• What does a paramedic do?
• What are some health and safety issues for paramedics?
• What are some preventive measures for a paramedic?
• What are some good general safe work practices?
• Where can I get more information?

What does a paramedic do?

A paramedic, ambulance attendant or emergency medical technician is a person who may be called to any number of settings in an emergency situation.

The main duties of a paramedic are to:

• Respond to emergency calls such as sudden illness, accidents (automobile, industrial, etc.), building collapses and natural disasters.
• Provide emergency medical care or care en route to other medical facilities.
• Use proper techniques for first aid, medical treatments, etc.
• Educate the public on health and safety issues.

What are some health and safety issues for paramedics?

• Exposure to contagious and infectious diseases from patients or needles.
• Working with the various chemicals used in medical procedures such as halothane, nitrous oxide and ethyl chloride.
• Exposure to other chemicals, pharmaceuticals and medicine.
• Potential allergic reaction to latex gloves.
• Physical tasks that involve awkward postures, repetition, force or overexertion.
• Exposure to extreme temperatures.
• Risk of injury from fire, explosion, unstable structures and surfaces, falling objects, etc.
• Slips, trips and falls often compounded by the fact that the paramedic is carrying a patient on a stretcher.
• Danger of driving at high speeds, often in difficult traffic or weather conditions.
• Shift work and extended work days.
• Periods of intense psychological stress or trauma.

What are some preventive measures for a paramedic?

Experience and extensive safety and skills training are the best protection for a paramedic. Other preventive measures:

• Wash your hands frequently- an important step in reducing the risk of infection.
• Know the "routine practices" to prevent contracting blood borne pathogens.
• Learn safe lifting techniques.
• Be aware of your surroundings to avoid trips and falls.
• Avoid or take frequent breaks from work that involves awkward physical positions.
• Follow a recommended shift work pattern, and be aware of the hazards associated with shift work.
• Follow or establish safety procedures for working alone, or for avoiding working alone wherever possible.
• Learn about stress and post-traumatic stress, and consider a debriefing session or counselling after a critical or traumatic event.
• Exercise regularly to keep fit and reduce the risk of injury.

What are some good general safe work practices?

Ensure that you are trained and informed in how to avoid the various health and safety hazards of your job. Read about these:

• Chemical hazards and WHMIS.
• Blood borne diseases.
• The importance of hand washing.
• Needlestick injuries.
• Proper selection, use, maintenance and storage of personal protective equipment.
• Safe lifting techniques.
• Preventing slips, trips and falls.
• Shift work.
• Working alone or working alone with patients.
• Working safely with compressed gases.

Always:

• Follow company safety rules.
• Know how to report a hazard.
• Follow good housekeeping procedures.

Where can I get more information?

General information is available in OSH Answers or through the CCOHS person-to-person Inquiries Service.

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Document last updated on August 12, 2004

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