Disinfectant techniques commonly used in ambulances and other first response vehicles
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Citation
Abstract
Ambulances pose a high risk of transmitting commonly seen pathogens to the hospital setting. These pathogens contribute to high rates of infection in hospitals and to Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs). Because of this link, examining and restructuring the way we disinfect our ambulances, and first response vehicles are of interest and could potentially decrease rates of HAIs. This paper examines commonly used disinfection methods to reduce pathogen transfer in the pre-hospital setting, as well as introduces newer disinfectant methods with the potential to further decontaminate ambulances.
Commonly used disinfection techniques to clean ambulances include disinfectant-impregnated wipes and disinfectant sprays. There are disadvantages to using these wipes such as mechanical microbial transfer, and lack of exposure time. Disinfectant sprays have the advantage of being fast and easy to use and help to alleviate some of the disadvantages of disinfectant wipes. The spray can cover a larger area and get harder-to-reach areas that may be inaccessible with a wipe. The disadvantage to using sprays is the potential to aerosolize pathogens.
Handwashing and proper hygiene are important parts of reducing the spread of pathogens in the pre-hospital setting. Studies show low rates of handwashing at important times in pre-hospital medical care. There are also low rates of disinfecting tools such as stethoscopes.
More common methods of disinfection that could be integrated into ambulance decontamination include the use of ultraviolet light and hydrogen peroxide systems. UV light is an effective way to denature pathogens in a very short time. Studies show that UV light can be less effective when the distance between the target and the UV system fluctuates. Therefore, there is a need for UV reflectors. Hydrogen peroxide systems such as aerosolized and vapor sprays are very effective at killing pathogens in a closed area. The disadvantages to hydrogen peroxide systems are the optimal conditions needed and the timing. To be effective, the target area needs to be controlled and exposed to the hydrogen peroxide for a specific amount of time. These techniques, combined with the common techniques currently being used, have the potential to further reduce the number of pathogens transferred to the hospital setting.