What is the purpose of sterile gloves in first aid?

The purpose of sterile gloves in first aid is primarily to prevent infection during treatment. When providing care, especially in situations involving open wounds or bodily fluids, using sterile gloves creates a barrier that helps to protect both the injured person and the responder from harmful microorganisms.

Infection can easily occur when a wound is exposed to bacteria and other pathogens, either from the environment, the responder’s hands, or even from the injured person's body. By wearing sterile gloves, first aid responders minimize the risk of introducing these pathogens into the wound, thereby promoting safer treatment and better healing outcomes.

Additionally, while sterile gloves can contribute to maintaining a clean area and may absorb some fluids, their primary role is focused on infection prevention, which is critical in first aid scenarios.