Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/S56078/01
Title:	Design & performance of ambulance stretcher loading systems
Principal Investigator:	Hignett, Professor S
Other Investigators:	Ghassemieh, Professor E
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:	East Anglian Ambulance NHS Trust East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trus London Ambulance NHS Trust Two Shires Ambulance NHS Trust
Department:	Ergonomics (Human Sciences)
Organisation:	Loughborough University
Scheme:	First Grant Scheme Pre-FEC
Starts:	05 January 2004	Ends:	04 January 2006	Value (£):	125,307
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Design Engineering
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Healthcare
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
Ambulance work is a very under-researched area of healthcare. This project proposes to cant' out a detailed analysis of the performance of the the currently used stretcher loading systems: ramp and winch; tail lift; and easi-loader. There will be three main outputs: (1) performance analysis of the current systems; (2) revised safe systems of work; and (3) technical specification for the preferred future system. The research question addresse two major interfaces associated with stretcher loading systems. The human:machine interface and performance will be evaluated ergonomically using a range of task analysis and postural analysis tools. The machine:machine interface and performance will be investigated using kinematic and vibration analyses. The proposal will be carried out in four UK Ambulance Trusts currently using the three stretcher loading systems and there is also supp from ambulancelstretcher manufacturers. The findings will be disseminated to UK Ambulance Services in the form of design guidelines (technical specification) and a protocol for a safe system of work. The results from this project will benefit both patients and ambulance workers nationally and internationally,
Key Findings
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Potential use in non-academic contexts
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Impacts
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Project URL:
Further Information:
Organisation Website:	http://www.lboro.ac.uk