ABSTRACT
In 2016, the French Navy acquired a new high-speed boat, called ECUME. It exposes crewmembers to significant Whole Body Vibrations. This work explores the musculoskeletal diseases among this population. We conducted a retrospective declarative epidemiologic study using anonymous questionnaires. Eighty-four sailors were included. Fifty-six (66.7%) report acute traumas during a nautical raid during the 12 months study period. Sixty (71.4%) report chronic pains, which they associate with their nautical activity. Among them, only 16 (26.7%) have consulted a doctor, but 32 (53.3%) report consuming medication, including 18 through selfmedication. More than half rely to alternatives medicine, especially osteopathy. The traumatic risk of ECUME riding is obvious. Many crewmembers minimize their symptoms, and consult rarely a physician. They give preference to selfmedication and alternative medicines.
Subject(s)
Chronic Pain/etiology , Military Personnel , Musculoskeletal Diseases/etiology , Occupational Diseases/etiology , Pilots , Ships , Vibration/adverse effects , Adult , Chronic Pain/pathology , Chronic Pain/therapy , Epidemiologic Studies , France/epidemiology , Humans , Male , Musculoskeletal Diseases/pathology , Musculoskeletal Diseases/therapy , Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena , Occupational Diseases/pathology , Occupational Diseases/therapy , Retrospective Studies , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
The French navy carry out missions which can sometimes be dangerous and in far and exotic places, often in extreme conditions: isolation, difficult weather conditions, etc. The crew is made up of men and women supported by a nurse trained in this work, usually accompanied by a doctor, sometimes alone. Treating casualties at sea can be arduous work.