• A K Madan, D E Rentz, M J Wahle, and L M Flint.
• Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, USA.
• South. Med. J. 2001 Mar 1; 94 (3): 277-80.

BackgroundUniversal precautions during resuscitations are mandated by hospital regulations. We documented adherence to universal precautions during trauma resuscitations at our level I trauma center.MethodsDuring trauma resuscitations, a medical student using an elevated viewing platform observed health care workers (HCWs) for the use of barrier precautions (BPs): gloves, masks, gowns, and eyewear. Only HCWs having direct patient contact were included. The purpose of the observation was not disclosed to those being observed.ResultsIn 12 resuscitations involving 104 HCWs, none had 100% compliance with BPs. Compliance rates for individual BPs were gloves, 98%; eyewear (any type), 52%; gowns, 38%; masks, 10%; and eyewear (with side protectors), 9%. Resuscitations in which bleeding was observed involved 59 HCWs with 38% compliance; only 2 used full BPs. No difference in compliance rates occurred during the study period.ConclusionsExperienced trauma care HCWs are cavalier regarding blood-borne disease exposure risks. Measures to encourage (or force) compliance are needed.

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