The Washington Area Ambulance District is shedding a new light on protecting the public from viruses and other infectious diseases.
The WAAD recently became the first ambulance dictrict in Franklin County to add portable UV-C disinfection lamps to its disinfection arsenal.
The district purchased two EDU-435 UV-C Lumalier disinfection lamps from EA Medical — one for each of the district’s two base stations.
District Chief Terry Buddemeyer said the cost of each unit was $3,750.
The portable units will be used to help disinfect ambulances and the two ambulance bases, Buddemeyer said.
These lamps have been shown to protect the public and the ambulance district’s personnel from exposure to contagious organisms and, when used regularly, will provide 99.999999 percent disinfection and kills all known bacteria, virus, mold, protozoa and yeast.
“When the staff uses these lamps in conjunction with topical disinfection, this technology will provide a safer environment for patients and staff,” Buddemeyer said.
In addition to killing virus and bacteria in the ambulances, crews will be able to use the lamps to disinfect living spaces like bunk rooms where an individual may have become ill.
“We have set up a weekly schedule for use of the lamps, with additional use for ambulances on an as-needed basis after transporting a patient with a known infectious hazard,” Buddemeyer explained.
“This technology can stop the transmission of diseases that before may have caused an outbreak of colds and flu in areas such as an ambulance base that many people share 24 hours a day.
“The new UV-C Lamps will keep staff healthy, and it will keep the ambulances and bases clean for those who visit or tour the facilities,” Buddemeyer remarked.