Physical performance attributes of male and female Emergency Care Practitioners: Implications for simulated extraction of a patient trapped in a light motor vehicle accident

The ability of Emergency Care Practitioners ECPs to perform a simulated extrication of a patient trapped in a light motor vehicle is not well understood. This study investigated the ability of eight male and eight female ECPs participants to use the “jaws of life” during a simulated (SIM) patient extrication from a motor vehicle. Furthermore the study sought to analyze the data in terms of the potential relationships between base line variables established in a laboratory (LAB) setting; simply put do larger, fitter and stronger individuals perform a simulated patient extrication from a motor vehicle more quickly and efficiently. The results indicate the mean age of the participants was 21 ± 2 years. Mean anthropometry: Stature: Males = 1.81 m (±0.14): Females = 1.64 m (±0.09). Mass: Males = 77.4 kg (±18.9): Females = 64.03 kg (±8.14). Percentage body fat: Males = 11.9% (±8.7): Females = 26.2% (±7.4). Mean strength parameters included Isokinetic peak torque leg extension (Nm) males = 172.67 (±13.66): Females = 117.81 (±22.84). Peak torque leg flexion (Nm) males = 136.78 (±13.74): Females = 88.12 (±15.62). One repetition maximal (1RM) bench press (kg): Males = 65.0 (±17.55): Females = 28.75(±5.82). 1RM leg press (kg) males = 208.57 (±14.92): Females = 147.5 (±30.23). Mean fitness scores: Aerobic capacity (VO 2 max: mlO 2 · kg · min − 1 ) Males = 47.91 (±10.2): Females = 37.26 (±6.2). Push-ups: Males = 37.42 (±15.03): Females = 36 (±11.13). Sit-ups: Males = 37.14 (±6.96): Female sit-up = 48.12 (±9.1). Vertical jump: Males = 50.5 (±10.74): Female 34.28 (±4.34). In conclusion the variables that were strongly correlated with extrication time for males and females include stature (−0.57) sit ups (−0.67), bench press (−0.65), leg strength (−0.6) and percentage body fat (0.65), while aerobic fitness was less well correlated (−0.36). It is tentatively forwarded that the ability to extricate a patient from a light motor vehicle using the jaws of life seems to be best correlated with persons who are taller with lower % body fat, stronger in the upper and lower body and with good core strength (sit ups score).