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Latex Allergy in the Prehospital Setting

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 June 2012

Franklin H.G. Bridgewater ,
Kathryn Zeitz ,
Constance Katelaris  and
John Field
Franklin H.G. Bridgewater*
Affiliation:
St. John Ambulance Australia, SA, Inc., Australia
Kathryn Zeitz
Affiliation:
St. John Ambulance Australia, SA, Inc., Australia
Constance Katelaris
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
John Field
Affiliation:
BiometricsSA, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
*
St. John Ambulance Australia 79 Pennington Terrace North Adelaide, South Australia 5006, Australia E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Introduction:

Latex allergy first was recognized early in the 20th Century, but was not a matter of concern until the last decade of that Century. The reported incidence of latex allergy in different occupations varies considerably. It has been documented in dental workers, operating theater staff, anesthetists, and laboratory technicians. However, little data specifically related to those involved in patient care in the emergency prehospital setting are available.

Methods:

A questionnaire was distributed to a sample of both volunteer and salaried first responders from St. John Ambulance Australia in South Australia and Western Australia, and the South Australian AmbulanceService. The first responders were surveyed to: (1) determine the incidence of latex allergy; (2) consider possible factors associated with its development; (3) compare characteristics of the surveyed groups; and (4) reinforce the development of an educational program.

The study tool had predetermined statistical qualities. Data were collated and processed using standard statistical procedures. Surveys were collected anonymously.

Results:

Of the 2,716 forms distributed, 1,099 were returned, resulting in an overall response rate of 40.5%. Atopy was identified in 14.9% of participants, hand dermatitis in 9.4%, and latex allergy in 6.4%. In the group of full-time ambulance officers, there was a significantly higher incidence of hand dermatitis and latex allergy. There also was a significant relationship between latex allergies and both dermatitis and glove usage (as measured by frequency and duration).

Conclusion:

In a group of first responders assessed by an anonymous, voluntary questionnaire, the subset of full-time, salaried ambulance officers was identified as having a higher incidence of hand dermatitis and latex allergy than their volunteer co-workers. These results require further assessment to substantiate the frequency of latex allergy and determine the predisposing factors. All personnel must learn about hand care. Non-powdered, natural rubber latex gloves should be supported for general use in this setting.

Keywords

ambulance officersatopydermatitisfirst respondersgloveslatex allergyquestionnairevolunteers
Type
Original Research
Information
Prehospital and Disaster Medicine , Volume 21 , Issue 5 , October 2006 , pp. 322 - 328
Copyright
Copyright © World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine 2006

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