When should EMRs wear disposable vinyl or latex gloves?

Wearing disposable vinyl or latex gloves is essential for protecting both the Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) and the patient during interactions that have a potential risk of exposure to blood or body fluids. Gloves serve as a barrier, significantly reducing the likelihood of transmitting infections or contaminating the EMR’s hands with potentially harmful pathogens.

The use of gloves is particularly important since emergencies can involve various situations where blood or other bodily fluids might be present, such as trauma cases, accidental wounds, or medical conditions that lead to fluid exposure. Adopting this practice at all times when there's a risk promotes a safer environment for both the responder and the patient, reinforcing the principles of standard precautions and infection control.

This practice is not limited to surgical procedures, as indicated by the other choices, nor should it depend on a patient's requests or their infection status. Regardless of the specific circumstances, using gloves when there is contact risk is a fundamental aspect of ensuring safety and minimizing health hazards in emergency medical situations.