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Paramedic-reported infection prevention and control practices in Canadian paramedic services before and during
Christopher MacDonald1, Paul A Demers1, Brian Grunau2
1Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Ontario Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Background:
We aimed to characterize paramedic infection prevention and control (IPAC) measures reportedly used before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic among select Canadian provinces.
Methods:
IPAC measures were characterized using self-reported questionnaire data from paramedics enrolled in the CORSIP study between January 2021 and January 2023. Participant demographics and changes to IPAC measures were characterized using descriptive and nonparametric statistics. Cumulative IPAC changes were plotted against COVID-19 cases in the general population, denoting when paramedic-specific IPAC guidance would have been available.
Results:
Significant variability was observed in worker demographics and which IPAC measures were reportedly used by paramedic services across Canada. Overall, paramedic participants (n=2,828) reported changes being made to all available IPAC measured soon after the pandemic was declared, primarily enhancement and new implementation of specific controls. Most paramedics reported using IPAC measures necessary when caring for COVID-19-infected patients.
Conclusions:
Paramedic services across Canada used variable IPAC measures before and during COVID-19. Although most employers were responsive in implementing changes early in the pandemic, validation of which controls are necessary for paramedic workers may lead to more consistent IPAC measures being used by paramedic services.
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