New Ambulance Cleaning Method Developed

Like health care facilities, ambulances have many surfaces that need regular cleaning to remove harmful pathogens. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland have developed a new microwave sterilization technique they claim dramatically speeds up the process of ambulance cleaning, the European Cleaning Journal reports. The method uses electromagnetic waves, antennae, sensor beacons, and a liquid layer to rapidly heat up and sterilize surfaces from a safe distance.

Cleaning an ambulance with conventional chemical products takes around 30 to 40 minutes, keeping emergency services vehicles out of action for long periods. In a pilot test of the sterilization process, the research team was able to deactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus in just under 30 seconds.

The scientists believe the sterilization technology could also be used in operating rooms, restaurant tables, and in surfaces on trains and airplanes.

Researchers have experimented with other ambulance cleaning techniques, including peroxide aerosols, ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation, and infrared radiation. However, these methods have various downsides including potential damage to ambulance surfaces.