A virus was transmitted to another EMT after the stretcher was contaminated with blood and a secondary exposure occurred. Which route of transmission does this scenario describe?

• A. Direct contact.
• B. Airborne transmission.
• C. Indirect contact.
• D. Vector-borne transmission.

Answer: (C)

Indirect contact transmission happens when pathogens move from a contaminated object or surface (a fomite) to a person, who then becomes exposed. Here, the stretcher touched by blood carries the virus, and the EMT becomes infected after handling that contaminated surface and then transferring the virus to mucous membranes or through a break in the skin. This is different from direct contact, which would require transfer directly from one person to another, or from airborne transmission, which involves inhaling droplets or aerosols, or from vector-borne transmission, which requires a living carrier like an insect. The stretcher as a contaminated object making contact with the EMT is a classic indirect contact scenario. Proper decontamination and use of PPE help prevent this route of transmission.