Some of the most significant hazards to EMS providers are the risks we cannot see. Bacteria and viruses contaminate work surfaces, equipment, and even the air we breathe. Follow these considerations for purchasing infection control products:
1. Know workplace requirements for employer-provided personal protective equipment. OSHA Standard 1910.132 requires that when hazards are present or likely to be present, the employer shall “select and have the affected employee use the types of PPE that will protect the affected employee from the hazards identified in the hazard assessment.”
2. Test different fits and styles of items like gloves. Before switching your inventory of gloves to a different brand, try a few boxes and ask field personnel for feedback. Did the gloves tear easily? Were they easy to don? Test any new infection control product and ask for field personnel feedback.
3. Exam ease of use during the purchasing process. A small sharps container is convenient to have in a first response bag, but if it has a small or a difficult-to-open insertion area, it may not get used or present additional risk to field personnel. Select equipment that is safe and easy to use.
4. Review methods to make product available. Alcohol-based handrubs seem to be most frequently used if they are easily accessible by mounting a dispenser in the patient care and driver compartments. Having a bunch of loose bottles invariably leads to those bottles being tucked into a cabinet or drawer and being rarely used. Put infection control products where they will get used.
5. Understand fit requirements. One size fits many products, such as gowns and face masks, and is a good alternative to custom fit garments or safety glasses. Nonetheless, some infection control products can only fit one user. Know and understand manufacturer guidelines for product fitting.
6. Always select needle safe devices that retract or cover any needle as it is used or immediately after use.
Purchasing infection control products is only one part of the equation. A strong infection control program includes training, monitoring, and compliance with state and federal workplace safety requirements. It also requires commitment from field personnel to use the infection control products provided by their employers when those products are indicated.
Finally, when selecting a vendor, consider the ability of the vendor to quickly ship new inventory especially during a pandemic or a prolonged multiple patient event. EMS service could continue without a full range of endotracheal tubes, but how would you carry on if you ran out of gloves?
Any other suggestions for purchasing infection control products? Anything we missed in the list above? Leave a comment below or email products@ems1.com with your feedback.
