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Source control—placing a surgical mask on the symptomatic patient—is the most effective single step to limit droplet spread during close contact. Droplet-borne pathogens (e.g., seasonal influenza) transmit primarily via respiratory droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking. A surgical mask on the patient reduces the concentration and distance of expelled droplets at the source. Provider PPE remains essential; eye protection and masks for the crew reduce provider exposure but do not control emissions at the origin as effectively as source masking. N95 respirators (B) are indicated for airborne pathogens or aerosol-generating procedures; while protective for the wearer, they do not suppress the patient’s droplet production. Ventilation improvements (C) and additional barrier PPE (D) are valuable adjuncts but secondary to source control in this scenario. AEMTs should implement the “identify, isolate, inform” approach: screen for infectious symptoms, apply immediate source control, perform hand hygiene, and notify receiving facilities. This practice aligns with infection prevention priorities and protects both public health and operational readiness.