First Aid Response

Above all, we want to make sure we don't make a problem worse by adding to the number of victims. Sometimes the danger is obvious, such as fuel dripping from a wrecked airplane. Sometimes the danger is invisible, such as serious diseases carried in the victim's blood or other body fluids.

You've probably heard about AIDS and Hepatitis B and other diseases. First aid isn't a likely way to get these, but it's better to protect yourself with disposable rubber gloves. That's better for the person you're helping, too, since you won't make his or her wounds worse by adding germs or dirt. Many first aid kits come with protective gloves.

You can buy a special mask for rescue breathing that only lets air go in one direction. It makes rescue breathing safer. It's a good habit to pull on the gloves whenever you're in an emergency setting, and to have the mask handy if you think the victim might need rescue breathing.

The Center for Disease Control says if you wear gloves, use a rescue mask when necessary, and wash your hands after an emergency, there is less than a 1 percent (almost zero) chance you'll get sick from your patient.