title: [The incidence of accidents at work among paramedics in the years 2001-2013 based on the register of one selected hospital].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Paramedics are exposed to a number of factors that may have a direct or indirect impact on the risk of an accident at work. The aim of the study was to analyze the incidence of accidents at work among paramedics as well as to discuss risk factors and measures to prevent such cases.
  
  
  METHODS
  The data on accidents at work were obtained from unpublished internal hospital documentation. The results were subjected to statistical analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the years 2001-2013 there were 40 events, including 6 collective accidents, in which 41 paramedics of the emergency department were injured. On average, around 3 accidents involving paramedics occurred each year. The accidents happened most frequently in the evening and at night and in the winter months (statistically insignificant relationship). Incorrect behavior of the paramedics was the most common cause of an accident (75.6%) and musculoskeletal injuries (75%) most frequently of upper and lower limbs (55%) were the most common effects of an accident. In none of the cases safety regulations were breached by employees or employer.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Accidents among paramedics can be prevented by changing the interior design of and the medical equipment installation in the rear cabin of the ambulance, conducting regular training to upgrade the skills of paramedics and enriching their knowledge about health and safety in their widest meaning. Med Pr 2016;67(2):213-221.
authors.affiliation: Uniwersytet Medyczny w Łodzi / Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland (Zakład Higieny i Promocji Zdrowia / Department of Hygiene and Health Promotion). anna.garus-pakowska@umed.lodz.pl.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Garus-Pakowska
authors.affiliation: Uniwersytet Medyczny w Łodzi / Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland (Zakład Higieny i Promocji Zdrowia / Department of Hygiene and Health Promotion). ewelina.gaszynska@umed.lodz.pl.
authors.forename: Ewelina
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gaszyńska
authors.affiliation: Uniwersytet Medyczny w Łodzi / Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland (Zakład Higieny i Promocji Zdrowia / Department of Hygiene and Health Promotion). franciszek.szatko@umed.lodz.pl.
authors.forename: Franciszek
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Szatko
mesh_terms: D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000328:Adult; D000488:Allied Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008875:Middle Aged; D060051:Occupational Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors; D012621:Seasons
keywords: accidents; injuries; paramedics; prevention; risk factors; work