Should disposable gloves be worn when administering first aid to a bleeding wound?

Should disposable gloves be worn when administering first aid to a bleeding wound?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only if you have gloves
• D. It depends on wound type

Answer: (A)

Wearing disposable gloves is about protecting both you and the person you’re helping by creating a barrier against blood and other bodily fluids. This reduces the risk of transmitting infections and helps prevent cross-contamination, which is why it’s best practice to put on gloves before touching a bleeding wound. If gloves are available, put them on first, treat the wound as needed, then safely remove and discard them and wash your hands. If gloves aren’t available, you should still provide care with as little direct contact as possible and wash your hands as soon as you can afterward. The idea isn’t tied to the wound type or to only having gloves—gloves are used whenever there’s potential exposure to blood.

Wearing disposable gloves is about protecting both you and the person you’re helping by creating a barrier against blood and other bodily fluids. This reduces the risk of transmitting infections and helps prevent cross-contamination, which is why it’s best practice to put on gloves before touching a bleeding wound. If gloves are available, put them on first, treat the wound as needed, then safely remove and discard them and wash your hands. If gloves aren’t available, you should still provide care with as little direct contact as possible and wash your hands as soon as you can afterward. The idea isn’t tied to the wound type or to only having gloves—gloves are used whenever there’s potential exposure to blood.