Citation

Armstrong DP, Ferron R, Taylor C, McLeod B, Fletcher S, MacPhee RS, Fischer SL. Appl. Ergon. 2017; 62: 34-42.

Affiliation

Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Canada. Electronic address: steven.fischer@uwaterloo.ca.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.apergo.2017.02.009

PMID

28411738

Abstract

Paramedic services are considering moving towards the use of powered stretcher and load systems to reduce stretcher related injuries, but cost is perceived as a barrier. This study compared injury incidence rates, days lost, and compensation costs between Niagara Emergency Medical Service (NEMS) and Hamilton Paramedic Service (HPS) pre- (four years) and post- (one year) implementation of powered stretcher and load systems in NEMS. Prior to the intervention stretcher related musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) incidence rates averaged 20.0 (±6.8) and 17.9 (±6.4) per 100 full time equivalent (FTE), in NEMS and HPS respectively. One-year post intervention rates decreased to 4.3 per 100 FTE in NEMS, a 78% reduction. Rates modestly increased to 24.6 per 100 FTE in HPS in same period. Cost-benefit analysis estimated that the added cost to purchase powered stretcher and load systems would be recovered within their expected 7-year service life due to the reduction in compensation costs.

Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Cost-benefit; Economics; Ergonomics; MSD prevention