A common sense review of personal protective equipment. Safety smarts

Approach the use and need for PPE with common sense, which too many people seem to have set aside because of fear and emotion regarding occupational risk for exposure. As providers, approach emotion with factual educational information received in training programs that focus on medical facts--not fear. Fact: Yes, we risk contracting a disease when we provide health care; however, data clearly shows we run only a low risk. Fact: Because department budgets continue to shrink, we need to purchase wisely. Fact: Sharps injuries represent 80 percent of health care worker exposures. This is where the focus of our attention should be. Fact: PPE use to block the mode of entry for blood/OPIM has been effective for centuries and is scientifically sound. EMS, fire and rescue agencies should focus on creating the proper perspective regarding the risk for disease transmission and utilize a common-sense approach to the use of PPE.