Which action best describes standard precautions in EMS?

• A. Only gloves are required
• B. PPE is optional
• C. Hand hygiene is optional
• D. Hand hygiene, PPE use, safe handling of sharps, and respiratory hygiene

Answer: (D)

Standard precautions are the baseline infection-control measures used for all patients to prevent transmission of infectious agents. In EMS this means a bundle of practices, not just one action. You should perform hand hygiene before and after patient contact, wear appropriate PPE (gloves, eye/face protection, gown) when there is potential exposure to blood or bodily fluids, handle sharps safely to prevent needle-stick injuries, and practice respiratory hygiene to reduce droplet spread. This combination addresses the main routes of transmission and protects both providers and patients. The other options are incomplete because they suggest only gloves, or that PPE or hand hygiene are optional, which does not cover all necessary precautions.