What is the recommended method for transporting patients infected with airborne pathogens?

The recommended method for transporting patients infected with airborne pathogens involves using a private room with the door closed. This approach is critical because airborne pathogens are capable of traveling through the air for extended distances and can be inhaled by individuals who are not infected. By keeping the patient in a private room with the door closed, the risk of airborne transmission is significantly reduced, as it contains the pathogen to a limited area and minimizes exposure to healthcare personnel and other patients.

Proper ventilation in these private rooms also contributes to effective air exchanges, further diluting airborne particles. This practice is essential in healthcare settings, especially during outbreaks of diseases transmitted through the air, such as tuberculosis or COVID-19, where protecting vulnerable individuals is paramount.

Transporting a patient in a hallway, using an open ambulance, or isolating them without transport does not adequately safeguard against the risk of spreading airborne pathogens and can compromise the safety of others in the vicinity. Therefore, the chosen method reflects best practices in infection control, ensuring both patient safety and public health considerations are met.