Question

What are the steps to be taken if you had to take the ambulance out of service to return to the station because you couldn't clean, disinfect, and restock it at the hospital?

1) Clean, disinfect, and restock the ambulance at the hospital
2) Wash your hands
3) Radio the dispatcher that you are returning to the station or your response area
4) Buckle seat belt, proceed to the station or response area safely
5) Refuel according to local protocol

Answer 1

If an ambulance cannot be serviced at the hospital, the crew should radio the dispatcher, follow thorough hand hygiene, return to the station safely, clean and restock the ambulance according to infection control protocols, and refuel as needed.

Step-by-step explanation:

When an ambulance cannot be cleaned, disinfected, and restocked at the hospital, special infection control and safety measures must be followed upon returning to the station. These steps ensure safety for both healthcare personnel and patients, drawing from historical practices and modern safety protocols. The process includes:

1. Immediately upon deciding the ambulance is out of service, radio the dispatcher to inform of the situation and the return to the station.
2. Wash hands thoroughly following the strict hygiene protocols to prevent further contamination.
3. Buckle seat belt and proceed to the station or designated response area safely, adhering to traffic laws.
4. Once at the station, thoroughly clean, disinfect, and restock the ambulance according to infection control guidelines, which may include using laboratory disinfectants and following waste disposal protocols.
5. Refuel the ambulance as per the local protocols if needed.
6. Ascertain the ambulance is fully prepared and safe for the next emergency response.

These steps, inspired by historical medical transportation and current safety guidelines, protect both the healthcare professionals and the public from potential infections.