The University of Washington's Environmental Surface Sampling for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) in Washington Fire Stations Report is Available.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a bacterium that is resistant to common antibiotics. MRSA can cause minor or severe skin infections, surgical wound infections, bloodstream infections, and pneumonia. Fire service professionals may have a higher likelihood of exposure to MRSA when they come in contact with patients during emergency medical situations. However, for this population, the risk of developing a MRSA-related disease is not known. This service project was coordinated by the University of Washington Field Research and Consultation Group, working in collaboration with Dr. Marilyn C.
Roberts, Professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences (DEOHS) and the Washington Fire Chiefs.
Thirty-three fire stations with career-based staff participated in this study. Sampling kits containing all supplies needed to conduct environmental surface sampling were mailed to each station. Fire station personnel collected 653 samples. Eight percent of the field samples
(52/653) were positive for MRSA, and 19 of 33 stations (58%) had at least one positive MRSA sample. The percentage of MRSA positive samples per station ranged from 5%–35%. Forty-two percent of the stations had two or more positive MRSA samples. Nine stations (27%) had three to seven samples with MRSA. Sixty-two percent of the positive MRSA samples were collected from the living quarters. MRSA was also found on turnout gear, items in aid cars (work benches, seat belts, and medical bag handles), and fire engines/ladders (steering wheels, door handles, mobile data computers, and arm rests). MRSA was not found in samples from 14 stations.
The average fire station call volume was 151 per week, ranging from 5 to 1800. Seventy-six percent of the stations transported patients for medical services.
Stations were classified into two groups according to the presence or absence of MRSA. In general, policies, practices, and cleaning and disinfecting items did not significantly differ between the two groups.
Many factors appear to contribute to the presence of MRSA on a surface.
This project was designed to give general guidance and strategies to fire stations for reducing the spread of MRSA and other infectious diseases.
Each fire station was provided the results of its sampling, educational materials on how to maintain a clean zone in the fire station, and a fact sheet on tools for improving an infection control program. Special attention to infection control policies, work practices, and cleaning techniques are necessary to reduce the risk potential of MRSA transmission.
For more information, please contact Nancy J. Simcox at 206-221-7107
Read the Full Report: http://depts.washington.edu/frcg/content/MRSA/MRSA%20report%208-16-12.pdf