When should standard precautions be implemented according to the material?

When should standard precautions be implemented according to the material?

• A. Before entering the scene
• B. After approaching the patient
• C. Only after contact with body fluids
• D. Upon exiting the ambulance, but before patient contact

Answer: (D)

Standard precautions require you to be protected before you touch a patient, so you don PPE before any contact to prevent exposure to blood or bodily fluids. Doing this as you exit the ambulance ensures you’re prepared for any splashes or contact once you begin approaching the patient. Putting PPE on after approaching the patient or after contact leaves you vulnerable to exposure, and waiting until after exposure is not acceptable. While some settings may warrant earlier donning, the material emphasizes having PPE on before patient contact, which is why exiting the vehicle and then applying protective gear is the best practice.

Standard precautions require you to be protected before you touch a patient, so you don PPE before any contact to prevent exposure to blood or bodily fluids. Doing this as you exit the ambulance ensures you’re prepared for any splashes or contact once you begin approaching the patient. Putting PPE on after approaching the patient or after contact leaves you vulnerable to exposure, and waiting until after exposure is not acceptable. While some settings may warrant earlier donning, the material emphasizes having PPE on before patient contact, which is why exiting the vehicle and then applying protective gear is the best practice.