Hospital EVS technicians: The unsung heroes fighting infections and saving lives

High-stakes hygiene: In a hospital, health starts from the floor up.

When you walk into a hospital, you'll see gleaming floors and spotless rooms. Behind that shine is a Geisinger team of professionals whose work is critical to patient health: environmental services (EVS) technicians. They don’t just clean — they protect patients from infections by keeping everything as germ-free as possible.

“We’re not just housekeepers. We take care of the entire environment of care,” says Lura Spriggs, supervisor of environmental services at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital. Her team’s responsibilities go far beyond sweeping. They disinfect patient rooms, manage supplies and even handle sensitive materials like patients’ personal belongings after discharges — all while maintaining strict infection control protocols. The stakes are high. Hospitalized patients are more vulnerable to infections, and EVS technicians are the first line of defense. Joan Barnett, a third-shift EVS supervisor at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, emphasizes this point: “We’re a key part in patients getting better. If there is no clean environment, the patient is susceptible to infection.”

Technology meets expertise

At Geisinger, EVS teams now use advanced tools like ultraviolet (UV) disinfection devices, which kill pathogens invisible to the naked eye. The UV light in a germicidal wavelength breaks down the DNA of microorganisms, rendering them harmless. It kills 99.9% of bacteria, mold spores, algae, protozoa, viruses and yeasts. After a 2-step manual cleaning with hospital-grade disinfectants, these devices add an extra layer of protection against dangerous bacteria like Clostridioides difficile, or C. diff. “It’s a game changer for the department and facility,” says Mrs. Spriggs. The process is meticulous — correctly placing sensors, controlling the devices by a tablet and following safety protocols allows thorough disinfection of a patient room without risk to staff or patients.

Training and professionalism

Becoming an EVS technician isn’t as simple as knowing how to mop a floor. New hires undergo 4 to 6 weeks of training, including online modules, hands-on practice and competency assessments. Technicians are instructed to treat each patient room as if they were in the patient’s home. They explain what they’ll be doing and ask permission. When they finish their tasks, they ask the patient if they need anything. If so, the EVS technician relays that information to a nurse for follow-up. Many pursue advanced certifications like the CHEST (Certified Healthcare Environmental Services Technician) credential, which focuses on infection prevention and environmental safety. CHEST is a national certification and is recognized everywhere in the United States.

More than cleaning

EVS technicians often work under intense pressure — turning over dozens of rooms in a single shift, responding to emergency spills and supporting surgical teams. During COVID-19, their role became even more critical. “COVID was like a war zone,” recalls Ms. Barnett. Enhanced cleaning protocols, personal protective equipment requirements and constant updates became the norm, all while many staff members fell ill themselves. Despite their essential role, EVS technicians are often overlooked as critical hospital employees. Ms. Barnett advocates for her team: “People take EVS technicians for granted, but it’s a very important job.” From operating rooms to waiting areas, their work directly impacts patient outcomes.

The heart of hospital safety

Every sanitized surface, every disinfected room, every stocked supply cart represents the dedication of EVS professionals. As Mrs. Spriggs puts it, “If it’s in the care environment, we’re doing it. An EVS technician is just as important as a nurse.” So the next time you walk through a hospital, remember: The clean, safe environment around you is no accident. It’s the result of skilled, committed EVS technicians whose work protects people’s lives.