What step is performed immediately before donning a protective suit?

The step performed immediately before donning a protective suit is wearing work shoes or boots. This is critical because the footwear is an essential component of personal protective equipment (PPE) that provides a barrier against biological and chemical contaminants that might be present in a trauma or crime scene. Proper footwear ensures that the individual has adequate protection for their feet and maintains a safe environment while working in potentially hazardous conditions.

Before putting on the suit, it’s vital to ensure the worker is fully equipped with the necessary footwear to avoid contamination and facilitate proper mobility. By wearing appropriate shoes or boots, the worker minimizes the risk of exposure that could occur from slipping on any hazardous materials on the ground or from compromising the integrity of the suit during the process of putting it on.

In PPE protocols, wearing shoes or boots precedes additional protective steps because it establishes a secure foundation for the full protective ensemble, allowing for correct fitting and functionality of the suit itself.