Ergonomics demands associated with combinations of manual and powered emergency medical service cots and ambulance loading systems: A work simulation study

摘要

Digital human models were used to perform a virtual ergonomics assessment of manual and powered emergency medical services cots combined with both manual and powered ambulance loading systems. Simulations were run with all combinations of emergency medical technicians (EMTs), at 50 kg (female), 72 kg (female) and 125 kg (male) with cots containing no patient and patients of 125 kg and 159 kg. There was a substantial decrease in low back and upper extremity demands with the use of a powered cot, and a further decrease with the additional use of a powered loading system, even though it only required one EMT. The benefits of a fully powered system were magnified with the simulation of both heavier EMTs and patients. Additionally, this study demonstrates the utility of digital human models and work simulation to evaluate product designs that impact occupational demands and injury risk.