Medstar Uses UV Sterilization to Decontaminate Ambulances After Transporting a Potential COVID-19 Patient

Medstar, Southern Michigan’s largest EMS and mobile healthcare provider, is on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic and uses UV sterilization for any ambulance and equipment used to transport a patient meeting screening criteria for the virus. This is the same process and equipment used to sterilize hospital intensive care units after infectious disease exposure.

“While our clinical teams are always prepared for potential infectious disease patients, the unknown components of the COVID-19 virus have highlighted the effectiveness of UV sterilization,” said Medstar CEO Kolby Miller. “We are thankful that the equipment has long been a part of our routine decontamination, and now can be used in patient-specific incidents, and during the downtime between regular tours of duty. In addition to our chemical disinfectants, UV sterilization has been proven to be the most effective mechanism to kill viruses on surfaces, and the long exposure we are performing is effective in cabinets and compartments. We are closely engaged with local and state healthcare systems and EMS oversight, and follow all emergency protocols and CDC guidelines for COVID-19.”

In addition, to ensure Medstar delivers the healthiest clinical teams possible when responding to 911 scenes and healthcare facilities throughout 9 counties and 27 hospitals, each team member is screened before the start of each shift, and all personnel and vehicles are equipped with personal protective equipment. 

If you’d like to learn more about Medstar’s COVID-19 response or to see the UV sterilization, contact Anne Hein at ahein@medstarambulance.org or 586-980-1043. 

About Medstar
Medstar is Southern Michigan’s largest and most integrated 911 EMS and mobile healthcare provider, serving more than 190,000 patients annually throughout lower Michigan. Originally created in 1993 by two local hospitals committed to quality EMS in their communities, the nonprofit now serves communities in nine counties, and the stakeholder health systems now include Ascension-Michigan, Henry Ford Health System and the McLaren Healthcare Corporation. For more information, visit www.medstarambulance.org. 

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Contact
Anne Hein
ahein@medstarambulance.org
586-980-1043