When should gloves be used while providing first aid?

Using gloves while providing first aid is essential particularly when there is a risk of exposure to blood or other bodily fluids. This is crucial for several reasons. First, gloves act as a barrier that helps protect both the rescuer and the injured person from potential infections and the transmission of bloodborne pathogens, such as HIV and hepatitis. Since bodily fluids can carry these pathogens, wearing gloves minimizes the risk of cross-contamination.

In scenarios like treating a wound that is bleeding or caring for someone who may be vomiting, the chance of coming into contact with these fluids significantly increases, making gloves necessary. This practice is aligned with universal precautions, which recommend that first responders treat all bodily fluids as potentially infectious.

Other options suggest limited or inappropriate situations for glove use, which do not adequately account for the various circumstances where gloves may be needed. Therefore, the correct approach is to always use gloves in any situation where there is a risk of exposure to blood or bodily fluids, ensuring the safety of both the provider and the recipient of care.