Latex allergy in the prehospital setting

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Allergy and Immunology
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Latex allergy, recognized in the early 20th century, gained prominence in the late 20th century.
• While documented in various healthcare professions, data on latex allergy in emergency prehospital care is limited.
• Occupational variations in latex allergy incidence are considerable.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of latex allergy among first responders.
• To identify potential factors contributing to latex allergy development.
• To compare characteristics between volunteer and salaried first responders.
• To inform the development of an educational program for latex allergy prevention.

Main Methods:

• Anonymous, voluntary questionnaire distributed to first responders in Australia.
• Survey targeted St. John Ambulance and South Australian Ambulance Service personnel.
• Data collected on atopy, hand dermatitis, latex allergy, and glove usage.
• Statistical analysis of collated survey data.

Main Results:

• A 40.5% response rate from 1,099 participants.
• Incidence rates: 14.9% atopy, 9.4% hand dermatitis, 6.4% latex allergy.
• Full-time ambulance officers exhibited significantly higher rates of hand dermatitis and latex allergy.
• Latex allergy correlated significantly with dermatitis and glove usage frequency/duration.

Conclusions:

• Full-time ambulance officers have a higher incidence of hand dermatitis and latex allergy compared to volunteers.
• Further research is needed to confirm latex allergy frequency and predisposing factors.
• Emphasis on hand care and the use of non-powdered, natural rubber latex gloves is recommended for this occupational group.