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Discussion: Article in New York Times- "Ambulance Stethascopes May Pose Risk"
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hkaitlin |
Article in New York Times- "Ambulance Stethascopes May Pose Risk"
Mar 24 2009, 10:26 PM EDT
ERIC NAGOURNEY | Vital Signs MAR. 17, 2009 Hazards: Ambulance Stethoscopes May Pose Risk Stethoscopes carried by ambulance crews are not always cleaned as often as they should be, and as a result they may be exposing some patients to drug-resistant bacteria, a new study reports. Researchers who looked at stethoscopes used by emergency medical services workers in New Jersey found that a significant number carried methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, bacteria known as MRSA that are resistant to standard drugs. Some of the ambulance workers could not recall the last time the instruments had been cleaned, said the researchers, whose report appears in the current issue of Prehospital Emergency Care. The study’s lead author, Dr. Mark A. Merlin of Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, said it was unclear how big a threat MRSA on a stethoscope posed to a patient. But as incidents of infection by the bacteria become more common, and with the possibility that it will become more resistant to antibiotics, it is important to reduce its spread, he said. Researchers asked ambulance crews arriving at an emergency department over a 24-hour period to let their stethoscopes be tested. They also asked when the instruments had last been cleaned. Of 50 stethoscopes tested, 16 had the bacteria, which a simple alcohol swab is usually enough to kill, the researchers said. “The concept of cleaning an entire ambulance after every patient is not practical,” they wrote. “Cleaning a stethoscope, however, is not labor-intensive, does not require much time, and does not require any special equipment beyond currently stocked items.”■ 2 out of 2 found this valuable. Do you?
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canyoncrawler |
1. RE: Article in New York Times- "Ambulance Stethascopes May Pose Risk"
Mar 25 2009, 1:07 PM EDT
They say "The concept of cleaning an entire ambulance after every patient is not practical" however, what if that patient has MRSA. If I was the one in the back of an ambulance and they hadn't cleaned it I'd be pretty concerned about potential infection. This problem isn't just with ambulances I have seen many occasions nurses go from room to room without cleaning thier tools. This simple but vital action needs more attention. Thanks for the article.
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Daremike |
2. RE: Article in New York Times- "Ambulance Stethascopes May Pose Risk"
Apr 1 2009, 10:22 PM EDT
It seems according to the article that cleaning medical equipment is greatly overlooked, but I believe should be top priority with regards to patient care. They say nurses are patient advocates. I believe cleaning personal medical equipment should be included in that theory. I think that is something worth remembering and working towards.
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jessicalyn |
3. RE: Article in New York Times- "Ambulance Stethascopes May Pose Risk"
Apr 1 2009, 11:59 PM EDT
Wow, that's surprising that the ambulance workers couldn't even recall the last time the instruments were cleaned. Above all else keeping things as clean as possible should be a priority. It takes time to thoroughly clean the equipment, but by doing so it will prevent many types of infections.
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angeeavery79 |
4. RE: Article in New York Times- "Ambulance Stethascopes May Pose Risk"
Apr 2 2009, 6:42 PM EDT
That's pretty scary, it makes you wonder how clean anything is in the hospital.
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emmaevans |
5. RE: Article in New York Times- "Ambulance Stethascopes May Pose Risk"
Apr 2 2009, 7:30 PM EDT
Wow, I realize now how careful we need to be with our tools in the hospital. Just a 10 second procedure of cleaning your stethoscope could help save a lot of people.
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CJC44 |
6. RE: Article in New York Times- "Ambulance Stethascopes May Pose Risk"
Apr 5 2009, 11:39 AM EDT
That is so surprising that something so simple could make such a difference. I will have to pay attention to how often the clean tools in the hospital and start asking questions!
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CJC44 |
7. RE: Article in New York Times- "Ambulance Stethascopes May Pose Risk"
Apr 7 2009, 1:22 PM EDT
I thought about this when I was at clinicals the other night so I was paying attention to how many times my nurse cleaned her stethoscope after each assesment, and she didn't clean it once the whole night!
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