Final answer:
Protective gloves should be used when removing a medication patch to avoid skin absorption of the drug by someone other than the intended patient, which could be dangerous. It is a standard safety measure in healthcare to prevent exposure to medications, bodily fluids, and other potentially hazardous substances.
Step-by-step explanation:
A rescuer or healthcare provider may want to use protective gloves or another barrier when removing a medication patch to prevent the possibility of absorbing the drug through their own skin. This is particularly important in a scenario involving medicated patches because they contain potent medications designed to be absorbed transdermally. The safety protocol of using protective gloves is similar to that for handling any potentially contaminated materials, as it reduces the risk of direct contact with drugs, bodily fluids, or other harmful substances that could lead to infections or other health hazards.
For example, medication patches often carry a controlled release of substances like fentanyl, which can be dangerous if inadvertently transferred to someone else. Moreover, professionals such as dentists, phlebotomists, and healthcare workers in general, are advised to use protective equipment to minimize the risk of exposure to infections, needle sticks, and hazardous drugs, as highlighted in the provided references.