Ferno, a UK-based manufacturer of medical equipment, has developed a range of products for the emergency and medical services incorporating antimicrobial technology.
The Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire-based firm has worked with several companies within its supply chain to incorporate antimicrobial additives into powder coating equipment, injection mouldings, vinyls materials and polyurethane mouldings. The technology is applied in different ways depending on the material or component and is said to reduce the risk of infection from MRSA, E. coli and C. Difficile by actively inhibiting the growth of bacteria, moulds and fungi. Tests have shown that 99.9% of germs are eliminated within 24 hours from treated surfaces.
Research carried out by the public sector trade union UNISON concluded that ambulances are potentially the weakest link in the fight against MRSA and other ‘superbugs’ and national hygiene and cleaning standards need to be applied more rigorously to close the loophole, says Ferno.
Ferno offers a fully sealed antimicrobial mattress, which is covered with a polyurethane coated dual skin vinyl and strengthened mattress seam welds to improve infection control.
Antimicrobial additives have also been applied to the seat cover of Ferno’s Compact 2 Track chair.
Jon Ellis, Managing Director of Ferno (UK), said: “The materials for Ferno products have been specifically chosen to meet the stringent requirements of strength, durability and consideration for cleaning. Whilst normal, regular cleaning of equipment prevents bacteria growth, the antimicrobial technology is another safeguard to control and significantly reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.”