Round-the-clock Disinfection Efforts
In the heart of Germany, the Düsseldorf Fire Department has taken significant strides to bolster its emergency service's disinfection capabilities, addressing the growing need for sanitisation in the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The department's emergency service, on average, carried out around 7 infection transports per day in the year 2018. With the surge in COVID-19 cases, this number has significantly increased, reaching approximately 40 infection deployments within 24 hours as of now.
To cater to this demand, the department has expanded its disinfection facilities. The initial capacity increase took place at the Huettenstrasse, allowing for simultaneous disinfection of multiple vehicles. In response to the growing demand over a longer period, disinfection measures were relocated to the "Fire Station Environmental Protection and Technical Service" on Posener Strasse.
The new central location, operational since March 20, serves as the hub for professional disinfection of emergency service vehicles in Düsseldorf. Around 30 emergency service vehicles need to be disinfected after these deployments at Posener Strasse.
The disinfection procedure involves the use of highly effective nebulizers (foggers) that disinfect the entire interior of vehicles. This method is applied both preventively and for vehicles that have been used by COVID-19 positive persons. Such professional nebulizer treatments effectively disinfect dangerous pathogens and ensure thorough cleaning of the vehicle interior.
To ensure the smooth operation of this service, specially trained staff is available around the clock to assist emergency service personnel in removing protective clothing. Shower areas have been provided for the cleanliness of both vehicles and emergency service personnel by renting containers and free changing cabins from the company Esprit.
The new disinfection location can handle ambulances, rescue vehicles, and emergency doctor vehicles. A protective level, including a single-use protective suit with a hood, an FFP-3 respiratory mask, rubber boots, two pairs of gloves, and protective goggles, is adhered to for all emergency service employees and disinfectors in case of suspected coronavirus infection.
This expansion of disinfection capabilities was done in anticipation of increased emergency service deployments related to the coronavirus. The department aims to maintain the highest standards of hygiene to protect its personnel and the public they serve.
[1] For similar professional disinfection services, one might look towards specialized cleaning centers such as the Schmidt Group’s cleaning center in Heilbronn, which serves truck fleets and could be analogous to emergency vehicle fleets in the region. However, specific locations within Düsseldorf itself were not explicitly listed in the provided results. It is likely that local health or municipal services would employ similar fogging or nebulizing technology at dedicated municipal vehicle maintenance or decontamination facilities, following regional COVID-19 hygiene protocols.
