What Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential when irrigating a wound?

Wearing gloves is essential when irrigating a wound because they serve as a primary barrier to protect both the caregiver and the patient from potential infections. Gloves prevent direct contact with bodily fluids, which may contain pathogens. This is crucial to maintain hygiene and reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

While other types of personal protective equipment such as gowns, masks, and medical caps can also be important in specific situations, gloves are the foundational protective gear required for any wound care procedure due to the direct handling of potentially contaminated materials.