Bioaerosol Management in Transport: A Review of Infection Control for High-Risk Pathogens in Ground and Air Ambulances
Abstract
ackground: The mobile environment of ground and air ambulances poses significant challenges for infection control, acting as potential transmitters of airborne and droplet-borne pathogens such as Tuberculosis, COVID-19, and measles. Existing decontamination protocols are often inconsistent and poorly integrated with hospital infection prevention strategies, thereby increasing risks for EMS personnel and patients.
Aim: This narrative review aims to systematically synthesize the current evidence on bioaerosol contamination risks within medical transport vehicles and to evaluate the efficacy of existing decontamination protocols.
Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and EMBASE databases for studies published between 2010 and 2024.
Results: The review highlights that current practices in pathogen management are reactive and inconsistent, particularly concerning high-touch surfaces and ambulance cabin air. It advocates for a multi-modal framework comprising: 1) Pre-transport risk assessment and notification, 2) In-transit source control with advanced respiratory measures, and 3) Post-transport decontamination through thorough cleaning and improved air exchange. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for surface sampling for quality assurance and the inclusion of pharmacy in the disinfectant selection process, both of which are often lacking.
Conclusion: Effective bioaerosol management in medical transport necessitates a shift to a systems-based approach, emphasizing coordinated protocols across dispatch, clinical care, and environmental decontamination. Standardization of these protocols is crucial to safeguard EMS workforce health and disrupt community transmission chains.
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Authors
Copyright (c) 2024 Mansor Salem Almuarik, Thamer Mohaidi Alanazi, Nawaf Hadi Almutairi, Meshari Nazal Alanzai, Reem Talat Kurdi, Abdulrahman Ibrahim Mohammed Alhaidari, Ahmed Muhalhil Ayash, Mohammad Abdu Ali Mubarki, Mahar Yahya Alamer, Nooh Thawab Almotiri, Ahmed Suliman Abdullah Alshehri, Mustafa Othman Abdulrahman Albulushi
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