Powered Ambulance Cots

Abstract

An experiment was conducted in order to examine the effect of differences in the design of two powered ambulance cots on operators. Experienced EMS workers performed two common tasks, loading and unloading the cots from a simulated ambulance bed. Dependent measures included muscle activity (trunk, shoulder, and arm muscles) and subjective perceptions. Independent variables were cot (Cot R and Cot Y), and weight on the cot (100, 150, and 200 lbs., to simulate patients of different weights). Muscle activity was found to be significantly lower when using Cot R, for both tasks, in comparison to Cot Y. Subjective preferences were mixed, with many subjects preferring the handle design of Cot Y, while preferring Cot R overall. This study showed that it is possible to substantially reduce the physical stress imposed on operators when loading and unloading a cot to and from an ambulance through improvements in cot design.

Occupational Injury Claims Related to Patient Lifting and Moving in a Safety-Oriented Emergency Medical Services Agency

“…Several studies have demonstrated the biomechanical stresses of loading a variety of stretchers and their effect on EMS work-place injuries. Sommerich et al found that powered stretchers drastically reduced muscle maximum voluntary exertions in the trunk and upper body during lifting and lowering activities [5]. Prairie et al found that powered stretchers alone were not enough to make the loading and unloading tasks safe, since one provider still had to bear the weight of the stretcher as it was taken in and out of the ambulance [6].…”