Overview
Keywords: Paramedics, Injury Prevention, Intervention, Lifting
Timeline: November 2015 - present
Researchers: Nathalie Oomen (Principal Investigator and student researcher, University of Waterloo), Steven Fischer (University of Waterloo), Jack Callaghan (University of Waterloo)
Funder: CRE-MSD
Project type: Seed grant
Partner: Peel Regional Paramedic Service
Sector/Workplace type: Healthcare sector
Themes:
Theme
3
Risk
Assessment
Theme
4
Interventions
Background/rationale
This project will meet two main objectives. First, the results will provide a preliminary description of the peak and cumulative exposures associated manual and powered stretcher use. This information will help inform front-line paramedics and management about the risks, benefits, and potential trade-offs between peak and cumulative exposures during manual and powered stretcher use. Second, the results will describe user’s feedback and preferences regarding the use of powered stretchers. This information will help management to understand how front-line paramedics are using the equipment to help develop adoption guidelines including appropriate training and policy to guide safe use.
Research quesetion/objectives/methods
The four research questions of this study are:
- Does the use of a powered stretcher decrease peak and cumulative spine and shoulder loading relative to the use of a manual stretcher when performing patient lifting/lowering tasks?
- Does the use of a powered stretcher decrease peak and cumulative spine and shoulder loading relative to the use of a manual stretcher when loading/unloading the stretcher into/out of the ambulance?
- Does the use of a powered stretcher decrease peak and cumulative spine and shoulder loading relative to the use of a manual stretcher when performing patient transporting (push/pull) tasks?
- Which stretcher do paramedics prefer for patient lifting/lowering, stretcher loading/unloading, and patient transport (push/pull) tasks?
Key findings
In progress.
Implications for the prevention of MSD
Results will describe risks and benefits associated with the implementation of powered stretchers as an MSD prevention strategy for paramedics.
Knowledge dissemination
A report will be prepared by the UW researchers for the Peel Regional Paramedic Service working group highlighting the relevant findings of the work. Results of this pilot work will also be presented at relevant national and international scientific meetings by UW researchers. Dr. Callaghan has prior linkages with the PSHSA related to first responders and results will be conveyed to PSHSA for distribution to all Paramedic services in the province.