Ergonomics

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Ergonomics

• Or
• Hey that really hurts!

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What is Ergonomics?

• Ergonomics is the study of human capability in
  relation to the work environment.
• This means that by looking at how we do certain
  tasks, we can predict and prevent injuries.

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EMS and Injuries

• EMS leads in occupational injuries. Why?
• We carry 250 patients.
• We dont always ask for help when needed.
• We rush for a wide variety of reasons.
• We work in cramped environments.
• We dont take as much care of ourselves as we
  should.

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How do we prevent injuries?

• Call for help when needed
• Backup CMT unit
• Fire Dept.
• Police
• Facility Staff
• Gullible bystanders
• If using bystanders make sure they can take
  instruction and are physically able to do what
  you ask.

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How do we prevent injuries?

• Take better care of ourselves
• Exercise
• Try for twenty minutes of exercise at least twice
  a week
• Usually gym staff will be able to help set up a
  program for your current level of fitness
• Dont over do it and use proper technique
• Exercise can help prevent injuries, but can also
  cause them if done incorrectly

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How do we prevent injuries?

• Take better care of ourselves
• Eat properly (when possible)
• Avoid eating out of boredom
• Try to pick out more nutritious foods
• Dont drink to excess or as a solution to heavy
  stress
• Quit smoking
• Smoking has been shown to increase spinal disc
  degeneration (Brady - Paramedic Care Principles
  Practice P. 21)

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How do we prevent injuries?

• Take better care of ourselves cont
• Reduce Stress
• Find a relaxing hobby
• Talk about any problems that are bothering you
• Have regular physicals
• Get a full nights sleep (when possible)

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How do we prevent injuries?

• Dont lift if you dont have to
• If the patient can walk without exacerbating
  their condition let them
• Use lifting aids like slide boards and lifters
  when available
• Be familiar with your equipment
• When you do have to lift use good lifting
  technique.

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Proper Lifting Technique

• Position the load as close to your body and
  center of mass as possible
• Keep your palm facing up
• Bend the knees and lift with your legs
• If your knees are bad try not to bend more than
  90 degrees.
• Keep your spine centered with your center of
  gravity and use abdominal muscles to support
• Do not bend too far forward

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Proper Lifting Technique

• Keep your head up
• This allows you to keep eye contact with your
  partner
• Helps keep your spine straight
• Keeps your center of gravity over your hips

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Proper Lifting Technique

• When lifting
• One person should clearly verbalize movement and
  count
• Keep eye contact
• Lift at the same rate
• Keep a wide base on stable footing
• Exhale during the lift
• The Schwarzenegger yell is over doing it

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Proper Lifting Technique

• Things not to do
• Do not rush take small steps
• Avoid twisting or turning
• Avoid walking backwards if possible.
• Dont lift with your back
• Dont lean forward

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To report completion of program click on the link
below. If you have any questions please ask.
SUBMITAndrew Poptanich AEMT-P CLI