In the proper sequence of doffing, what should be removed first?

In the proper sequence of doffing personal protective equipment (PPE), the outer gloves should be removed first. This is important because the outer gloves can be considered one of the primary barriers between the healthcare worker or technician and potentially contaminated surfaces or materials. By removing the outer gloves first, you can minimize the risk of transferring contaminants from the gloves to your skin or clothing.

Following this step, the next items would typically be removed in a specific order to protect the individual from exposure to any hazardous materials that may be present on the PPE. For example, removing the inner gloves next would further reduce the potential for contamination. This sequence emphasizes safety protocols to ensure that contaminants are not spread to other areas or surfaces during the doffing process.

This approach aligns with recommended practices for maintaining safety while handling biohazardous materials or working in trauma and crime scene environments. The focus is always on reducing the risk of contamination to oneself and others while ensuring that the doffing process does not compromise safety.