Exploring implicit preventive strategies in prehospital emergency workers: a novel approach for preventing back problems

Back problems are a major occupational health issue for prehospital emergency care professionals. The goals of this article are to: 1) provide data about the prevalence and the severity of lower back and upper back disorders in emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics; 2) identify individual and collective strategies used by EMTs and paramedics to protect their health as they perform prehospital emergency missions; 3) provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of those strategies in preventing back problems. The method includes a questionnaire survey and ergonomics work practice analysis. A majority of ambulance professionals had experienced back pain in the twelve-month period before the survey. Work practice analysis revealed several strategies and tricks of the trade used by ambulance professionals to reduce the chances of back strain while providing emergency care. Multiple regression analyses showed that self-reported use of such strategies was associated with fewer back symptoms. Such strategies should be integrated into specialised training programs for prehospital medical emergency professionals. This approach could also be used in other work settings.