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Determining The Electromyographic Fatigue Threshold Following a Single Visit Exercise Test
Published on: July 27, 2015
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Fatigue and Safety in Paramedicine
Elizabeth A Donnelly1, Paul Bradford2, Matthew Davis3
1From the University of Windsor, School of Social Work, Windsor, ON.
CJEM
|November 28, 2019
Summary
Fatigue significantly impacts safety for Canadian paramedics, increasing risks of injury and errors. Addressing fatigue in paramedicine is crucial for improving patient safety and paramedic well-being.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Emergency Medical Services
- Human Factors
Background:
- Existing research links fatigue to safety outcomes.
- Relevance to Canadian paramedicine requires specific investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the relationship between fatigue, shiftwork, and safety outcomes in Canadian paramedics.
- To assess if established fatigue-safety links apply to the Canadian paramedicine context.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to paramedics across ten Ontario services.
- Data collected included fatigue levels, safety outcomes (injuries, errors, adverse events), and work patterns.
- Statistical analyses (univariate and logistic regression) were employed.
Main Results:
- 55% of surveyed paramedics reported workplace fatigue.
- Fatigued paramedics had higher odds of reporting injuries (2x), safety-compromising behaviors (3x), and errors/adverse events (1.5x).
- Shift length did not consistently predict safety outcomes when fatigue was controlled.
Conclusions:
- Preliminary evidence suggests a significant link between fatigue and safety outcomes in Canadian paramedicine.
- Fatigue mitigation strategies may be beneficial for enhancing safety.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these findings.
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