Hamad Medical Corporation Ambulance Service’s paramedics have demonstrated a strong knowledge of COVID-19 and its transmission, according to a study published recently.
The study has revealed that the overall positive attitude and good infection control practices among the paramedics were a demonstrative effort to reduce risks associated with the spread of the virus in pre-hospital setting.
The study ‘Knowledge, attitude, and practice of paramedics in Qatar regarding the use of personal protective equipment against COVID-19,’ published on QScience has focused on the collection of descriptive data utilising a purpose-designed online survey.
Internationally, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand on healthcare services and resources. The proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by paramedics has recently become apparent. The risk of COVID-19 transmission has increased during pre-hospital life-saving procedures generating aerosols such as non-invasive ventilation, tracheal intubation, and external chest compressions, especially when working in a confined ambulance compartment.
Paramedics are encouraged to increase body-surface-isolation by donning additional PPE (high-filtration facemasks/face shields/surgical gowns/surgical hoods) during all patient encounters.
In Qatar, the study aimed to better understand paramedics’ knowledge, attitude, and practice of PPE utilisation in the country during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Around 1,300 frontline paramedics employed by Hamad Medical Corporation Ambulance Service were invited via email to participate in the study.
Among them 282 paramedics completed the survey. 90.4% were male and 78.7% had a bachelor’s degree. 97.1% completed the mandatory Hamad Medical Corporation Ambulance Service online infection control training program, 82.9% completed an N95 mask fit test in the last five years, and 91.5% completed the hand hygiene training program.
The study found paramedics to be knowledgeable about COVID-19 and its transmission (98.2%). Paramedics’ attitude was mainly positive towards the use of PPE to prevent the spread of the virus which was synchronous with their practice.
“An effective model to curb the spread of COVID-19 amongst healthcare workers must consider the knowledge, attitude, and practice of first responders. This sample demonstrated a strong knowledge of COVID-19 and its transmission,” wrote the study authors Padarath Gangaram, Yugan Pillay, and Guillaume Alinier.
To mention, one of the major steps taken by the Ambulance Service related to COVID-19 was to protect the paramedics and patients by providing personal protective equipment, providing training, following decontamination measures and set a schedule for smooth transportation of patients.
Besides transporting COVID-19 patients, the Ambulance Service also involved in screening/ swapping at Hamad International Airport and Hamad Port. Ambulance staff helps managing quarantine facilities, provide the operational capacity for the drive-thru swabbing and at vaccination centres.
In addition to its frontline role in COVID-19 measures, the Ambulance Service continues to respond to hundreds of non-COVID-19 emergency calls every day.
Also other community service, including supported discharge (eg IV antibiotics, dressings at home), transferring patients from one facility to another, long term care for housebound elderly patients and services at fixed facilities at the Patient Recovery Centre (57 bedded step down facility) and the HIA’s North-Node Clinic.
