scholarly journals Impact of a visual indicator on the noise level in an emergency medical dispatch centre - a pilot study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin Outrey ◽  
Jean-Baptiste Pretalli ◽  
Sophie Pujol ◽  
Alice Brembilla ◽  
Thibaut Desmettre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Noise Level ◽  
Ambient Noise ◽  
Visual Noise ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Emergency Medical Dispatch ◽  
Baseline Phase ◽  
Ambient Noise Level ◽  
Emergency Medical ◽  
Dispatch Centre ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Noise levels are monitored in call centres. A maximum of 52 to 55 dB(A) is recommended in order to prevent adverse events. We aimed at assessing the noise level and the impact of a visual noise indicator on the ambient noise level in a French Regional Emergency Medical Dispatch Centre (EMDC). Methods We conducted an observational study in the EMDC of the SAMU25 (University Hospital of Besancon). We measured the noise level using a SoundEarII® noise indicator (Dräger Medical SAS, France). The measurement took place in two phases on three consecutive days from 00:00 to 11:59 PM. At baseline, phase 1, the device recorded the average ambient noise for each minute without visual indication. Secondly, phase 2 included a sensor mounted with a light that would turn on green if noise was below 65 dB(A), orange if noise ever exceeded 65 and red if it exceeded 75 dB(A). Results In the presence of the visual noise indicator, the LAeq was significantly lower than in the absence of visual noise indicator (a mean difference of − 4.19 dB; P < 10–3). It was higher than 55 dB(A) in 84.9 and 43.9% of the time in phases 1 and 2, respectively. Conclusions The noise levels were frequently higher than the standards, and sometimes close to recommended limits, requiring preventive measures. The noise indicator had a positive effect on the ambient noise level. This work will allow the implementation of effective prevention solutions and, based on future assessments, could improve operators’ well-being and better care for patient.

scholarly journals Impact of a visual indicator on the noise level in an emergency medical dispatch center - a pilot study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin Outrey ◽  
Jean-Baptiste Pretalli ◽  
Sophie Pujol ◽  
Alice Brembilla ◽  
Thibaut Desmettre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Noise Level ◽  
Ambient Noise ◽  
Well Being ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Emergency Medical Dispatch ◽  
Baseline Phase ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Ambient Noise Level ◽  
Emergency Medical ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background A maximum of 52 to 55 dB(A) is recommended in order to prevent adverse events in call centres. We aimed at assessing the noise level and the impact of a visual noise indicator on the ambient noise level in a French Regional Emergency Medical Dispatch Centre (EMDC). Methods We conducted an observational study in the EMDC of the SAMU25 (University Hospital of Besancon). We measured the noise level using a SoundEarII® noise indicator (Dräger Medical SAS, France). The measurement took place in two phases on three consecutive days from 00:00 to 11:59 PM. At baseline, phase 1, the device recorded the average ambient noise for each minute without visual indication. Secondly, phase 2 included a sensor mounted with a light that would turn on if noise ever exceeded 65 and 75 dB(A). Results The sound level was greater than 52 dB(A) in 97.2% and 66.8% of the time in phases 1 and 2 respectively; this level was greater than 55 dB(A) in 84.9% and 43.9% of the time in phases 1 and 2 respectively.Conclusions The noise levels were higher than recommended and sometimes close to legal limits, requiring preventive measures. The noise indicator had a positive effect on the ambient noise level. This work will allow the implementation of effective prevention solutions and, based on future assessments, could improve operators’ well-being and better care for patient.

The Professional Voice and Airline Flight

1984 ◽  
Vol 92 (3) ◽  
pp. 251-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Feder
Keyword(s):  
Noise Level ◽  
Ambient Noise ◽  
Protective Measure ◽  
Standard Practice ◽  
Ambient Noise Level ◽  
Cabin Temperature ◽  
The World ◽  
Voice User ◽  
Professional Voice ◽  
Airline Flight

As the world shrinks and demands for quality performers precipitously increase around the globe, travel becomes an important part of the professional's life. The professional voice user may encounter many circumstances and situations over which he has little control and which may subject him to potential vocal irritation or injury. Airline travel is an aspect that, by and large, is uncontrollable but absolutely necessary for professional survival, yet it may have the potential for harm. The majority of airline traffic is carried by wide-bodied aircraft, mainly the Boeing 747 and 767, the Lockheed L1011, the McDonnell Douglas DC-10, and the European Airbus. Similar but smaller aircraft include the Boeing 707, 727, and 737 and the McDonnell Douglas DC-8 and DC-9. Basically, these aircraft appear to exhibit relatively similar in-flight environments, including ambient noise level, cabin temperature, pressurization, humidity, and ozone. Each of these factors will be discussed to clarify aspects of flight which have been taken for granted, about which there have been misconceptions, or which have not been sufficiently considered. As otolaryngologists it is incumbent on us to be familiar with the consequences of flight for those patients with actual or potential voice problems. A voice lost to professional endeavor may be more emotionally devastating than an ear or sinus impairment. Careful briefing of the patient who is a professional voice user has not been standard practice prior to airline flight but certainly should be strongly considered as a protective measure.

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