What is the purpose of infection control in EMS?

• A. To prevent the spread of infections among patients and healthcare providers.
• B. To reduce the cost of care.
• C. To speed up patient transport times.
• D. To improve diagnostic accuracy.

Answer: (A)

Infection control in EMS aims to stop the spread of infections between patients and EMS personnel. By using practices like hand hygiene, proper use of PPE (gloves, masks, eye protection, gowns), cleaning and disinfecting equipment and vehicles, safe waste handling, and careful patient handling, EMTs reduce the transmission of pathogens during calls. This protects both those receiving care and the providers delivering it, helping keep the whole EMS system safer.

While reducing costs, speeding up transport, or improving diagnostic accuracy can occur as indirect benefits, they are not the primary goal of infection control. The core purpose is preventing transmission of infections.