摘要:

Health care workers are exposed to various infectious agents that can lead to disease transmission during patient care. Emergency first-responders, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are a subgroup of health care workers particularly at risk for occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended universal precautions to prevent occupational transmission of bloodborne pathogens among health care workers. This cross-sectional study evaluates risks and behaviors for occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens among urban paramedics and EMTs in Dade County, Florida. Reported exposure via multiple routes was common, especially among paramedics. Knowledge of universal precautions was high, but reported practices were suboptimal because of inadequate information, as well as logistical and access issues. Additional research, administrative effort, and regulation are needed to increase the application of universal precautions in the prehospital setting.

ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1996

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of wearing an abdominal belt on blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) and heart rate during a variety of tasks. The belt was typical of the elastic type with suspenders and Velcro™ tabs for cinching the belt snug. The tasks performed included sitting at rest, sitting with the torso inclined forward at 45°, standing with the torso inclined forward at 45° (with and without holding an 11-kg weight), a trunk axial rotation task, and squat lifting. Blood pressure was monitored noninvasively with a FINAPRES® blood pressure monitor. Twenty healthy men performed each task with and without the abdominal belt. Although no significant increases in mean systolic blood pressure or heart rate were found, there was a significant increase in diastolic blood pressure in all conditions. All people considering wearing an abdominal belt should also consider the risks and liability associated with the additional cardiovascular load, particularly heart attack and stroke.

ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1996

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

We have reported that cigarette smoking at the time of hire is associated with elevated rates of accidents, injuries, absence, discipline, and firing among US postal workers. We followed this cohort of 2537 for a second year to assess whether these associations would change with time in a workplace with active smoking cessation programs. Smokers' elevated risks for accidents, injuries, and discipline decreased after the first year. Risk for involuntary turnover was slightly higher in the 2-year analysis. The elevation in the rate of absence for smokers remained comparable in both periods. Although it is possible that the decline in the relative risk of accidents, injuries, and discipline may reflect changes in smoking status, we were unable to obtain follow-up data on smoking status to test this hypothesis.

ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1996

数据来源: OVID

ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1996

数据来源: OVID

ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1996

数据来源: OVID

ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1996

数据来源: OVID

ISSN:1076-2752    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1996

数据来源: OVID