The Infection Control Challenge in Emergency Response
Fire trucks and ambulances are uniquely high-risk environments for infection control. These vehicles are small, enclosed spaces where pathogens can accumulate quickly, exposing both first responders and patients to harmful bacteria and viruses. With limited time for cleaning between calls and uncertain patient infection status, traditional cleaning methods alone aren’t enough to keep these vehicles safe. Real-world testing confirms that EMS vehicles without continuous protection consistently exceed safe contamination levels, creating unnecessary risk for both crews and communities.
KEY RISK FACTORS
- Tight, enclosed spaces where pathogens build up in the air and on surfaces.
- High patient turnover, with multiple patients sharing the same space in a single shift.
- Minimal cleaning time between calls, leading to cumulative contamination.
- Unknown infection status, requiring crews to assume every patient is infectious.
- Proven contamination levels — ambulances without CASPR averaged 7.72 CFU/cm², far exceeding the 2.5 CFU/cm² safe threshold.
CASPR Transit: Continuous Protection for Fire Trucks & Ambulances
Fire trucks and ambulances face constant turnover of patients, limited time for cleaning, and high exposure to infectious agents. CASPR Transit was purpose-built to protect first responders and patients by continuously reducing pathogens in the air and on surfaces—with no added workload for crews. This compact, low-maintenance solution works in the background 24/7, helping departments create safer vehicles and healthier crews.
CASPR Transit uses Continuous Air & Surface Pathogen Reduction (CASPR) technology, an advanced purification process that continuously reduces pathogens in both the air and on surfaces. Using CASPR’s Natural Catalytic Conversion (NC2I) technology, the unit generates low, safe levels of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) from the vehicle’s ambient air. These molecules circulate throughout the vehicle, actively reducing bacteria, viruses, mold, and odors in real time. CASPR Transit works continuously—even while the vehicle is occupied—to provide constant protection.
In emergency vehicles, multiple patients are transported in the same space within a single shift, leaving little time for thorough disinfection between calls. Combined with the small, enclosed space and constant exposure to potentially infectious agents, this creates a high-risk environment for cross-contamination. CASPR Transit continuously reduces the bioburden between, during, and after transports, reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) for both first responders and patients.
Yes! CASPR Transit operates at extremely low, safe levels of hydrogen peroxide (0.01-0.04 ppm), well below OSHA and CARB limits for occupied spaces. It provides medical-grade disinfection without harmful chemicals or ozone, meaning it’s safe for crews, patients, and sensitive equipment.
CASPR Transit is proven effective against a broad range of threats, including:
- Bacteria like MRSA, E. coli, and C. difficile
- Viruses, including COVID-19
- Mold & fungi that can cause respiratory irritation
- Odors from bodily fluids and contaminants
Traditional methods like spraying disinfectants or using foggers only work when applied and often require the vehicle to be out of service during cleaning. CASPR Transit works continuously while the vehicle is in use—providing real-time disinfection without disrupting operations. This reduces reliance on harsh disinfectants like chlorine and bleach, which can corrode vehicle interiors and increase maintenance costs over time.
CASPR Transit offers flexible installation options. It is available in both 12-volt DC and 110-volt AC configurations, allowing it to fit seamlessly into any fire truck, ambulance, or emergency vehicle. It can be flush-mounted into the ceiling for a streamlined look or surface-mounted for quicker installation, with no complicated modifications required.
CASPR Transit is designed to be low-maintenance, with only a simple cell replacement needed every 18-24 months. There are no chemicals to refill and no daily cleaning required. It works automatically—ensuring continuous protection without adding to the crew’s workload.
By The Numbers: Real-World Pathogen Reduction
To validate the effectiveness of CASPR Transit in real-world conditions, a four-week study was conducted inside active ambulances. Throughout the study, surfaces inside these vehicles were regularly swabbed to measure bacterial contamination. One ambulance was equipped with CASPR Transit, while two control vehicles operated without it. By comparing surface contamination levels between the CASPR-equipped vehicle and the controls, the study demonstrated how CASPR Transit continuously reduces harmful pathogens, helping to create a safer environment for both first responders and patients.
These graphs show the average reduction in bacterial contamination (CFU/cm²) on high-touch surfaces in ambulances with CASPR Transit, compared to control units without CASPR. The data confirms that CASPR Transit continuously lowers surface bioburden, helping to create a cleaner, safer environment for first responders and patients.
The American Journal of Infection Control, in a Claro-published article, sets the standard for healthcare surfaces at 2.5 CFU/cm² or lower to help reduce healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). In the real-world testing conducted above, CASPR Transit delivered surface contamination levels 86% cleaner than this standard, while control ambulances exceeded the threshold by over 200%.
Dave Kuykendall
Director of Sales
As CASPR’s Director of Sales, Dave Kuykendall brings years of expertise in infection prevention and air quality solutions to support first responders. Whether you need product recommendations, pricing information, or a consultation, Dave is here to help keep your vehicles and crews protected.