In view of our upcoming ‘Equipment Usability Testing’ session, the following was circulated amongst the Auckland HEMS staff:
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I) Here is one approach to the assessment of the ergonomics of a space:
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Attention and alertness
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Safety-critical information
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Position, placement and orientation of equipment
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Proximity of task, equipment and materials
II) Another approach (International Workplace Studies Program @ Cornell) emphasizes:
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Functional coherence
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Facilitation of communication
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Facilitation of task accomplishment
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Adaptable space
The Auckland HEMS doctors are fortunate to work closely with the helicopter crewmen. One of the many important functions the crewmen serve is to keep the doctors on Planet Earth. With this in mind, Herby Barnes (Crew Chief/Q.A. Manager) has consulted the crewman’s dictionary and provided the following real-world translation of the points above:
Approach I)
1. If you didnt hear me the first time then go back to bed
2. A thumb does not mean you look good in that jumpsuit
3. Are you sure you’re in the right seat ?
4. If you cant reach it MOVE !!!
Approach II
1. Yes I am bigger and heavier and sometimes I may need to crawl all over you, so please do not get caught under me, we dont want another patient.
2. If you’re not kissing the MIC to talk, hand gestures are preferable to eyes or facial expression.
3. Do your job or get off the machine.
4. A space to secure extra crap that may be required, or recovered from the scene.
Given how slow HEMS doctors are at learning any practical helicopter-related matters, Herby has started their training at age 8
Auckland HEMS 