Implementing powered stretcher and load systems was a cost effective intervention to reduce the incidence rates of stretcher related injuries in a paramedic service.

Armstrong, Daniel P; Ferron, Richard; Taylor, Cindi; McLeod, Brent; Fletcher, Steve; MacPhee, Renée S; Fischer, Steven L

doi:10.1016/j.apergo.2017.02.009

Workforce & occupational health

Implementing powered stretcher and load systems was a cost effective intervention to reduce the incidence rates of stretcher related injuries in a paramedic service.

Daniel P Armstrong, Richard Ferron, Cindi Taylor, Brent McLeod, Steve Fletcher, Renée S MacPhee, Steven L Fischer

Applied Ergonomics · 2017-02-27 · Quasi-experimental

Read at publisher · PubMed

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.

Implementing powered stretcher and load systems was a cost effective intervention to reduce the incidence rates of stretcher related injuries in a paramedic service.

Abstract

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