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EMS Tips Operations

Tips for Cleaning the Ambulance

Check out this fine summary of CDC tips for cleaning ambulances and other patient transport vehicles to prevent disease transmission from pathogens like H1N1.  The 2nd tip describes cleaning driver compartment because driver may wear gloves while driving.

The driver wearing their patient care gloves while driving is my top EMS pet peeve. Don’t do it! Instead follow these Everyday EMS Tips to keep the driver area clean.

1. Remove your gloves in the patient care compartment.

2. Wash your hands with a waterless hand gel in the patient care compartment.

3. Once in the driver seat, if waterless hand gel was not available in the patient care compartment, use it before touching the wheel or radio. I like to wipe excess gel on the steering wheel and shift lever.

By Greg Friese

Greg Friese, Stevens Point, Wisconsin, is an author, educator, paramedic, and marathon runner.

Greg was the co-host of the award winning EMSEduCast podcast, the only podcast by and for EMS educators. Greg has written for EMS1.com, JEMS.com, Wilderness Medical Associates, JEMS Magazine, EMSWorld.com and EMS World Magazine, and the NAEMSE Educator Newsletter.