When removing personal protective equipment, which item should the CST remove first?

When removing personal protective equipment (PPE), the appropriate sequence is crucial to minimize the risk of contamination. The correct first item to remove is typically the gloves. Gloves are generally considered the most contaminated item since they come into direct contact with potentially infectious materials. By removing the gloves first, the possibility of transferring contaminants to other clean areas is reduced.

After the gloves have been removed, the other items of PPE can be taken off in a manner that reduces exposure risk, usually following the order of removing the gown, face mask, and shoe covers last. This sequence helps ensure that any contaminants remain contained and do not spread during the removal process. Understanding this protocol is essential for maintaining safety and infection control in sterile environments.