A study on subjective health condition by musculoskeletal symptoms among emergency medical technicians

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSSs) and their correlation with subjective health condition (SHC) among emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Methods: A self-reported questionnaire was disseminated to EMTs (N=257) at emergency medical institutions and fire stations. Results: The prevalence of MSSs was very high in the studied EMTs: 88.3% reported having MSSs. The most commonly affected site was the lower back (73.9%) followed by the neck (56.8%) and the shoulder (55.6%). MSSs were more common in women than in men, and its frequency increased with age. MSSs in the neck and shoulder were more increased in EMTs with < 1 year of service. MSSs in the hand / wrist / finger or leg / foot were significantly increased in EMTs of emergency medical institutions than those of fire stations. Job satisfaction was significantly lower in those with MSSs of the lower back. The subjective heath condition was decreased with age, marriage, or smoking. There was significant corelation between MSSs and SHC. Conclusion: This study suggests that MSSs are a reasonably common problem for EMTs, and that solutions need to be imposed such as some actual tasks or items related to work postures, work control, and work organization.