PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) USING IN ANTALYA 112 EMERGENCY AMBULANCE SERVICES DURING OUTBREAK

A new type of Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was identified on January 7th, 2020, and the disease was named COVID-19 caused by this virus. The first confirmed COVID-19 (+) case in Antalya was detected on March 14^th, 2020 and transferred by an Antalya 112 emergency ambulance to hospital.

Using of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in ambulance work standards against COVID-19, was recommended by global health authorities. The aim of this descriptive, retrospective and cross-sectional study which is conducted between the dates of March 14th, 2020 – May 31st, 2020, is to evaluate the level of PPE usage, the risk analysis results of Antalya 112 ambulance teams during outbreak. There were 5344 possible and 787 confirmed COVID-19 (+) positive ambulance cases between the dates of study conducted. The majority of these cases were male (62%) and over the age of 65 (47%). The majority of cases were result in “transferred to healthcare facilities” (75.48%). The total 2361 ambulance team workers were taken to risk analysis measurements in terms of COVID-19. The majority of ambulance team members were assessed with no risk available. The ambulance team members who are assessed with no risk available, has preferred to use Level-4 PPE (N95/FPP-Goggle/face protection-Gloves-Apron/coverall) mostly (84.50%) during ambulance transfers. Using mask on patient and the level of PPE usage showed negative correlation with risk level of Healthcare Workers (HCWs). There have been detected only 2 HCWs diagnosed with COVID-19 with Computed Tomography. The follow-up procedures of two HCWs has been finalized, and both of them cured. The studies about easy-to-use, high-tech PPE with maximum protection, are recommended for further studies.