Ms Jemma Shirra-Gibb1
1Queensland Ambulance Service, Brisbane, Australia
Biography:
Jemma is the Statewide Infection Prevention Program Coordinator for the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) and is passionate about improving IPC practice within Paramedicine, using both her Nursing experience from the pandemic and knowledge from completing a Master of Public Health and Master of Infectious Diseases Intelligence (UNSW) to do so.
Abstract:
Placement of Hand Hygiene (HH) products at the point-of-care in the pre-hospital setting can be challenging due to the mobile nature of incidents Paramedics attend, and logistical considerations with equipment (such as weight, fit, or durability). Paramedics at the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) have previously carried personal 50mL Alcohol-Based Handrub (ABHR) bottles on-person to address this, however user feedback indicates these may become lost during chaotic scenes, or are difficult to access whilst in varied tasking positions. Consequently, and due to patient acuity, Paramedics report wearing gloves for extended periods to prioritise protection against body fluids, often at the expense of correct HH technique.
A trial in one of the QAS’ districts introduced custom-made holders for 50mL ABHR bottles, attached to the outer strap of Primary Response Kits (PRKs) that are always taken ‘on-scene’. This was supported by a four-week communication campaign focused on correct ABHR use, correct indications for gloves, and environmental burden of glove overuse. Clinical educators and supervisors were provided ‘chat packs’ with discussion points to facilitate education with staff. Following this, a survey asked Paramedics to reflect on their HH behaviours.
After the introduction of the ABHR attachments, 62% of respondents reported increased ABHR use, and 57% reported a decrease in glove use. Key motivations for reduced glove use included environmental impact concerns (76%), increased accessibility of ABHR (73%), reduction in infection risk to self (50%), and patients (50%). This trial suggests that improved ABHR accessibility, combined with targeted education, can positively influence Paramedic HH practice.