What items should be included as a minimum in personal protection equipment (PPE)?

The correct choice encompasses essential items that are crucial for personal protection during emergency situations, particularly when providing first aid and CPR. Disposable gloves protect the rescuer from potential exposure to blood and other bodily fluids, which is critical for infection control. A barrier (CPR) mask is vital for safe mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, offering a protective barrier between the rescuer and the victim, thereby reducing the risk of disease transmission. Protective eyewear is important for shielding the eyes from splashes or sprays of bodily fluids, while appropriate footwear ensures the rescuer is safe and stable during the response.

In contrast, the other options include items that may be useful in specific scenarios but do not represent the minimum level of personal protective equipment necessary for all rescuers. For example, face shields and surgical masks are certainly protective but may not be as universally applicable as the items mentioned in the correct choice. Similarly, the first aid kit, hand sanitizer, and waterproof bandages focus more on treatment than protection, and heavy-duty gloves with thick boots may not address the immediate risks associated with CPR and first aid interventions. Thus, the chosen set of equipment provides a comprehensive baseline for safety in various emergency contexts.