Latex Gloves
Protection for your hands
Every first aid kit should stock essential items like bandages, gauze, ointment and medication. One less-frequently thought of item, however, is latex gloves (also known as medical gloves or exam gloves). Although they are often overlooked, latex gloves give your hands protection against blood-borne illnesses and germs that can be carried on skin and in the body. When someone is wounded, protect them by protecting your hands with gloves and using antibiotic ointment and hand sanitizer.
Latex gloves are traditionally used by medical professionals to treat patients, but also are used in surgery and medical clean rooms, and in sensitive electronic environments where dust can ruin the machinery. They not only protect the wearer from any disease or germs that might come in contact with the hands, but they also protect the patient being treated from experiencing illness brought on by outside germs coming in contact with the wound.
Latex disposable gloves are (no surprise) made of latex and are powdered with cornstarch to allow them to be drawn on and off more easily. If you have a latex allergy, there are also gloves made of other materials, such as nitrile rubber or vinyl. These are less common, but are starting to become prevalent in first aid supply stores due to the growing number of latex allergy sufferers.
Most latex surgical gloves come in different sizes to fit comfortably on the hand. Your gloves should fit your hands without being too tight or too loose, as this may impede your hand movement and can be dangerous if you are doing delicate work like applying bandages, giving a needle or tying a tourniquet.
It is strongly recommended that you keep at least two pairs of latex gloves in your first aid kit. This will allow you examine and treat minor wounds without spreading any germs or illnesses. Luckily, most gloves are inexpensive, although if you require non-latex gloves, you may pay more.
Why Are Latex Gloves Essential for Illness Prevention?
- They protect the wearer from any blood-borne illness or germs.
- They also protect the patient being treated from any germs that could enter the wound.
Things to Consider When Buying Latex Gloves
- Are you allergic or is any one you know allergic to latex?
- How much are you willing to pay for latex gloves?
Top Latex Glove Brands
- Fieldtex latex gloves
- SuperiorGlove latex gloves
- Emerald latex gloves
