What PPE should you use during CPR?

What PPE should you use during CPR?

• A. Only gloves
• B. Respirator and gloves
• C. Gloves, eye protection, and a barrier device for breaths
• D. No PPE required

Answer: (C)

Protecting yourself from exposure to blood and other fluids is essential when giving CPR. Gloves prevent your hands from coming into contact with saliva, blood, or other potentially infectious materials. Eye protection helps shield your eyes from splashes or sprays that could occur if the patient coughs, vomits, or splashes during resuscitation. A barrier device for breaths, such as a mask with a one-way valve or a face shield, prevents direct contact with the patient’s mouth and airways while you deliver rescue breaths. Using all three provides the best protection for you while also helping to maintain a safe, hygienic environment for the patient. If you’re performing hands-only CPR, gloves are still advisable if available, and use a barrier device whenever you deliver breaths. Relying on no PPE would leave you vulnerable to exposure, so the combination of gloves, eye protection, and a barrier device for breaths is the correct approach.

Protecting yourself from exposure to blood and other fluids is essential when giving CPR. Gloves prevent your hands from coming into contact with saliva, blood, or other potentially infectious materials. Eye protection helps shield your eyes from splashes or sprays that could occur if the patient coughs, vomits, or splashes during resuscitation. A barrier device for breaths, such as a mask with a one-way valve or a face shield, prevents direct contact with the patient’s mouth and airways while you deliver rescue breaths. Using all three provides the best protection for you while also helping to maintain a safe, hygienic environment for the patient. If you’re performing hands-only CPR, gloves are still advisable if available, and use a barrier device whenever you deliver breaths. Relying on no PPE would leave you vulnerable to exposure, so the combination of gloves, eye protection, and a barrier device for breaths is the correct approach.