The Presence of Clostridium Difficile Bacteria on Emergency Medical Services Equipment

Abstract

A preliminary study was conducted to determine if ambulance surfaces and EMS equipment were potential sources of Clostridium Difficile (C. diff) transmission for two hospitals with infection rates at or above the national benchmark as established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The patient transfer and transport vehicles,including EMS ambulances and non-EMS patient transport vehicles,were revealed as a potential link betweenthe two facilities. The identical four surfaces were selected for sampling in each of the 14 ambulances tested. A species-specific broth auger was utilized to ascertain if C. diffwas present on the tested surfaces. One of the 14 ambulances revealed a positive result for the presence of C. diffon two surfaces. An examination of the surface disinfection procedures and training was conducted for potential correlation with swab sample results. Of the five EMS services that provided ambulances for testing, one produced a codified surface disinfection procedure and evidence of formalized training. The results of this study indicate that ambulance surfaces and EMS equipment are potential sources of C. difftransfer, but failed to demonstrate a positive correlation between a codified surface disinfection procedure and a negative result for the presence of C. diff.