OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT CONDITIONS OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WORKERS

Abstract

Objectives. The microclimatic parameters significantly influence the conditions of the working environment, especially when these parameters reach extreme values, as they can cause adverse effects on health. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the hygienic conditions of the occupational environment for workers in the emergency medical service.

Materials and methods. A study was conducted that included hygienic research on the working conditions of personnel in the pre-hospital emergency medical service.

Results. Hygienic assessments of working conditions revealed temperature and relative humidity values as follows: in working and rest areas, temperatures ranged from 21.5°C to 27.6°C, with relative humidity between 46.2% and 52.8%. In the ambulance cabin, temperatures ranged from 25.5°C to 37.7°C, while in the patient compartment, they varied between 25.3°C and 34.9°C. Relative humidity in the cabin ranged from 37.5% to 65.8% and from 34.2% to 63.9% in the patient compartment. Regarding workplace chemical exposure, the results indicated nitrogen dioxide levels between 0.03 and <0.60 mg/m³ and carbon monoxide levels of 1.0–1.2 mg/m³. Suspended particulate matter (total PM) concentrations ranged from 0.26 to 1.30 mg/m³.

Conclusions. Occupational environmental conditions play a crucial role in workers' health and job performance. Deviations in workplace environmental parameters can lead to negative health effects, increasing the risk of chronic illnesses, fatigue, reduced concentration, and decreased efficiency in performing job duties. Occupational health programs are needed to improve the health and quality of life of personnel.