Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and injuries among emergency medical technicians and paramedics: A comprehensive narrative review.
Archives of environmental & occupational health · 2020-10-19 · Other / unclear
Abstract
The aim of this article was to review the current knowledge relating to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) and non-fatal injuries in emergency medical technicians and paramedics (EMTs-Ps). A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Clinical Key. The annual prevalence of back pain ranged from 30% to 66%, and back injuries and contusions from 4% to 43%. Falls, slips, trips, and overexertion while lifting or carrying patients or instruments ranged from 10% to 56%, with overexertion being the most common injury. Risk factors were predominantly lifting, working in awkward postures, loading patients into the ambulance, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedures. Lack of job satisfaction and social support was associated with WRMDs and injuries. EMTs-Ps had the highest rate of worker compensation claim rates compared to other healthcare professionals. Positive ergonomic intervention results included electrically powered stretchers, backboard wheeler, descent control system, and the transfer sling.
Abstract © the authors or publisher, via PubMed. Reuse and removal
Tags
Paramedics & EMTs · Patient handling equipment
Related articles
- Profiling paramedic job tasks, injuries, and physical fitness: A scoping review. (Appl Ergon, 2025)
- Injury profiles and attitudes toward safety handling skills among emergency medical technicians: an integrated behavioral model analysis. (BMC Public Health, 2025)
- Spinal pain syndrome incidence among paramedics in emergency response teams (Disaster and Emergency Medicine Journal, 2022)
- Pre-Employment physical capacity testing as a predictor of musculoskeletal injury in Victorian paramedics. (Work, 2021)
- Overall risk index for patient transfers in total assistance mode executed by emergency medical technician-paramedics in real work situations. (Appl Ergon, 2019)
- Implementing powered stretcher and load systems was a cost effective intervention to reduce the incidence rates of stretcher related injuries in a paramedic service. (Appl Ergon, 2017)