Protocol Status: PUBLISHED
Protocol:
Version: 2026.01
Effective Date:
Last Reviewed:
Medical Director Approval:
Clinical Note: This content reflects current GCEMS clinical guidelines as of the dates listed above. If content appears inconsistent with current policy, use the most recent approved guideline and notify leadership for correction.

Infection Control

 

  • Droplet precautions include:
    • standard PPE
    • standard surgical mask for providers who accompany patients in the back of the ambulance
    • surgical mask or non-rebreather O2 mask for the patient.
  • This level of precaution should be utilized when:
    • influenza
    • meningitis
    • mumps
    • streptococcal pharyngitis
    • and other illnesses spread via large particle droplets are suspected.
  • A patient with a potentially infectious rash should be treated with droplet precautions.
  • Airborne precautions include:
    • standard PPE
    • utilization of a gown
    • change of gloves after every patient contact
    • strict hand washing precautions
  • This level of precaution should be utilized when:
    • multi-drug resistant organisms
      • (i.e., MRSA)
      • scabies
      • zoster (shingles)
      • or other illnesses spread by contact are suspected.
  • All-hazards precautions include:
    • standard PPE
      • airborne precautions
      • contact precautions
    • This level of precaution is utilized during:
    •  the initial phases of an outbreak
    • when the etiology of the infection is unknown or
    • when the causative agent is found to be highly contagious (i.e., SARS).