Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a serious nosocomial infection
within healthcare settings, and with its community version worldwide (i.e. communityacquired-
MRSA), it is safe now to classify it as an epidemic. The aim of this paper is
to build the logic for the reader to understand why this drug-resistant infection can impose
an occupational hazard towards emergency health services personnel in the prehospital
settings. This logic started with a model, the author conceptualizes as a cross-transmission
continuum, in which the author explains the role of emergency medical service personnel
in possibly contributing to the transmission of MRSA back and forth the community. A
solution to interrupt this continuum, particularly surveillance systems within the emergency
medical service field, is suggested and discussed. This is especially important in the
light of bioterrorism as surveillance can become a necessity in preparation for biological
disasters whether they are intentional (i.e. bioterrorism) or natural (i.e. outbreaks).