Affiliations: [a] University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia | [b] School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia | [c] Division of Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia | [d] SA Ambulance Service, Adelaide, SA, Australia
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Monica Broniecki, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2343, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia. Tel.: +61 8 8226 2714; E-mail: broniecki.monica@dpc.sa.gov.au
Abstract: This review explores the prevalence and determinants of musculoskeletal disorders in ambulance officers, and the limitations of the current epidemiological evidence to inform the development of interventions. Relevant studies were selected using defined word search terms and inclusion criteria. Existing research shows a high annual prevalence of back, neck and shoulder musculoskeletal disorders in ambulance officers and emergency medical technicians, whilst limited research has demonstrated significant associations between individual, physical and psychosocial demands, and musculoskeletal disorders of the low-back and neck-shoulder area. However, methodological issues will need to be addressed in future epidemiological research in order to inform the development of industry specific risk assessment tools that will assist in identifying the complex array of interactive risk factors involved in ambulance work. The accurate identification of risk factors will in turn, better inform the establishment of multifaceted interventions to reduce the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in ambulance officers.
