What is the minimum PPE required for every patient contact?

The minimum personal protective equipment (PPE) required for every patient contact is gloves. Gloves serve as a barrier to protect both the healthcare provider and the patient from the transmission of infectious agents. They help minimize the risk of cross-contamination when handling bodily fluids or touching surfaces that may be contaminated.

In many emergency medical situations, providers can encounter various biological substances that could pose a risk for infections. Wearing gloves is a fundamental practice that aligns with standard precautions, emphasizing the importance of infection control in healthcare settings. While other PPE like masks or eye protection may be necessary in specific situations where there is a risk of respiratory droplet transmission or splashes, gloves are universally required for any patient interaction. This ensures a baseline level of safety for providers and patients alike.