True or False: Rescuers should wear firefighter gloves during extrication operations to provide the highest protection from blood.

The assertion that rescuers should wear firefighter gloves during extrication operations for protection from blood is false. While firefighter gloves are designed to provide a degree of thermal protection and resist cuts and abrasions, they may not be the most effective option for preventing bloodborne pathogen exposure.

In extrication situations, the type of gloves that provide the highest level of protection against blood are typically medical-grade or heavy-duty nitrile gloves, which are engineered specifically to create a barrier against blood and bodily fluids. These gloves are impermeable to various contaminants, ensuring a safer environment for rescuers when there is a risk of exposure to blood.

While firefighter gloves can serve multiple purposes in a rescue operation, particularly in protecting against heat and mechanical hazards, they do not specifically address the risk of exposure to blood effectively. Therefore, wearing firefighter gloves solely for blood protection does not meet safety standards when dealing with potential contamination risks. Selecting appropriate gloves based on the specific hazards present is crucial for the safety and health of the rescuers.