PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - M Wepler
AU  - W Stahl
AU  - H von Baum
AU  - S Wildermuth
AU  - B Dirks
AU  - M Georgieff
AU  - S Hafner
TI  - Prevalence of nosocomial pathogens in German ambulances: the SEKURE study
AID  - 10.1136/emermed-2013-202551
DP  - 2015 May 01
TA  - Emergency Medicine Journal
PG  - 409--411
VI  - 32
IP  - 5
4099  - http://emj.bmj.com/content/32/5/409.short
4100  - http://emj.bmj.com/content/32/5/409.full
SO  - Emerg Med J2015 May 01; 32
AB  - Objective The increasing prevalence of multidrug resistant bacteria is a problem in the inpatient care setting, and in the emergency care system. The aim of this observational, cross-sectional study was to evaluate the prevalence of pathogens on well-defined surfaces in German ambulances that have been designated as ‘ready for service’. Methods After informed consent was obtained, ambulance surfaces were sampled with agar plates for microbiological examination during an unannounced visit. A standardised questionnaire was used to obtain information regarding the disinfection protocols used at each rescue station. Results Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus contamination was present in 18 sampling surfaces from 11 out of 150 ambulance vehicles (7%) that were designated as ready for service. Contact surfaces directly surrounding patients or staff were most frequently contaminated with pathogens. However, bacterial contamination was not related to annual missions, methods or frequency of disinfection. Conclusions In accordance with previous studies, disinfection and cleaning of areas with direct contact to patients or staff seem to be the most challenging. This should also be reflected in disinfection guidelines and the related continuing education.