Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 28, 2026
Remote Laboratory Management: Respiratory Virus Diagnostics
Published on: April 6, 2019
Medical waste in mobile prehospital care
Adriana Aparecida Mendes1, Tatiane Bonametti Veiga1, Tânia Márcia Lopes Ribeiro1
1Programa de Pós-Graduação Enfermagem em Saúde Pública, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil.
Objective:
the objective of this study is to identify how Medical Waste (MW) is managed in Mobile Prehospital Care (MPC) services in the state of São Paulo as well as characterize and quantify this waste.
Method:
exploratory and descriptive field study with data collection based on the methodology proposed by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), which was conducted over eight consecutive days to identify the production and characteristics of generated waste.
Results:
it was found that the MW management of the MPC is not yet in line with the requirements of RDC 306/04, which could affect the occupational safety of workers, patients, the community, and the environment.
Conclusion:
it is recommended for the health managers to focus on this issue. The lack of studies with regard to MPC also indicates the need for further studies on the waste management.
Insights
Medical Waste (MW) management in Mobile Prehospital Care (MPC) in São Paulo is not compliant with regulations, posing risks to safety and the environment. Further research and management focus are recommended.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Safety
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Mobile Prehospital Care (MPC) services are critical for emergency response.
- Effective Medical Waste (MW) management is essential for public health and environmental protection.
- Current MW management practices in MPC services require thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize Medical Waste (MW) generated by Mobile Prehospital Care (MPC) services in São Paulo.
- To assess the current MW management practices within these services.
- To quantify the types and amounts of MW produced.
Main Methods:
- An exploratory and descriptive field study was conducted.
- Data collection followed the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) methodology.
- Waste generation and characteristics were analyzed over eight consecutive days.
Main Results:
- Medical Waste (MW) management in MPC services does not comply with RDC 306/04 regulations.
- Non-compliance presents risks to occupational safety for workers.
- Potential negative impacts on patient safety, community health, and the environment were identified.
Conclusions:
- Health managers must prioritize improving MW management in MPC services.
- The identified gaps highlight the need for enhanced regulatory oversight.
- Further research is crucial to address the lack of studies on MPC waste management.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Standard Precaution
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:30Cleaning, Sterilization, and Disinfection
Cleaning
The cleaning process usually involves using water with detergents or enzymatic cleaner and removing foreign material from objects and surfaces, including organic material such as body fluids or inorganic material like soil. Cleaning is performed before high-level disinfection and sterilization because foreign materials on the cover of the devices interfere with process...
01:18Handwashing I: Introduction and Types of Equipment
Hand wash basins in clinical areas should have faucets that can be turned on and off without using the hands; that is, they should be non-touch or lever-operated....
01:23Hand hygiene
Hand washing...
01:25Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...