Page 21 - Participant Manual

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is equipment used to prevent pathogens from contaminating your
skin, mucous membranes or clothing. Articles of PPE that are commonly used when giving first aid care
include latex-free disposable gloves and CPR breathing barriers. Face masks and protective eyewear are
other types of PPE that may be used in a first aid situation.

Safety First! Be prepared by having a first aid kit handy and
adequately stocked with PPE. You can also carry a keychain kit
containing a pair of latex-free disposable gloves and a breathing
barrier so that you always have this equipment readily available.

Latex-Free Disposable Gloves

Disposable gloves are meant to be worn once and then discarded.
Never clean or reuse disposable gloves. Disposable gloves should
fit properly and be free of rips or tears. Wear latex-free disposable
gloves:

■ When providing care, especially whenever there is a possibility that
you will come in contact with a person’s blood or other potentially
infectious materials.

■ When there is a break in the skin on your own hands (cover any
cuts, scrapes or sores before putting on the gloves).

■ When you must handle items or surfaces soiled with blood or other
potentially infectious materials.

When you are wearing gloves, try to limit how much you touch other surfaces with your gloved hands.
Pathogens from your soiled gloves can transfer to other items or surfaces that you touch, putting the next
person who handles the item or touches the surface at risk for infection. If possible, remove soiled gloves
and replace them with a clean pair before touching other surfaces or equipment in your first aid kit. When
you are finished providing care, remove your gloves using proper technique to avoid contaminating your own
skin (Skill Sheet 1-1), dispose of the gloves properly and wash your hands. When multiple people are in need
of care, remove your gloves, wash your hands and replace your gloves with a clean pair before assisting the
© 2011, 2016 The American National Red Cross. All rights reserved.
next person.

Safety First! Because many people are allergic to latex, the American Red Cross
recommends the use of latex-free disposable gloves. Nitrile gloves are preferred over other
types of latex-free disposable gloves, such as those made of vinyl.

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