Safe access/egress systems for emergency ambulances.

摘要

OBJECTIVE: To comparatively evaluate the three most widely used ambulance stretcher loading systems; easi-loader, ramp/winch and tail lift to identify a preferred system based on safety and usability evidence. METHODS: Three data types were collected in the field, the laboratory and from a national questionnaire. Field data were collected using the qualitative methods of observation (link analysis and hierarchical task analysis) and interview (critical incident technique) over 12 months during 2004-5. Laboratory data were collected for detailed postural analysis. A national ranking questionnaire was used to prioritise the resulting design issues. RESULTS: The field study data were analysed, triangulated and summarised in a taxonomy to identify the design and operational issues. A list of 14 criteria was used in a national ranking exercise with 134 ambulance staff and manufacturers. Patient and operator safety was ranked as the highest priority, followed by manual handling. The postural analysis found that the easi-loader system presented the highest postural risk. CONCLUSIONS: The tail lift was found to be the preferred and safest loading system from both the field and laboratory research and is the recommended option from the evaluated loading systems.