Firefighters performing emergency rescue functions are at an elevated risk of musculoskeletal injuries. The objective of the current study was to analyze the biomechanical stresses placed on the body ...based on simulations of the following strenuous
and frequently performed emergency rescue tasks: (1) transferring a patient from a bed to a stretcher using bedsheets, (2) transferring a patient from the ambulance stretcher to a hospital gurney, (3) carrying a victim down a set of stairs and through a landing using a stairchair, (4) carrying a victim down a set of stairs and through a landing using a backboard, and (5) carrying a victim down a straight set of stairs using a stretcher. Postural data were analyzed using the University of Michigan's Three-Dimensional Static Strength Prediction Program
TM and the relative risk of low back disorder (LBD) was quantified using the trunk motion model published by
Marras et al. (1993, spine 18, 617–628). Peak compression values and the probabilities from the
Marras et al. (1993) model indicated that the most hazardous tasks performed as part of this simulation included pulling a victim from a bed to a stretcher, the initial descent of a set of stairs when using the stretcher, and lifting a victim on a backboard from the floor. Overall, the two models were well correlated in their assessment of the task components modelled (
r=0.78). These data indicate where engineering changes to equipment regularly used by emergency rescue personnel would have the greatest impact in reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injury.
Endotoxin is an unwanted by product of recombinant proteins purified from
Escherichia coli. The inherent toxicity of endotoxins makes their removal an important step for the proteins’ application in ...several biological assays and for safe parenteral administration. The method described in this paper is a one-step protocol which is effective at removing tightly bound endotoxin from over-expressed tagged proteins in
E. coli. We combined affinity chromatography with a non-ionic detergent washing step, to remove most of the endotoxin contaminants from the end product. An endotoxin reduction of less than 4 to 0.2
EU
mg
−1 was achieved with protein recovery close to a yield 100%. As this new protocol requires only one step to simultaneously purify tagged proteins and eliminate endotoxins, it represents a substantial advantage in time, effort, and expense.
Paramedics who perform emergency rescue functions are highly susceptible to musculoskeletal injuries. Through an interview and survey process firefighters, many of whom are cross-trained paramedics ...in a consortium of 14 suburban fire departments, identified and rated tasks that were perceived to be both strenuous
and frequently performed. The objective of the current study was to describe the working postures and the forces applied as firefighter/paramedics (FF/Ps) simulated specific roles within the following tasks identified by the survey: (1) transferring a patient from a bed to a stretcher using bedsheets, (2) transferring a patient from the ambulance stretcher to a hospital gurney, (3) carrying a victim down a set of stairs and around a landing using a stairchair, (4) carrying a victim down a set of stairs and around a landing using a backboard, and (5) carrying a victim down a set of stairs using a stretcher. Ten two-person teams of FF/Ps participated and were videotaped to obtain postural data for the upper and lower extremities as they performed each role in the simulated two-person tasks. Trunk postures were obtained using
lumbar motion monitors. Static hand forces were estimated using a hand-held dynamometer at the most physically demanding points for each role within each task. The postural and force data were averaged across subjects performing identical roles to quantify the postures assumed by the FF/Ps at the most strenuous moments during task performance. Based on these analyses we concluded that: (1) when transferring victims from a bed to a stretcher the FF/P on the bed was able to maintain an upright and more stable posture by standing as opposed to kneeling, (2) an interface board should be used to reduce the frictional forces when transferring victims from a bed to a stretcher or from a stretcher to a gurney, thereby reducing the need to lift the victim with flexed torsos and /or shoulders, and (3) equipment and training that encourages the FF/P in the leader role to walk facing forward during victim transport, especially when descending stairs, potentially results in safer transit.
As a means of reducing the increasing incidence of musculoskeletal injuries in firefighters, the authors offer a framework for a program that would integrate hazard control and health promotion ...approaches. Particular focus is placed on the role of ergonomics and physical fitness factors in preventing these injuries.
Traditional managerial skills are no longer enough; first-line managers need to learn team-building skills and practice the spirit of teamwork. A survey shows how many first-line managers understand ...and practice team-building skills, where they learn these skills, and if they want to learn more.
The primary goal of this study was to understand the adoption of specific voluntarily used ergonomic intervention aimed at preventing musculoskeletal injuries in EMS workers. According to previous ...research in the areas of information technology, acceptance and diffusion of innovation, worker’s perceptions and attitudes impact the adoption of interventions. This research evaluated the adoption of an intervention that was designed to assist with the lateral transfer of patients as this has previously been reported as a frequent and strenuous task performed by EMS workers. The objective of the current study was to use structural equation modeling to determine which factors most closely affect its adoption. The model suggest that the perception that the intervention is relatively advantageous and easy to use, that the intervention is compatible with the task, having previous experience with similar tools and whether it was endorsed by champions who actively promote the use of the intervention are all factors contributing to the adoption of this ergonomic intervention.
More and more chief nurse executives (CNEs) are receiving incentive compensation plans. The authors report trends in incentive compensation and discuss what 184 CNEs in multihospital systems said ...about their incentive compensation plan.
