title: Physical workload of ambulance assistants.
abstract: The physical workload of ambulance assistants was assessed by means of the Ovako Working posture Analysis System (OWAS) observation method and a Work and Health Questionnaire (WHQ) for measuring perceived workload. In addition, a biomechanical model was applied to several specifically strenuous conditions that were simulated in a laboratory situation. Bad postures were identified for a number of activities: 16% to 29% of a work shift was spent in harmful positions. Strenuous situations occur particularly during rides in emergency situations. The results of observed and perceived workload are generally in agreement. A number of practical recommendations are made. They concern, for example, the equipment in ambulance cars, training of ambulance assistants and adaptations in working procedures.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Limburg, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Doormaal
authors.forename: A P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Driessen
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Landeweerd
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Drost
mesh_terms: D000552:Ambulances; D001334:Automobile Driving; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004634:Emergency Medical Technicians; D016529:Emergency Nursing; D006801:Humans; D017770:Lifting; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands; D015588:Observer Variation; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016526:Workload