MRSA Colonization in Ambulances
A recent research study published in the Prehospital Emergency Care journal assessed for the presence of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in a fleet of 21 ambulances.
Do you wash your hands before and after every patient contact? How about the ambulance cot? Are all surfaces of the cot disinfected equally? Does your disinfection include the side rails, straps, and buckles? When was the last time you cleaned the blood pressure cuff and stethoscope that hang in the patient care compartment? How about the provider bench and other working surfaces in the ambulance compartment?
A recent research study published in the Prehospital Emergency Care journal assessed for the presence of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) in an ambulance fleet of 21 vehicles. MRSA is a strain of bacteria that is resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics such as methicillin, amoxicillin, and penicillin, which are commonly used to treat bacterial infections.
The research found MRSA contamination in 10 of 21 ambulances. Some of the areas that tested positive for MRSA growth were the steering wheel, left patient stretcher handrail, patient stretcher cushion, work area to the right of the patient, and the yankauer suction tip.
The authors concluded, The ambulance environment may be significantly contaminated with MRSA and that the EMS system could represent an important reservoir in the transmission of MRSA to patients. As a provider you are at risk of becoming a MRSA carrier and bringing MRSA home to your family.
To prevent MRSA transmission:
- Learn more about MRSA by taking lesson A/B263
- Review local policies and procedures for ambulance and equipment cleaning
- Increase frequency of cleaning interior surfaces and equipment patients might not frequently come into contact with
- Always utilize appropriate body substance isolation
- Wash your hands before and after every patient contact
Can Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Be Found in an Ambulance Fleet? Prehospital Emergency Care. Volume 11, No. 2. pp 241-243. Chad E. Roline, MS4, Christine Crumpecker, BA, Thomas M. Dunn PhD.
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Information for Emergency Responders
ALS (263) and BLS (263) versions available
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, often referred to as MRSA, is an infection that can be found at wound sites, skin openings, and in bodily fluids. Emergency response personnel will treat patients who are infected or carrying the bacteria and that exposure may lead to infection. This lesson will define MRSA, give an overview of causes and symptoms, and most importantly review prevention techniques to prevent the further spread of infection.
Meets OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Training Guidelines
Personal safety is always the EMS providers first priority. Because of bloodborne pathogens every patient contact is a threat to EMS provider safety. This lesson reviews the Occupational Safety and Health Administration standard, bloodborne pathogens encountered by EMS providers, use of personal protective equipment, and reporting an exposure incident.
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