ABSTRACT
This chapter summarises the results of the postural analysis of loading and unloading tasks conducted using ambulance stretcher loading equipment. In recent years the ambulance services have made efforts to reduce the level of manual handling activities through the introduction of mechanical aids to assist in loading tasks. Vehicle manufacturers are now placing a high priority on ambulance design and safety to protect both patients and staff (Overton, 2001), and ambulance services have begun purchasing new types of equipment. The preliminary field study was carried out in phase on of this research, analysing the performance of the stretcher loading systems. The preliminary field study was carried out in phase on of this research, analysing the performance of the stretcher loading systems (Jones and Hignett, 2005). This identified 14 usability issues affecting the loading and unloading task. The field study results found the tail lift to be the better system as it almost eliminates manual handling from the task.
