How did surgical masks help protect medical workers and patients during procedures?

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Carnival mask — Mask Women wearing a mask during Carnival celebrations in Venice, Italy.

Surgical masks serve as a critical barrier in medical settings by providing protection in two primary directions. First, they protect the wearer by acting as a shield against splashes or splatters of blood and other body fluids that may occur during surgical procedures.1

Second, they protect the patient by preventing the contamination of surgical wounds. Because the human mouth contains a significant amount of microorganisms, these masks effectively contain droplets and particles from the surgeon's mouth, preventing them from falling into an open wound. By serving as a simple, effective barrier, they help maintain a sterile environment necessary for patient safety.1