Standard Precautions Among Emergency Medical Services in Urban and Rural Areas.

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Infection Control
• Emergency Medical Services

Background:

• Emergency medical services (EMS) workers face significant risks of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
• Percutaneous injuries are a common route of exposure to blood and bodily fluids for EMS providers.
• Understanding the consistency of standard precautions (SPs) usage is vital for preventing infections in this high-risk group.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare the consistent use of standard precautions (SPs) between rural and urban EMS providers.
• To identify disparities in SP compliance across different practice settings within EMS.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was administered to certified EMS providers in West Virginia.
• Data collected included sociodemographic characteristics and the frequency of consistent SP use.
• An email invitation was distributed to a comprehensive list of EMS agencies in the state.

Main Results:

• A total of 248 EMS providers completed the survey (47% response rate).
• While 76% of all providers reported consistent SP use, 38% of urban providers reported inconsistent use versus 19% of rural providers (p = .002).
• Both urban and rural EMS providers reported low levels of prevention practices against blood and body fluid exposure.

Conclusions:

• There is a notable difference in standard precautions compliance between urban and rural EMS providers, with urban providers showing lower consistency.
• The findings highlight the need for improved safe work practices, education, and self-awareness among all EMS personnel, regardless of location.
• Occupational health professionals play a key role in ensuring EMS providers receive adequate training and are evaluated for SP compliance in the field.