Disposable gloves give added protection against infection

 In addition to hand washing,

disposable gloves

give added protection against infection in a

first aid situation. If possible, carry protective,

disposable, latex-free gloves with you at all

times. Wear them whenever there is a likelihood

of contact with blood or other body fluids. If in

doubt, put them on anyway.

Disposable gloves should only be used to

treat one casualty. Put them on just before you

approach the person and remove them as soon

as the treatment is completed and before you

do anything else. When taking off the gloves,

hold the top edge of one glove with your other

gloved hand and peel it off so that it is inside

out. Repeat with the other hand so that you do

not touch the outside of the gloves. Dispose

of them safely – in a clinical waste bag if

possible (see below).

Ideally, wash your

hands before

putting on the gloves.

Hold one glove by the

top and pull it on. Do

not touch the main

part of the glove with

your fingers.

Pick up the second

glove with the

gloved hand. With your

fingers under the top

edge, pull it on to your

hand. Your gloved

fingers should not

touch your skin.

CLINICAL WASTE BAG SHARPS CONTAINER

CAUTION

Always use latex-free gloves. Some people have a

serious allergy to latex, and this may cause

anaphylactic shock (p.223). Nitrile gloves (often blue

or purple) are recommended.

USING PROTECTIVE GLOVES

DEALING WITH WASTE

Once you have treated a casualty, all soiled

material must be disposed of carefully to

prevent the spread of infection.

Place items such as dressings or gloves in

a clinical waste bag and ask the attending

emergency service how to deal with this type of

waste. Seal the bag tightly and label it to show

that it contains clinical waste. Put sharp objects,

such as needles, in a special plastic box called a

sharps container. If there is no sharps container

available, put used needles in a jar with a screw

top and dispose of it safely.