When should you use gloves while providing first aid?

Using gloves while providing first aid is important primarily due to the risk of exposure to bodily fluids, which can include blood, saliva, vomit, and other potentially infectious materials. This practice helps protect both the responder and the patient from cross-contamination and the transmission of infections.

In some cases, bodily fluids can carry pathogens capable of causing severe diseases; therefore, wearing gloves whenever there is a possibility of coming into contact with these fluids is essential. The focus is on creating a barrier that safeguards against these risks, ensuring a safer environment for both parties involved in the first aid situation.

While gloves may also be appropriate during CPR or when dealing with visible bleeding, the protocol dictates that gloves should be worn anytime there is a potential exposure to any bodily fluid, not solely limited to those specific scenarios. This comprehensive approach helps maintain safety and hygiene in all first aid situations.