2007, Piran, Slovenia

Environmental Ergonomics XII
Igor B. Mekjavic, Stelios N. Kounalakis & Nigel A.S. Taylor (Eds.), © BIOMED, Ljubljana 2007
following casualty handling reflects the difficulties involved in performing the tasks (Table
3). Whilst the use of a stretcher reduced the perceived load, the transfer of a casualty onto a
stretcher in the aft deck may not be possible in some sea states.
Table 3. Ratings of perceived exertion of one subject for casualty handling (70kg dummy) in
the DC as a member of a two-man team.
Task No stretcher With stretcher
Lift from deck to lower bench 13 12
Lift from lower bench to inner cabin seat 14 13
Lift from inner cabin to deck 12 11
DISCUSSION
The most common method of recovering a casualty to a FRC or DC is by means of a manual
lift by two crewmen. Whilst this may be the fastest way, it is also the most physically
demanding. Elevated heart rates and RPE were observed during the casualty recovery
exercises using dummies that were less than half the average male weight (Table 1). The crew
firmly believed that they would find it exhausting to rescue more than about six casualties in
quick succession. Even under ideal conditions, casualty recovery is physically demanding due
to the levels of exertion required, and especially because of the postures that must be adopted
in the limited space available. David and Fernandes (1995) found that low back stress levels
determined at specific stages of the casualty recovery task can exceed the limits for acceptable
spinal loading. Predictions based upon the static strengths of a US working population,
suggested that casualty recovery would be beyond the capacity of many individuals, and
especially so if heavier than average individuals (or those with saturated or flooded clothing)
needed to be rescued. Thus, these activities expose the handler to a number of high risk
factors for manual handling that may result in back injury, pain and incapacity (HSE Manual
Handling Operations Regulations and Guidance, 1992).
Sharing or substituting roles can reduce the level of exertion required but may necessitate
increased crew numbers. Also, devices such as the Jason’s Cradle can reduce the demands
placed upon the crew during rescues (Table 1). However, in rougher seas, and with multiple
casualties, a simple manual lift could be quicker to use than the Jason’s Cradle, particularly if
the DC was rolling. Onboard, casualty handling necessitates the co-ordinated activity of two
crewmembers in confined space. The task requires each handler to lift and carry half of the
body weight, in awkward, stooping or twisted postures. The casualty handing exercise in this
study was conducted while the DC was onboard an ERRV in calm conditions. During a real
life incident, a casualty may have to be manoeuvred through narrow access hatches and up or
down steps on deck surfaces that could be wet, slippery and moving.
It is concluded, that multiple rescue incidents requiring the recovery, transfer and treatment of
casualties is demanding and could lead to exhaustion of rescue crew.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This project would not have been possible without the outstanding support provided by
Boston Putford Ltd. This project was supported by the Health and Safety Executive, UK.
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