What PPE is standard for field trauma care to protect from hazards?

• A. Exam gloves
• B. Eye protection
• C. Mask or respirator
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

In field trauma care, you’re protecting yourself against multiple exposure routes at once. You’ll encounter blood and bodily fluids, potential splashes to the eyes, and the chance of inhaling droplets or aerosols. To cover all these risks, you use a combination of PPE: gloves to prevent skin contact with fluids, eye protection to shield the eyes from splashes or debris, and a mask or respirator to reduce inhalation of droplets or aerosols. Wearing all three provides the broadest and most reliable protection in typical field trauma situations. If conditions demand more, you’d add a face shield or gown, but at minimum these three pieces are standard.