Knowledge of aseptics and antisepsis and following their rules as elements of infection prevention in the work of paramedics

Abstract

Background: The health-care professionals, particularly paramedics are exposed to bloodborne infections during medical rescue operations. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge of bloodborne infections, their prevention and interrupted routes of infection transmission among paramedics. Materials and Methods: The study comprised 220 paramedics employed in emergency departments and ambulance services. Material was collected using an anonymus questionnaire, developed for the purpose of this study. Results: As many as 80% of the surveyed people reported frequent contact with patients' blood; 65% of the paramedics before establishing the intravenous access palpates the conduct of the vein; 81% introduce peripheral venous catheter directly after disinfection of the skin; and 98% apply personal protection measures. Conclusions: The analysis of knowledge of asepsis and antisepsis of bloodborne infections among paramedics points to a series of shortcomings in their adequate preparation to reduce the effects of exposure to infectious material. However, it should be emphasized that people with higher education presented a higher level of knowledge than those with postsecondary vocational education. In the opinion of the study group mandatory training in the discussed area would prove to be the most effective method for reducing the number of bloodborne infections. Med Pr 2013;64(2):239–243

Keywords

• bloodborne infection
• paramedical practitioners
• knowledge