Even though the subject matter is decontamination, cleaning up a crime scene could be quite different from offering an emergency vehicle decontamination service. How so?
For emergency vehicles like ambulances, there might be a far lesser time constraint in performing the cleanup than for that of a crime scene. Ambulances are meant to always be ready for action. This means that the cleanup activity must start as soon as possible and must take as less time also.
Also, emergency vehicles do not really provide enough room to move about like many crime scenes do. Thus, you must be comfortable with cleaning in somewhat claustrophobic areas if you hope to offer a topnotch emergency vehicle decontamination service.
Tips to Decontaminating an Emergency Vehicle
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Clean the Exteriors Too
The exterior of the ambulance matters just as much as its interior. Thus, make sure to use soap ad water, accompanied by a brush or sponge to thoroughly clean the exteriors of the vehicle. The exterior includes the entire body, windshield, mirrors, lights and what not. The tires are not to be left out also. Its only fair and proper that you clean the tires each time you clean the exteriors as well.
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Don’t Just Clean, Decontaminate
You already know to clean the vehicle, and thoroughly too. However, you must not leave it at that. Ambulances often serve as temporary treatment places where EMTs and paramedics provide emergency medical assistance. As such, there could be pathogens, bacteria, viruses and the likes present in the vehicle after the emergency vehicle has been used. To kill off these harmful organisms, one must disinfect the vehicle thoroughly.
During decontamination, it is easy to miss out some spots on and in the ambulance, or not pay as much attention to them as you should. Here is a reminder not to.
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The ambulance is filled with high contact places, as everything within it is built for specific purposes. However, some areas are more touched than other, and these should be cleaned thoroughly. Examples include door handles and the radio microphone.
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The stretchers are perhaps the most important items where cleaning is concerned. It is one of the equipment in the ambulance that will most likely be contaminated and thus must be cleaned thoroughly. Pay attention to the straps also.
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Decontaminating the console is recommended as well, but should be done with care. DO NOT spray disinfectant directly on the console or other electrical equipment in the ambulance. Rather, spray it on a rag and then wipe the equipment down with it.
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Spray the ambulance floor with disinfectant and leave for a few minutes for maximum effect, after which you can clean with water.
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Pay special attention to items like the defibrillator, monitor, stethoscope bell and earpieces, the regulator, lead cables and the oxygen caddy.
Other tips to successfully decontaminating an ambulance includes always having a trash bag with you as you clean. This way, you can easily dispose of unwanted materials. Also, ensure that no two patients use the same stretcher linen before it has been properly cleaned.
