This week 20 January: The year ahead Manual handling update ...

meet our people and get to know all aspects of AV; a number of them have already
made numerous visits to various sites.
In summary, we have delivered what we said we would and this year will be one of
addressing matters of finance, policy and strategy for AV, as we signalled previously,
so that we grow as the state’s ambulance service.
Manual handling update
The joint Ambulance Victoria and WorkSafe working group, which is evaluating the
EZGlide Stair Chair and Mangar Elk Lifting Cushion, has been making good progress
recently. With the objective being the reduction in the incidence and severity of
musculoskeletal disorders resulting from manual handling tasks, this work will be of
interest to all operational staff.
The working group has been evaluating the effectiveness and use of this equipment
in the field, together with the most efficient method of deployment across the varied
working environments within AV.
To date the EZGlide Stair Chair has been utilised 168 times and the Mangar Elk
Lifting Cushion has been used 64 times. While feedback on the equipment has been
largely positive, it has been noted that space and terrain can make their use more
challenging.
The feedback gathered from the evaluation program will be used in developing an
implementation plan due to start in mid 2012.
If you would like more information please contact Sam Johnston – project officer
HSW on sam.johnston@ambulance.vic.gov.au
VACIS User Interface redesign update
Further to my update in December last year on the redesign of the VACIS User
Interface, I would like to let everyone know that the project has moved to its next
phase with the creation and testing of the new VACIS User screens.
The testing is being completed in two different ways using a prototype.
The first method of testing uses a small number of paramedics from other ambulance
services physically running the prototype through a number of scenarios whilst being
observed and giving feedback on the experience.
The second is an interactive ‘survey’ which provides a larger number of paramedics
the opportunity to see and use selected screens from the prototype and once again
provide feedback.
This interactive survey will run from January 25 until February 5 and will be open for
250 Victorian paramedics to complete. A link to the survey will be sent via email to all
operational staff on January 25.
I encourage participation in the survey as it is the opportunity for all ops staff to
provide input into how VACIS will function, look and feel before the project moves to
the development phase.