What PPE should be used for airborne precautions during air transport?

What PPE should be used for airborne precautions during air transport?

• A. N95 respirator or PAPR, eye protection, gloves, gown; isolate patient if feasible and minimize exposure
• B. Surgical mask only
• C. Gloves only
• D. No PPE needed

Answer: (A)

Airborne precautions require respiratory protection that can filter aerosols, plus barriers to protect eyes and skin. The best approach is to use an N95 respirator or a powered air-purifying respirator, along with eye protection, gloves, and a gown, and to isolate the patient if feasible to limit exposure. An N95 (or PAPR) provides effective filtration of airborne particles, whereas a surgical mask does not guard against aerosols. Gloves alone or no PPE offer incomplete protection, leaving mucous membranes, skin, and clothing vulnerable. In the confined air-transport environment, using this full set of protections and isolating the patient when possible minimizes the risk of inhaling or contacting infectious aerosols.

Airborne precautions require respiratory protection that can filter aerosols, plus barriers to protect eyes and skin. The best approach is to use an N95 respirator or a powered air-purifying respirator, along with eye protection, gloves, and a gown, and to isolate the patient if feasible to limit exposure. An N95 (or PAPR) provides effective filtration of airborne particles, whereas a surgical mask does not guard against aerosols. Gloves alone or no PPE offer incomplete protection, leaving mucous membranes, skin, and clothing vulnerable. In the confined air-transport environment, using this full set of protections and isolating the patient when possible minimizes the risk of inhaling or contacting infectious aerosols.