COVID-19: Nursing care for safety in the mobile pre-hospital service

Abstract

Objective: to describe the actions performed by nurses from the mobile pre-hospital service before, during, and after consultations and transfers of suspected and/or confirmed patients of Covid-19, and the limitations found by these professionals on reducing exposure to the disease. Method: a descriptive-reflective study about the actions performed by nurses from the mobile pre-hospital service in a capital city in southern Brazil to increase safety during consultations or transfers of suspected and/ or confirmed patients of Covid-19. Results: the study allowed us to reflect on the multidimensionality of actions necessary for the prevention and control of the pandemic. Attitudes were identified to ensure instrumental safety in mobile units, professional safety, and patient safety in mobile pre-hospital care. Conclusion: regarding the nurses, concern with the safety of the professionals and patients was identified, since they adopted conducts for the prevention and control of the pandemic through the use of equipment, materials, and preparation of the ambulance. Subjective aspects of the professionals involved must be considered, such as technical and psychological preparation, which is a fundamental aspect both for serving the population and for the safety of the patient and the professional in terms of exposure to the virus.