Ergonomic impact of prehospital clinicians using body armour: A qualitative study

Duncan T Ritchie; Christopher Doyle

doi:10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103947

Ergonomic impact of prehospital clinicians using body armour: A qualitative study

Appl Ergon. 2023 Apr:108:103947. doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103947. Epub 2022 Nov 30.

Authors

Duncan T Ritchie¹, Christopher Doyle²

Affiliations

¹ Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Institute of Prehospital Care, London's Air Ambulance, UK. Electronic address: duncan.ritchie@nhs.scot.
² Institute of Prehospital Care, London's Air Ambulance, London Ambulance Service NHS Trust, UK.

PMID: 36462452
DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103947

Abstract

Armed crime constitutes a significant number of offences in England. The associated healthcare burden forms 32% of the workload of London HEMS, requiring these clinicians to use body armour. Much research has explored the ergonomic impact of body armour in police and military populations however the impact on prehospital clinicians is not known. The aim of this study is to explore the perceptions of prehospital clinicians of wearing body armour.Focus groups were conducted until theoretical saturation was reached, utilising hermeneutic phenomenology.Problems with the comfort, safety, time, hygiene, coverage, and female fit of armour were identified. Clinicians feel hot in summer, time to respond to scenes is increased and the fit for females is poor.Consideration should be given to sourcing specific female-fit armour and to the interoperability with the rest of the protective clothing. A redesign of uniform could provide greater flexibility to mitigate some of the issues.

Keywords: Body armour; Emergency medical services; Focus groups.

MeSH terms

Emergency Medical Services*
England
Ergonomics
Female
Humans
Military Personnel*
Protective Clothing