During an EMS call, when should you take standard precautions?

During an EMS call, when should you take standard precautions?

• A. upon exiting the ambulance, but before actual patient contact
• B. after arriving at the scene
• C. after patient contact
• D. after transporting the patient

Answer: (A)

Standard precautions should be started as early as you can at the scene. In EMS, that means putting on your PPE and taking those precautions as you exit the ambulance and before you touch or approach the patient. This protects you from potential exposure to blood, bodily fluids, or other infectious materials right from the start, and it also helps prevent cross-contamination as you begin your assessment and care. Waiting until you’ve already made contact or after transporting the patient increases the risk of exposure and infection, so the best practice is to don PPE before any patient contact. PPE commonly includes gloves, and depending on the situation, eye protection, gown, and a mask.

Standard precautions should be started as early as you can at the scene. In EMS, that means putting on your PPE and taking those precautions as you exit the ambulance and before you touch or approach the patient. This protects you from potential exposure to blood, bodily fluids, or other infectious materials right from the start, and it also helps prevent cross-contamination as you begin your assessment and care. Waiting until you’ve already made contact or after transporting the patient increases the risk of exposure and infection, so the best practice is to don PPE before any patient contact. PPE commonly includes gloves, and depending on the situation, eye protection, gown, and a mask.