Enroute Care in Confined Spaces: Medic Posture Study
Abstract
The confined space of common medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) configurations requires strenuous positions and painful postures of Critical Care Flight Paramedics (CCFPs) during patient loading and unloading during en route care. The goal of this study was to identify areas for design improvements or loading techniques to limit awkward or painful postures exhibited by the CCFP that may lead to injury or musculoskeletal disorders. Subjects performed patient loading and unloading on a simulated MEDEVAC interior while motion data was collected through a reflective marker-based motion capture system. The data from the litter pan position evaluations document was examined to identify movements or postures that cause pain or discomfort. Participants were asked to rate the difficulty on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 meaning completed without any awkward postures and 5 meaning the trial required constant awkward postures. The data shows that for all of the litter pan positions there was at least one posture mentioned as uncomfortable, and one area of the body mentioned as being negatively affected. These findings will contribute to the development of future MEDEVAC platforms and help develop strategies to prevent injuries to the CCFPs during patient loading and unloading procedures.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 29, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1180673
Entities
People
- Amy Lloyd
- Jeff Molles
- Kerri Caruso
- Laura Kroening
- Rachel Kinsler
Organizations
- United States Army Aeromedical Research Lab