Medical professionals can wear a surgical mask or an P2/N95 respirator as part of their personal protective equipment (PPE).
When there is a high probability of airborne transmission due to infectious agents or procedures, sound scientific principles support the use of P2/N95 respirators to prevent transmission. Respirators are designed to help reduce the wearer’s respiratory exposure to airborne contaminants such as particles, gases or vapours. P2/N95 respirators are appropriate for the majority of airborne precautions encountered in healthcare facilities.
P2/N95 respirators are also appropriate personal protective equipment for all healthcare workers involved in aerosol-generating procedures when a patient is confirmed or suspected of having a disease that may be transmitted via the airborne route. Aerosol generating procedures may include (list is not intended to be exhaustive):
- endotracheal intubation
- nebulised medication administration
- airway suctioning
- bronchoscopy
- diagnostic sputum induction
- positive pressure ventilation via face mask
- high frequency oscillatory ventilation.
(Source: Queensland Health)
Our masks are not intended for this use.