Do You Sanitize Your Pulse Ox?

[medic417]

its sad people are just looking for reasons to get offended.

I'm offended you would say something like that.

 

[PapaBear434]

Since BossyCow is a volunteer I seriously doubt if SHE would be attacking them. She is probably just reminding them since she is looking out for their best interests...as always.

Volunteers may leave whatever they are doing to go to a scene. Since they may go to more than one scene each day and return to their POV each time, it could be easy to forget about the shoes.

After 30 years, I have yet to wear my scrubs or flight suit when not on the job. I am totally disgusted by any healthcare worker that goes grocery shopping in uniform after a shift of patient care.

That might be the misunderstanding, then. My service is a "professional volunteer" service. We have regular shifts, regular station, regular ambulances, and run out of a city sanctioned dispatch alongside the fire and police services. I forget that in most places, volunteer means local guys running out of their personal vehicles.

 

[VentMedic]

There was a study many years ago about the germs, bacteria, whatever found on items not washed regularly like doctors ties and lab coats. Those things were disgusting. Wish I could find that study.

You don't have to. It is already in practice at many hospitals in many countries including this one.

Our hospital encourages scrubs and most doctors in direct patient care rarely if ever wear ties. Lab coats are available with a daily exchange for any staff members that do wear them.

 

[BossyCow]

What us professionals do not deserve a reminder of this as well?

Professionals are not generally driving to the scene in their POV and driving directly home to their families from the call. Professionals generally have a uniform or an opportunity to change clothes and utilize an agency infection control facility. There are not generally pets at the station either.

The call in my mind that prompted my post was one where the pt had several cats that looked to be infected with feline rhinitis, a particularly virulent infection. I am careful about my patient contact, but was warned by one of the other vollies about the need to disinfect my shoes so I didn't carry the other bug home to my three cats.