• M Wepler, W Stahl, H von Baum, S Wildermuth, B Dirks, M Georgieff, and S Hafner.
• Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany.
• Emerg Med J. 2015 May 1; 32 (5): 409-11.

ObjectiveThe 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'.MethodsAfter 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.ResultsMethicillin 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.ConclusionsIn 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.Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

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