Final answer:
If unable to clean an ambulance at the hospital, staff should decontaminate it at the earliest opportunity, following proper infection control practices, wearing protective gear, and using appropriate disinfectants.
Step-by-step explanation:
If it is not possible to adequately clean an ambulance at the hospital following a call, best practices for infection control dictate that personnel should ensure the vehicle is cleaned at the earliest opportunity. This means finding a suitable location where the sanitation process can be undertaken effectively. It is essential to decontaminate the ambulance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and protect both patients and healthcare workers.
According to safety protocols, this would involve wearing protective gear, such as a protective coat, face protection, and cut-resistant gloves during the cleaning process. Any contact with skin should be immediately washed with detergent and warm water, followed by a disinfectant, such as 1 N NaOH or a bleach solution. Finally, any contaminated waste must be carefully disposed of, typically through incineration or autoclaving.