A Biomechanical Evaluation of Potential Ergonomic Solutions for Use by Firefighter and EMS Providers When Lifting Heavy Patients in Their Homes

Details

• Personal Author:
  Bigelow S ; Lavender SA ; Marras WS ; Pay NA ; Ramachandran V ; Seagren K ; Sillars D ; Sommerich CM ; Sun C ; Weston EB ; Xu Y
• Description:
  Firefighters and EMS providers continue to be challenged when lifting heavy patients in their homes. This study investigated the biomechanical efficacy of four devices that could be used by two-person teams when lifting patients from the floor, from a reclining chair, or from a Simulated Inflatable Seat at chair height. Fourteen firefighter-paramedics, working in two-person teams, were instrumented with motion capture and electromyographic sensors. The Binder Lift(TM), the Simple Strap, and the Slip Preventer were used to lift patient actors, and were compared to current lifting methods. Postural data and the peak dynamic spine shear forces at the L5/S1 level were reduced when using the Simple Strap, the Binder Lift, and the Simulated Inflatable Seat. The Slip Preventer reduced spine flexion when the Binder Lift was not used. In summary, the tested devices can potentially reduce the biomechanical loads experienced by EMS providers as they lift and move patients. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Emergency Responders Ergonomics Firefighters Musculoskeletal System Occupational Health Safety
• Keywords:
  Author Keywords: Firefighter Biomechanical Engineering Emergency Medical Services Workers Emergency Responders EMS Fire Fighters First Responders Injury Prevention Lifting Paramedics Patient Handling Posture

  More +
• ISSN:
  0003-6870
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Grant
• Genre:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  Ohio ; OSHA Region 5
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Volume:
  82
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20059521
• Citation:
  Appl Ergon 2020 Jan; 82:102910
• Contact Point Address:
  Steven A. Lavender, Integrated Systems Engineering, 1971 Neil Ave., Rm 210, Columbus, OH, 43210., USA
• Email:
  Lavender.1@osu.edu
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2020
• Performing Organization:
  Ohio State University
• Peer Reviewed:
  True
• Start Date:
  20060701
• Source Full Name:
  Applied Ergonomics
• End Date:
  20260630
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:62f75f7f99c8b72a17920bfd90426562853d5c4a7d7203c9134c0da0be506f7812bd0e6fecfe9b9a925fffcb5d01b4a887de39d5c6342ed755232e0a3ef5ed2a
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/223718/cdc_223718_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 1.69 MB ]