North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What is the number one way to prevent the transmission of diseases?

1. Wearing gloves

2. Handwashing

3. Using hand sanitizer

4. Disinfecting surfaces

The correct answer is: Handwashing

Handwashing is recognized as the most effective method for preventing the transmission of diseases, especially in healthcare and emergency services settings. This practice significantly reduces the number of pathogens that can be transferred from one person to another or from contaminated surfaces to individuals. When hands are washed with soap and water, the physical action of scrubbing helps to remove dirt, organic matter, and germs. Soap molecules lift dirt and microbes away from the skin so that they can be rinsed off with water. This process not only removes viruses and bacteria but also reduces the chances of respiratory infections, gastrointestinal diseases, and other communicable illnesses. In situations where soap and water are not available, using hand sanitizer is a good alternative, but it's not as effective as handwashing, particularly in the presence of dirt or certain pathogens. While wearing gloves, disinfecting surfaces, and using hand sanitizer contribute to infection control and have their place in disease prevention protocols, they cannot replace the thorough cleansing provided by handwashing, which is a fundamental practice that every individual, especially those in health care, should prioritize.