Accidents and injuries resulting from the moving/handling of patients remain a primary cause of ill health and early retirement amongst ambulance personnel. Such statistics appear to reflect the high physical demands of the job and psychosocial aspects of the work. Whilst in recent years there have been considerable advancements in ambulance design and patient handling equipment, recent case study examples reveal that poor design and disparity between equipment and operator requirements are still a cause for concern, which can have a detrimental effect on good handling practices. Recognition of the need to reduce musculoskeletal injuries within the ambulance services has led to the formation of an HSE-led Ambulance Services Working Group which brings together many different professions and disciplines.
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