EMS Stretcher “Misadventures” in a Large, Urban EMS System : A Descriptive Analysis of Contributing Factors and Resultant Injuries
Joint Authors
Arthur, Annette O.
Goodloe, Jeffrey M.
Thomas, Stephen H.
Crowder, Christopher J.
Source
Emergency Medicine International
Issue
Vol. 2012, Issue 2012 (31 Dec. 2012), pp.1-4, 4 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2012-04-23
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
4
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Purpose.
There is a paucity of data regarding EMS stretcher-operation-related injuries.
This study describes and analyzes characteristics associated with undesirable stretcher operations, with or without resultant injury in a large, urban EMS agency.
Methods.
In the study agency, all stretcher-related “misadventures” are required to be documented, regardless of whether injury results.
All stretcher-related reports between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010 were queried in retrospective analysis, avoiding Hawthorne effect in stretcher operations.
Results.
During the year studied, 129,110 patients were transported.
23 stretcher incidents were reported (0.16 per 1,000 transports).
No patient injury occurred.
Four EMS providers sustained minor injuries.
Among contributing aspects, the most common involved operations surrounding the stretcher-ambulance safety latch, 14/23 (60.9%).
From a personnel injury prevention perspective, there exists a significant relationship between combative patients and crew injury related to stretcher operation, Fisher’s exact test 0.048.
Conclusions.
In this large, urban EMS system, the incidence of injury related to stretcher operations in the one-year study period is markedly low, with few personnel injuries and no patient injuries incurred.
Safety for EMS personnel and patients could be advanced by educational initiatives that highlight specific events and conditions contributing to stretcher-related adverse events.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Goodloe, Jeffrey M.& Crowder, Christopher J.& Arthur, Annette O.& Thomas, Stephen H.. 2012. EMS Stretcher “Misadventures” in a Large, Urban EMS System : A Descriptive Analysis of Contributing Factors and Resultant Injuries. Emergency Medicine International،Vol. 2012, no. 2012, pp.1-4.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-495341
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Goodloe, Jeffrey M.…[et al.]. EMS Stretcher “Misadventures” in a Large, Urban EMS System : A Descriptive Analysis of Contributing Factors and Resultant Injuries. Emergency Medicine International No. 2012 (2012), pp.1-4.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-495341
American Medical Association (AMA)
Goodloe, Jeffrey M.& Crowder, Christopher J.& Arthur, Annette O.& Thomas, Stephen H.. EMS Stretcher “Misadventures” in a Large, Urban EMS System : A Descriptive Analysis of Contributing Factors and Resultant Injuries. Emergency Medicine International. 2012. Vol. 2012, no. 2012, pp.1-4.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-495341
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-495341