Ergonomics in the Box: Mobile Containers as Medical Workplaces at an International Airport

Abstract

The management of catastrophes with a high number of seriously injured people requires a point of first medical treatment in the midst area of damage. The Firebrigade and Rescue Paramedic Team at the international airport Zurich in Switzerland is therefore developing two mobile containers as medical workplaces. It was found by the task and posture analysis, that the norm of minimum workspace dimensions for ambulances is not a practicable guideline for an ergonomic design of the container interior. The basic idea of the new concept is a turnable operating table, that guarantees an easy transfer and is furthermore a flexible solution for two different work situations, depending on the number of persons in the Paramedic Team. The project is relevant to understand and to use the catalytic impact of an ergonomic survey in design processes which different participated professions.