# The influence of ergonomic factors on the work conditions of paramedics during the rescue of trauma patients in an ambulance

**Authors:** Daniel Celiński, Sylwia Bęczkowska, Iwona Grabarek, Katarzyna Grzybowska, Zuzanna Zysk, Tadeusz Miłowski, Krzysztof Marek Mitura, Sławomir Dariusz Szajda

PMC · DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e42370 · Heliyon · 2025-01-29

## TL;DR

This study examines how ergonomic issues in ambulances affect paramedics' work conditions and musculoskeletal health during trauma patient rescues.

## Contribution

The study introduces ergonomic and organizational recommendations to reduce injury risks for paramedics during medical procedures in ambulances.

## Key findings

- Paramedics experience musculoskeletal overloads due to forced positions during procedures.
- High injury risks are observed when paramedics work in ambulances while in motion.
- An ergonomic ambulance interior can help reduce these injury risks.

## Abstract

The risk factors encountered in the work of paramedics include ergonomic, physical, psychological, and biochemical factors. This study identifies discomforts experienced by paramedics during medical procedures in ambulances, emphasizing their negative impact on musculoskeletal load and forming the basis for ergonomic and organizational recommendations.

The study employed non-invasive MyoMotion and EMG methods to measure musculoskeletal strain during typical stationary and transit medical procedures.

Preliminary results showed musculoskeletal overloads resulting from paramedics assuming forced positions during medical procedures on trauma patients. Some of these positions, especially while the ambulance was in motion, were characterized by a high risk of injury.

An ergonomic ambulance interior can help reduce the risk of injuries during medical procedures.

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** musculoskeletal strain (MESH:D013180), injuries (MESH:D014947), musculoskeletal overloads (MESH:D009140)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

8 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11850146/full.md

## References

41 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11850146/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11850146