What is the first action you should take after transporting a patient who is HIV positive?

The first action to take after transporting a patient who is HIV positive is to disinfect your stretcher and replace the linen. This is essential for maintaining safety and preventing the potential spread of infectious diseases. The cleaning process involves using appropriate disinfectants to ensure that any blood, bodily fluids, or any other potentially infectious materials are thoroughly removed from the surfaces.

In the context of infection control, this action is part of standard procedures designed to protect both the medical team and future patients. Disinfecting equipment and surfaces such as stretchers is important in any healthcare setting to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.

While notifying the dispatcher of your status, checking vital signs again, or waiting for further instructions from medical control might be relevant in different situations, these actions do not directly address the immediate need for infection control following the transport of a patient with a known infectious disease. Prioritizing disinfection demonstrates a proactive approach to ensuring safety for the entire healthcare environment.