International archives of occupational and environmental health
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Int Arch Occup Environ Health · May 2005
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and back injury in ambulance officers.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is frequently performed by allied health professionals, and, if undertaken in compromised positions, it may induce injury to the rescuer's spine. Back pain as an occupational symptom in manual workers has received considerable attention in the medical literature, but there is no report on the effect of CPR on back discomfort. This article reports a survey that explored the difficulties encountered by ambulance officers during the CPR procedure. ⋯ Results of this survey suggest that there is a need to review the support given to ambulance officers to ensure safe administration of CPR, particularly during ambulance transport.