OBEL researchers have been working hard to translate MSD prevention knowledge into useful resources to support MSD prevention in the paramedic sector. While providing us with effective and timely prehospital emergency medical care, paramedics are exposed to a variety of MSD hazards. The body of available peer-reviewed literature targeting MSD prevention in the paramedic sector is not overwhelming by any means, but does offer several strategies that may be effective in helping paramedics and paramedic services eliminate, reduce, or better manage exposures to MSD hazards. An OBEL research team led by MSc student Daniel Armstrong, and including undergraduate research interns: Michelle Boileau, Brynna Su-Wen Yap, Carmel Leung, Sarah Cairns, Simrat Kang, and Brianna Hanson recently completed an exploratory review of that body of literature to identify and synthesize the available evidence.
Results of this exploratory review have been translated into two readily available resources. Interested readers can consult the proposed list of MSD prevention strategies as described in EMS Section 21 Guidance Note: Musculoskeletal Disorders, published by the Public Services Health & Safety Association (PSHSA). For a little more detail on the underlying research evidence, interested readers can consult the MSD prevention for the paramedic sector resource published by the Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders (CRE-MSD).
MSD prevention for the paramedic sector research does not stop there. In line with its "Inform Better, Safer Products" research theme, OBEL team members will engage with CRE-MSD researchers and stakeholders from the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), Frontenac Paramedic Service, Paramedic Chiefs of Canada, and Paramedic Association of Canada to develop national standards on ergonomic consideration for the design of land ambulances and associated paramedic equipment. The study is being funded by the Canadian Safety and Security Program, a federally funded program led by Defence Research and Development Canada’s Centre for Security Science in partnership with Public Safety Canada.