Clean Air in the Ambulance

Ambulances are busy places. They see many patients every day. This makes them hotspots for infectious particles. Unfortunately, most ambulances do not have good ventilation. This leaves emergency medical service (EMS) workers vulnerable to harmful aerosols, especially during outbreaks like COVID-19. The solution might be simple. Portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can clean the air. They can reduce the risk of infection. However, not many studies have tested these filters in ambulances. One study looked at two different HEPA filter models. The tests happened in an empty, parked ambulance. Researchers used a fake aerosol to mimic patient particles. They measured the air quality with special counters. Each filter was tested alone. They ran for 50 minutes. The results were promising. During the test, the filters cut the particle count by about 50%. They kept working even after the fake aerosol stopped. The study shows that HEPA filters can be a cheap and effective way to clean ambulance air. However, more research is needed. Real-world conditions are different from a lab. Factors like movement, temperature, and humidity can affect filter performance. Also, filters need regular maintenance. They must be replaced or cleaned often. This adds to the cost and effort. Another thing to consider is the placement of the filters. The study put them in one spot. But ambulances have different layouts. The best place for a filter might vary. Also, filters need space to work well. They should not be blocked by equipment or supplies. Lastly, filters are not a magic solution. They reduce particles but do not eliminate them. Workers should still follow safety rules. This includes wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and practicing good hygiene. Training is also important. Workers need to know how to use and maintain the filters.