Back Safety Principles
Stretching & Strengthening DVD

Experienced and well-trained employees are the most important part of any workforce environment, and Emergency Medical Service providers are no exception. The safety and well-being of these first responders requires the same attention and care as the valuable equipment they use every day. As part of King County Medic One's program to reduce musculoskeletal injuries among staff, a two-part training DVD, “Back Safety Principles and Stretching & Strengthening” was developed for local training. Now, this video is being made available to other Emergency Medical Service providers to support their staff safety programs.

“Back Safety Principles”

The first part of the training stresses the importance of a “safe lift” by showing short interviews with seasoned paramedics who have experienced an injury and by showing the mechanics of lift and its effect on the body. The principles of a “safe lift” are demonstrated by utilizing good body mechanics, the right equipment and enough help to make a safe lift with EMS personnel enacting common scenarios. It concludes with a look at the importance of a healthy lifestyle in maintaining a strong musculoskeletal system.

“Stretching & Strengthening”

The second part of the training demonstrates effective techniques to keep the body flexible and to strengthen the large muscles that are the foundation of a “safe lift.” EMS personnel demonstrate these techniques using common props and show how they can be done as part of a 20-minute routine or interspersed throughout the shift.