Post-Shift Vehicle Checks: Why They Matter
Post-shift cleaning isn’t optional—it’s critical. Whether another crew takes over the ambulance or it returns to base, you must follow a standardised Post-Shift Vehicle Check routine. This process keeps the vehicle clean, prevents infection, and ensures it’s ready for the next emergency. Your actions directly protect patients, staff, and the wider community.
Remove and Dispose of All Waste
Start by clearing every bit of waste from the vehicle. Sort items correctly: place general waste in standard bins, recycle what’s appropriate, and discard clinical waste following your trust’s protocols. Don’t leave clinical waste bags beside or on top of bins—seal them securely and store them in designated areas. Skipping this step puts others at risk.
Clean All Patient Contact Surfaces
Next, clean every surface that a patient or crew member may have touched. Wipe down seats, stretcher frames, side rails, and worktops. Don’t rush. Cross-contamination starts where cleaning ends early. Your attention to detail here makes a huge difference.
Restock Equipment and Supplies
After cleaning, check what supplies the team used during the shift. Replace bandages, gloves, airways, oxygen cylinders, and other essential equipment. An ambulance without full stock is a risk on the road. Prepare it for immediate redeployment by refilling every compartment.
Clean the Floors Thoroughly
Then, sweep and mop the floor using authorised cleaning agents. Follow your organisation’s colour-coded system. Use the correct mop and bucket to avoid cross-contamination between zones. Stick to your cleaning protocol. It matters.
Dispose of Cleaning Materials Properly
Throw away used cloths, mop heads, and gloves in the clinical waste bin. Don’t reuse them. These items carry contaminants and should never make it into another shift.
Finish with Hand Hygiene
Once the vehicle is clean and restocked, wash your hands with soap and water. Dry them using a disposable towel. Then apply hand sanitiser. Clean hands complete a clean ambulance.
Record Everything in the VDI App
Finally, log your Post-Shift Vehicle Checks using the Vehicle Daily Inspection (VDI) App. Tick each completed task and sign off your inspection. This record confirms the vehicle is safe and ready. It also ensures personal and professional accountability.
Protect Lives, Every Shift
Every check matters. When you follow this routine consistently, you protect more than just your team—you safeguard patients, families, and the NHS itself. Don’t cut corners. Carry out your Post-Shift Vehicle Checks with care, purpose, and pride.
Leave a Reply