Keeping vehicles clean is essential to prevent the spread of infections and ensure a safe environment for both patients and personnel. A clean vehicle also reflects professionalism and enhances public trust in emergency medical services.

VEHICLE EXTERIOR:

Any vehicle that is visibly dirty shall be washed as soon as practical. Exceptions may include an unusually busy shift or inclement weather.

Do not wash the exterior of the vehicle if the outside temperature is below freezing.

Tip: Vehicles don’t always require a full wash. Often a simple rinse and a “Red Line” wash (only scrubbing below the red stripe) will suffice.

WINDOWS AND MIRRORS:

All windows should be cleaned inside and out with glass cleaner, as well as side mirrors, to ensure that vision is not obstructed during vehicle operation.

AMBULANCE CAB/DELTA INTERIOR:

The vehicle interior shall be free of debris and trash. Floors and seats shall be free of dirt, mud, and spills and be vacuumed or wiped as needed. The dashboard, console, and door panels shall be wiped with an approved cleaning/protectant agent and remain free of dust, dirt, and spills.

AMBULANCE PATIENT COMPARTMENT:

The seats, work surfaces, and pram must be thoroughly cleaned each day and as needed throughout the shift with an approved cleaning agent. Crewmembers shall wear protective gloves when cleaning, even if the surface appears to be free of bodily fluids. The floor shall be swept and mopped each day and as needed throughout the shift.

The seats, work surfaces, and pram must be disinfected each day and as needed throughout the shift with disinfectant spray. Disinfectant spray shall be applied to all surfaces and pram seatbelts after general cleaning and allowed to dry. Do not wipe off the spray. The longer the surface remains wet, the more thorough it will disinfect.

Extra attention/cleaning should be provided after transporting a patient with a known or suspected communicable illness (TB, HIV, Hepatitis, etc). See Section 24-Decontamination procedures

Never use Armor All or similar products on the seats or floor.

VEHICLE WASH RESOURCES:

Ambulances must be washed in a manual wash bay or at quarters when possible.

Never attempt to take an ambulance into an automatic wash.

SUVs can be washed in an automatic wash and shall be washed using the subscription through Circle K unless impractical. Touch-Free wash is required to protect the external equipment.