non-latex gloves

[GTFDLt61]

My service is in the process of changing from Latex gloves to Nitrile gloves. It is mine and my coworker's impression that these gloves are not nearly as rescuer friendly as latex gloves. We understand the need for protection against latex allergies, but...Any info that can be provided would be helpful. EMail me at Loot61@aol.

[sgt128]

My department had a trial run with the Nitrile gloves, and it just didn't work out. The cost was high, and they were very uncomfortable.
Realizing though, that the latex allergy is uncommon but severe, we are in the process of creating a latex free kit. It will include a latex-free glove set, and IV set.
It also will have masks for protecting the pt.

[krokus]

I have been in the the glove business for 6 years and I have seen first hand EMS and Fire Departments switch from regular Latex to the New synthetic gloves, mainly Nitrile.


Check this out

http://www.glovegeeks.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=8

[NHBasic25]

There is a difference in comfort -- some nitrile gloves feel softer and more elastic than others. Our regional trauma center uses the purple Kimberly-Clark gloves. The most comfortable nitrile gloves I've tried are the Microflex Freeform EC. I tried the Best N-Dex Ultimates -- kids liked the electric green color, but I found they tended to stick together if carried in a glove pouch or wadded up in a pocket.

Not all gloves meet the NFPA standards for exam gloves.

[RFRDxplorer]

Our dept. uses the purple barney gloves. (nitrile)

[ARPSARWMD]

I find the nitrile gloves to be much better than latex. I've had problems with latex gloves ripping. I don't like finding holes in my gloves. The nitrile gloves are thicker and you do loose some of your feeling sensation but you get more protection.

[Adam07003]

I like both

I like how the nitrile gloves are REALLY strong, i cant say that ive ripped one yet on my clipboard or stretcher.

I don't like how they are not friendly when trying to make them larger, they are basically a 1 size deal, they dont really expand easily over larger objects (putting them on sometimes is a pain)

I like the regular latex gloves because they are eay to put on, but at an MVA i find myself doubleing up if my rig has only them (we have a loaner with latex right now).

THe regular latex ones rip VERY esaily,i always end up ripping them on the clipboard.

I used to fight trying to get the diamonds back but at this point, i dont care because the purple ones may be a pain sometimes, but... they are stronger and latex free

[DaSharkie]

As someone who has developed a latex sensitivity while workin in EMS I have to take a stand and say that you need to try every glove out there to find what is right for your agency.

Latex free kits are acceptable, BUT if you have someone who has a true latex allergy and experiences anaphylaxis you will still run into issues in the ambulance and using a variety of normal equipment that you carry since the proteins and particles will permeate them. Hence they will continue to have difficulty with their sensitivity.

Latex allergies and sensitivites are not as rare as one might think. It tends to become a progressive sensitivity progressing from my severe contact dermatitis and pruritis to a full anaphylaxis in a very short amount of time.

I have also heard that latex is broken down by the oil produced in your skin fairly rapidly, but this I am not 100% positive on.

[wag11c]

I'm thinking that if there is such a stink about allergies to gloves...don't wear them. Not such a big deal. Anyone out there remember the days when there was no such thing as wearing gloves? They didn't even exist.

[SgtScott31]

Personally I like the Mircroflex Nitrile. I order for my dept and never had any complaints from them. There are several large EMS agencies around me and that's what they also use.

[mcaldwell]

We use powderless TNT Nitrile gloves (Green), and I like them. Only downside is they are tougher to get on when cold.

I have to further the point that you must get the correct size for your hands, because they don't stretch nearly as well as latex. They are tougher though, and I find they don't breakdown with time.

[RFRDxplorer]

I'm thinking that if there is such a stink about allergies to gloves...don't wear them. Not such a big deal. Anyone out there remember the days when there was no such thing as wearing gloves? They didn't even exist.


I see where you are coming from, but I don't wanna get hepatitis/HIV/AIDS/etc etc etc from John Q. Public.

NOOOOO THANK YOU! :eek:

[DaSharkie]

I'm thinking that if there is such a stink about allergies to gloves...don't wear them. Not such a big deal. Anyone out there remember the days when there was no such thing as wearing gloves? They didn't even exist.

Um.....yeah.......whatever.

I guess we ought to use masks instead of BVMs too.