The effect of anthropometric conditions required to become a paramedic on determining the physical competence required by the profession

The human factor is the first step in continuing productivity or service in today's societies. Therefore, in every respect, the well-being contains parameters that should be examined for all occupational groups. For some occupational groups, Physical fitness is an important point both in preventing loss of work-force and in dealing with the difficult physical stres caused by professions. Physical fitness is also important for paramedics. The first step for paramedics to cope with the physical stress encountered at many points in the workplace is to have good physical capacity Although anthropometric criteria are requested for paramedic candidates in different periods in our country, this practice has been abandoned. In addition, the lack of effective and reliable applications evaluating physical capacity led us to this study. In our study, it was aimed to determine whether Anthropometric properties could be determined by determining the Physical competence for paramedics by examining them from every angle. The study was carried out with 113 students of First and Emergency Aid program at Giresun University, Şebinkarahisar Vocational School of Social Sciences, after all necessary permissions were obtained. In this study, the Anthropometric measures of the participants such as height and weight were determined, and the Physical proficiency test protocol applied to the paramedics developed by the Canadian originated "Omni Life Support" unit was applied for Physical performance determination. This testing protocol was revised considering numeric data are averages of Turkey. According to the study, greater height (p<0.01) and higher weight (p<0.01) affect physical capacity in the participant population. However, when examined separately between the sexes, it does not provide any meaningful data. However, it has been determined that physical adequacy cannot be determined by an evaluation within the determined anthropometric limits. It is thought that standard anthropometric data studies are required for men and women who have different anatomical conditions by nature, that anthropometric data alone will not be sufficient for professional physical competence, and more precise measurement methods are needed. Since the work of paramedics does not differ between men and women, it will be more efficient to apply anthropometric measurements together with physical adequacy tests. In the light of all these results, it was thought that anthropometry could not be used alone in determining physical adequacy and that applicable physical adequacy test protocols should be prepared and implemented in our country. Keywords: Anthropometry, Body Weights and Measures, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Human Factors and Ergonomics, Paramedic