MRSA In the Pre-Hospital Setting

What is it?Methicillin Resistant Staphyococcus AAureusStaphyococcus Aureus-SA (“Staph”)

A common bacteria present in our everyday environment found on many fomites and the skin of many healthy individuals

Methicillian ResistantBacteria (“Staph”) has developed a resistance to antibiotics in the “cillin” familyMRSA is a specific strain of the SA bacteria

ColonizationThe presence and multiplication of an organism with out tissue invasion or damage.

• Skin• Nasal passages

InfectionThe invasion of the body by pathogenic microorganisms that reproduce and multiply causing illness and/or disease.

Rates of Colonization

• 25-30% of population colonized with Staph

• ~1% is colonized with MRSA

MRSA Infection• Skin Breaks• Open Wounds• Sutures• Foreign Bodies• Urine• Blood• Respiratory

Skin Infections

Questions to ask…..

• Where is it?•Wound•Urine•Respiratory

• Active?•Does the patient presently have an

infection?or is it resolved?

Look at med listLook at medical Hx

Precautions• Wounds

– Proper PPE– Infection Control – Cover it

• Respiratory– Surgical Mask for Pt– Ventilation

• Urine– Empty Foley bags prior to transport– Avoid Contact with urine

Risk to HCP

• Clinical Environment• Sick People• Confined Space• Disregard for Infection Control •Depressed Immune System