In the scenario of an MCI, what is the best way to prevent disease transmission?

Changing gloves after each patient contact is essential in preventing disease transmission, especially during a mass casualty incident (MCI), where numerous patients may be presenting with unknown or communicable conditions. This practice minimizes the risk of cross-contamination between patients and reduces the likelihood of healthcare providers inadvertently spreading pathogens.

By changing gloves, EMTs ensure that any infectious material from one patient is not transferred to another. This is particularly important considering the potential volume and variety of cases encountered in an MCI setting, where patients may have different injuries or illnesses, some of which may be infectious and not readily apparent.

While disinfecting equipment after use is important for infection control, it primarily addresses surface contamination rather than direct pathogen transfer that can occur through glove use. Wearing a mask is also a critical practice for respiratory protection, but it does not address all routes of disease transmission. Asking patients about their health history can provide useful information for diagnosis and treatment, but it does not actively prevent the transmission of diseases among patients or providers. Thus, changing gloves after each patient is the most effective method for direct contact prevention in a dynamic and potentially hazardous environment like an MCI.