Prevalence of nosocomial pathogens in German ambulances: the SEKURE study

Abstract

In accordance with previous studies, disinfection and cleaning of areas with direct contact to patients or staff seem to be the most challenging. This should also be reflected in disinfection guidelines and the related continuing education.

Prehospital infection control and prevention in Denmark: a cross-sectional study on guideline adherence and microbial contamination of surfaces

“…Based on prior EMS findings indicating hygienic challenges in relation to HTS [7, 15], we chose to sample the patient harness, the handle on the medic bag, the front of the defibrillator, the inside the blood pressure cuff, the handlebar in ambulance ceiling, and the wall next to the patient stretcher. To elucidate the level of microbial contamination on PRS, we sampled the torso and sleeve from the uniforms [11] and the upper side, and the palm of the dominating hand from the provider last in charge of a patient course [13].…”

“…Scarce information with little or no focus on infection status is given to the EMS providers before retrieval of the patient [6]. The ambulances are non-static environments that must be ready for service shortly after delivering the patient to the emergency department, hence offering limited time and equipment to clean and decontaminate [7]. In addition to logistic challenges, studies indicate that implementation of cleaning measures [7, 8] and efficiency of cleaning [9] within the EMS vary.…”

“…The ambulances are non-static environments that must be ready for service shortly after delivering the patient to the emergency department, hence offering limited time and equipment to clean and decontaminate [7]. In addition to logistic challenges, studies indicate that implementation of cleaning measures [7, 8] and efficiency of cleaning [9] within the EMS vary. Moreover, pathogens have been found in both the ambulances [6, 7, 10], on uniforms [11, 12] and on the hands of the providers [13], and the spread of microbes within the ambulance environment is a proven reality [9].…”

“…In addition to logistic challenges, studies indicate that implementation of cleaning measures [7, 8] and efficiency of cleaning [9] within the EMS vary. Moreover, pathogens have been found in both the ambulances [6, 7, 10], on uniforms [11, 12] and on the hands of the providers [13], and the spread of microbes within the ambulance environment is a proven reality [9]. Revised and updated prehospital hygiene guidelines, published in Denmark in 2016, involve both cleaning and hand- and uniform hygiene [14].…”

Emergency medical services oxygen equipment: a fomite for transmission of MRSA?

“…Other studies showed significant MRSA colonisation3 and outlined the challenges EMS providers face when decontaminating ambulances 4. Wepler et al 5 showed that the frequency of German ambulances contaminated with MRSA was not related to the frequency of disinfection, and Rago et al 6 stress the importance of consciousness when designing disinfection protocols. Prior studies did not assess the colonisation of oxygen cylinders with MRSA in comparison with other sites within the ambulance.…”