A recent research study published in the Prehospital Emergency Care journal assessed for the presence of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) in an ambulance fleet of 21 vehicles. MRSA is a strain of bacteria that is resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics such as methicillin, amoxicillin, and penicillin, which are commonly used to treat bacterial infections.

The research found MRSA contamination in 10 of 21 ambulances. Some of the areas that tested positive for MRSA growth were the steering wheel, left patient stretcher handrail, patient stretcher cushion, work area to the right of the patient, and the yankauer suction tip.

The authors concluded, The ambulance environment may be significantly contaminated with MRSA and that the EMS system could represent an important reservoir in the transmission of MRSA to patients. As a provider you are at risk of becoming a MRSA carrier and bringing MRSA home to your family.

To prevent MRSA transmission:

• Learn more about MRSA by taking lesson A/B263
• Review local policies and procedures for ambulance and equipment cleaning
• Increase frequency of cleaning interior surfaces and equipment patients might not frequently come into contact with
• Always utilize appropriate body substance isolation
• Wash your hands before and after every patient contact

Can Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Be Found in an Ambulance Fleet? Prehospital Emergency Care. Volume 11, No. 2. pp 241-243. Chad E. Roline, MS4, Christine Crumpecker, BA, Thomas M. Dunn PhD.