting on an N-95 Mask
Step 1: Use your dominant hand to cup the mask. The straps should be freely hanging.
Step 2: Place the mask over your nose and mouth. Make sure to firmly push the nose clip that is found on the mask over your nose and to have the bottom portion of the mask over your chin.
Step 3: With your non-dominant hand, take the top strap and place it so that it is fitting on the top portion of your head (your dominant hand should still be holding your mask in place).
Step 4: Now take the bottom strap with your non-dominant hand and place it on the bottom of the neck (the base of the neck).
Step 5: Heavily breathe in and out to check for any air leaks.
Steps for Taking off an N-95 Mask
IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not touch the front of the mask. This part of the mask could be contaminated. The straps are safer to touch for removal.
Step 1: Tilt your head so that it is slightly angled forward.
Step 2: With both of your index fingers, grab the bottom strap first and slowly pull it over your head.
Step 3: You can now remove the top strap. Try to prevent from touching the front of the mask when doing so.
Step 4: Dispose of your mask
If an Arcy patient is suspected of having the virus or has been diagnosed with it, his or her nurse will wear an N95 mask, as well as the rest of the personal protective equipment (face shield, gown, gloves, etc.) this situation demands. The health and safety of our staff is paramount to our continued delivery of excellent care to our patients and families.
References:
Goodnough, A., & Sheikh, K. (2020, March 31). C.D.C. Weighs Advising Everyone to Wear a Mask. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/31/health/cdc-masks-coronavirus.html
RegisteredNurseRN. (2018, December 4). How to Don and Doff N-95 Mask (Respirator). Retrieved from https://www.registerednursern.com/how-to-don-and-doff-n-95-mask-respirator/
CDC website https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/hcwcontrols/recommendedguidanceextuse.html
Contributed by: Dianne Lee
My name is Jimmie Stapleton. I am the founder and CEO of Arcy Healthcare. Arcy Healthcare includes Arcy Hospice, Arcy Supportive Care, MaximaCare Home Health and Arcy at Home.
Arcy Hospice was opened in 2007 to provide care and support for individuals and families facing a life limiting illness. It was established after my wife Ellen, who had been diagnosed with breast cancer, had completed her chemo and radiation therapies. At that time, things were looking positive, and we wanted to do something for our community that had been so supportive of our family during her treatments. Unfortunately, the cancer returned a few years later, and she subsequently passed away under our care in 2010.
In the years that followed, I began to see the need to provide the same level of excellent care to patients across the continuum of care. Therefore, we have added a home health division (MaximaCare Home Health), a palliative care division (Arcy Supportive Care), and a home care division, (Arcy at Home). With the addition of these divisions, we can meet most of the post-acute care needs for you and your family in your home.
I started Arcy Hospice with my wife as my motivation to provide exceptional care and support in the patient’s home, where they are surrounded by family and where they feel most comfortable. I’m proud to say that our staff provides some of the best in home care in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area.
Please let us know if we can enrich the quality of life for you or a loved one.
Sincerely,
Jimmie Stapleton – Founder and CEO
Arcy Healthcare
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