Originally Posted by Cat Herder:
Ours (EMS) are one-time use. We do "fit test training" where we have to put a hood over our masked face while they spray a rancid smelling/tasting mist in our faces. 
It shows us where our seals are not so great. Mostly it is to point out that beards are not such a great idea in the field. 
Yes!! She basically told me that the average Joe wearing a mask is not being protected or protecting others from anything really. Her work is very strict about cross contamination for obvious reasons and I am sure medical personnel are as well.