CPR + First Aid + BBP Certification Manual: Protective Gear
- 1. CPR Introduction
- 2. Recognizing Cardiac Arrest
- 3. Positioning & Pulse Check
- 4. Compressions for Adults
- 5. Compressions for Infants & Children
- 6. Ventilation Equipment
- 7. Ventilations for Adults
- 8. Ventilations for Infants & Children
- 9. AED Usage
- 10. AED Special Circumstances
- 11. Common CPR Mistakes
- 12. CPR Conclusion
- 13. First Aid Introduction
- 14. Get to Know Your First Aid Kit
- 15. Recognition & Protective Gear
- 16. Medical Emergencies
- 17. Medical Emergencies II
- 18. Trauma Emergencies
- 19. Trauma Emergencies II
- 20. Choking
- 21. Choking Procedures for Adults & Children
- 22. Choking Procedures for Infants
- 23. Aftercare
- 24. Common First Aid Mistakes
- 25. First Aid Conclusion
- 26. Bloodborne Pathogens Introduction
- 27. Protection from Pathogens
- 28. Protective Gear
- 29. Transmission
- 30. Exposure
- 31. Cleaning Exposed Areas
- 32. Reporting an Incident
- 33. Common BBP Mistakes
- 34. Bloodborne Pathogens Conclusion
- MyCPR Now™ Glossary
Protective Gear
Personal protective equipment, or PPE, helps reduce contact between the body and blood or other potentially infectious materials.
The type of PPE needed depends on the task and the type of exposure that could reasonably occur.
Gloves
Disposable gloves should be worn when contact with blood, potentially infectious materials, mucous membranes, non-intact skin, or contaminated items is possible. Replace gloves if they become torn, punctured, heavily contaminated, or otherwise unable to provide an effective barrier. Do not wash or reuse disposable gloves.
Utility Gloves
Unlike disposable gloves, reusable utility gloves may be decontaminated and reused for tasks such as cleaning, as long as their integrity is not compromised — free of cracks, tears, punctures, or other damage that would reduce their effectiveness as a barrier.
Removing Disposable Gloves
To remove disposable gloves while reducing contact with the contaminated outer surface:
- Grasp the outside of one glove near the wrist
- Peel the glove away from the hand, turning it inside out
- Hold the removed glove in the still-gloved hand
- Slide fingers under the remaining glove at the wrist without touching its contaminated exterior
- Peel the second glove off over the first glove
- Dispose of the gloves appropriately
- Perform hand hygiene
Eye and Face Protection
Eye protection, face shields, and masks may be appropriate when splashes, sprays, or droplets could reach the eyes, nose, or mouth. Ordinary eyeglasses may not provide adequate protection from splashes. Unlike disposable gloves, goggles and face shields may be reused after proper decontamination.
Protective Clothing
Gowns, aprons, or other protective clothing may be used when clothing or exposed skin could become contaminated. Remove contaminated protective clothing carefully to avoid transferring infectious material to the skin, clothing, or surrounding surfaces.
Selecting PPE
Choose PPE based on the anticipated task rather than using the same equipment for every situation. Consider whether contact, splashing, spraying, or contamination of clothing is reasonably possible.
PPE Has Limits
PPE reduces exposure risk but does not eliminate every hazard. Gloves can tear, sharps can penetrate barriers, and contamination can occur during improper removal. Use PPE together with safe work practices, appropriate equipment, and proper cleaning procedures.