Nitrile Gloves
In EMS we use nitrile gloves as a barrier against bodily fluids and other substances. These gloves are not made of latex because a surprisingly large number of people have severe latex allergies. We don't want to make an emergency worse by exposing a patient to something to which they are allergic. In general nitrile gloves are less stretchy than latex gloves (you can't blow them up like a balloon).
Gloves are found in all apparatus and at each station. You should be able to identify their location and you should know the correct size for your hands. You should carry gloves in your PPE (for unexpected emergencies on a call).
Doffing Gloves
- Grasp the Outside of One Glove: Pinch the outside of the glove near the wrist. Avoid touching your bare skin.
- Peel Away the Glove: Carefully peel the glove away from your hand, turning it inside out as you do so. Hold the removed glove in your gloved hand.
- Slide Fingers Under the Remaining Glove: With your bare hand, slide your fingers under the wrist of the remaining glove. Be careful not to touch the outside of the glove.
- Peel Off the Second Glove: Peel the second glove off in a similar manner to the first, turning it inside out and over the first glove. This action encases the contaminated outer surfaces inside and minimizes potential contact.
- Dispose of the Gloves Safely: Dispose of the gloves in an appropriate waste container.
- Perform Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub immediately after removing the gloves.
Remember, never touch the outside of the gloves with your bare hands and avoid any contact with your face or clothing while removing the gloves. This process helps in minimizing the risk of contamination and spread of infectious agents.
See video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTYioOo__6U
