Implementation of Personal Protective Equipment Policies for Ambulance Services
Author: Brenda Morrissey | |
Associate Authors:
<p><strong>Introduction:</strong></p>
<p>Recent endemic, epidemic, and pandemic emerging infectious diseases have significantly impacted the healthcare system, including emergency medical services (EMS). For EMS personnel, there are limitations to the methods of protecting themselves from infectious disease exposure, with personal protective equipment (PPE) and regular hand hygiene being the only methods on the scene of emergencies. In New York State’s complex EMS system, law and policy are limited on specific guidance for EMS personnel relating to PPE, presenting concerns for EMS personnel about their well-being and for leadership about the sustainability of the EMS system when call volume increases due to diseases and staffing continues to decline across the EMS profession.</p>
<p><strong>Objective:</strong></p>
<p>To identify barriers, gaps, and best practices regarding developing and implementing PPE policies within ambulance services in New York State.</p>
<p><strong>Methods:</strong></p>
<p>Using the experiences of a sample of EMS leaders of ambulance services within New York State, barriers, gaps, and best practices regarding developing and implementing PPE policies within their agencies were identified. Participants provided information about PPE information sources, challenges to policy development, challenges to policy implementation, and experience with best practices.</p>
<p><strong>Results:</strong></p>
<p>The participants’ information identified three important updates to be made to existing policies and laws. These updates include forming a research team to identify necessary PPE, developing a standardized training program for PPE, and rewriting existing law to reflect the current state of EMS delivery.</p>
<p><strong>Conclusion:</strong></p>
<p>The experiences of these stakeholders are vital to policymakers and legislators for updating New York State’s laws and related policies as these experiences inform policymakers of considerations from the perspective of the street-level leaders responsible for implementing policies in various EMS. With this information, policymakers and lawmakers are better informed.</p>
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