West Coast EMT Block One Exam

When decontaminating the back of your ambulance after a call, you should:

1. spray the contaminated areas and then immediately wipe them dry with a towel

2. use a bleach and water solution at a 1:2 dilution ratio to thoroughly wipe all surfaces

3. clean all surfaces and patient contact areas with a mixture of alcohol and water

4. allow surfaces to air dry unless otherwise indicated in the product directions

The correct answer is: allow surfaces to air dry unless otherwise indicated in the product directions

The choice to allow surfaces to air dry unless otherwise indicated in the product directions is correct because air drying is a critical component of effective decontamination. Many disinfectants require a certain contact time with the surface to be effective, meaning they must remain wet for that duration to adequately kill pathogens. If you wipe the surfaces dry too quickly or employ methods that don't allow for sufficient contact time, you may not fully eliminate contaminants. Additionally, various cleaning and disinfecting products have specific instructions that should be followed for maximum efficiency. Air drying allows the product to remain in contact with the surface for the necessary period as specified by the manufacturer's directions. This step is essential for ensuring that the back of the ambulance is not only clean but also safe for the next patient or provider who enters the environment. On the other hand, other methods listed may compromise the effectiveness of the disinfecting process. For example, using a bleach and water solution but not allowing it to remain wet long enough may prevent it from effectively killing bacteria and viruses. Similarly, immediately wiping with a towel after applying a disinfectant can prematurely remove the agent before it has had a chance to work. Cleaning with a mixture of alcohol and water is not recommended for all surfaces and may not provide the necessary contact