Ebola armor: Protective gear for healthcare workers

Protective suits shield healthcare workers from bacteria, viruses and other hazards.

By Lorena Iñiguez Elebee, Len De Groot

Oct. 15, 2014 6:53 PM PT

Protective suits shield healthcare workers from bacteria, viruses and other hazards. Users are most vulnerable to contamination when removing the gear. Here are the steps used by Doctors Without Borders, which has been responding to Ebola outbreaks in Africa for decades.

Personal protective equipment

Steps to remove protective gear

Disinfect outer gloves with 0.5% chlorine solution.

Hand washing occurs nine times in the removal process.

Spray front and back of apron and suit with chlorine disinfectant.

Remove outer gloves and put in a biohazard container.

Wash gloved hands
Remove apron

Wash gloved hands
Remove goggles

Wash gloved hands
Remove hood

Wash gloved hands
Open suit

Wash gloved hands
Remove suit

Wash gloved hands
Remove mask

Wash gloved hands
Remove gloves

Disinfect boots and remove

Wash bare hands with 0.05% chlorine.

Source: Doctors Without Borders

World & Nation

Lorena Iñiguez Elebee

Lorena Iñiguez Elebee is a senior data and graphics journalist at the Los Angeles Times.

Len De Groot

As assistant managing editor, Len De Groot oversaw the Data and Graphics department and the editorial development of content management systems from August 2018 to July 2020. He joined the organization in 2013 as the director of Data and Visualization, where he led a transformation of the graphics department into an award-winning, digital-first team. De Groot has been an industry leader in creating and promoting innovative visual journalism.

Ebola armor: Protective gear for healthcare workers

Protective suits shield healthcare workers from bacteria, viruses and other hazards.

Personal protective equipment

Steps to remove protective gear

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