Make a Splash with the 2026 Red Cross Lifeguard Practice Test – Dive into Success!

Using personal protective equipment (PPE), such as disposable gloves and a breathing barrier, is the best way to protect yourself from possible bloodborne pathogen transmission when providing care. PPE acts as a physical barrier between you and any potentially infectious materials, such as blood or body fluids, significantly reducing the risk of exposure to pathogens.

Gloves protect your hands from direct contact with any contaminants when performing first aid, while a breathing barrier helps ensure safety during rescue breathing or mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. This approach is particularly important because bloodborne pathogens, such as HIV and hepatitis B and C, can be transmitted through direct contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids, making the proper use of PPE essential in minimizing these risks.

Washing your hands thoroughly before providing care is important for general hygiene but does not provide immediate protection during the act of giving care. First aid supplies like dressings and bandages serve a different purpose—they are primarily to manage wounds, not to protect against pathogen exposure. Asking the victim about communicable diseases may not provide reliable information due to the victim’s potential lack of awareness or honesty about their health status.