**3.2 Description of data collection**

Materials of use:

1.Questionnaire (14 questions)

2.Sound level meter

The collection of data is divided into two parts.

The first part includes the collection of basic personal and working information via a questionnaire of 14 questions. Hundred and five Latvian and hundred and two German emergency service workers responded to the questionnaire. The questionnaire was shared as electronic survey at http://www.visidati.lv and also distributed as printed paper to the different working stations. The collection of personnel information started in January 2016 and ended in May 2016.

The research data were collected and statistically processed in Microsoft Office Excel 2010 and SPSS 22.0.

The second part refers to the measurement of noise level by use of a sound level meter reviewing non-signal and signal noise exposures during 12-h shifts and by this giving the basis to analyse the average noise level that an emergency service personnel is presented to.

The collection of measurement started in January 2016 and ended in February 2016.

Digital sound level meter model LUTRON SL-4013 conforms to IEC 651 Type 2 with 0'. Noise was measured using a standard microphone head that was placed in the front passenger compartment of an ambulance during emergency driving. The equipment was programmed to collect data in fast mode, using the weighting curve "A". Also, a protective foam in the microphone in order to minimise the other noise effects was used.

The measurements were recorded during 20 emergency trips with a duration range from 10 to 15 min. These measurements were performed in different days, periods and shifts. The noise levels were carefully recorded at different velocities under the following conditions:


**11**

**Table 3.**

*Latvia.*

*Influence of Noise in Ambulance Vehicles on Emergency Service Personnel*

The ambulance car is analysed in terms of technical specification and physical

For proper comparison of the ambulance service in Germany and Latvia, we

The sirens are located bilaterally on the roof and front spoiler of the ambulance car. The type of sirens and frequency for Latvia and Germany differ especially in frequency of sound melody. Germany is using sirens of type "Martin-Horn 2298 GM" DIN 14610 EC with a 4′ membrane-bell and sound pressure level of 125 dB(A) at a

In Latvia, there is no standardised sound melody throughout a signal trip. During signal trips, the driver can choose manually between different frequencies.

The average sound levels based on the measurements performed during numer-

In Germany, the minimum noise level is measured at 50 km/h without signal use with 63.5 dB(A) and the maximum is measured at 100 km/h with signal use with

In comparison, in Latvia, the minimum is measured at 50 km/h without signal use with 67.3 dB(A) and the maximum is measured at 100 km/h with signal use

For both countries, it is noticeable that the noise level during signal use is enormously elevated than during trips without signal use. Comparing the Latvian with German emergency cars, non-signal trips are measured with a higher average noise level with an average difference of 5.2 dB(A) and during signal use the noise level in Latvian emergency cars is also higher by a difference average of 2.4 dB(A). This means, the Latvian emergency personnel is exposed to an overall higher noise

The research included in total count 207 emergency workers from different emergency service centres. Hundred and two German and hundred and five

Average 66.5 84.7 71.9 86.6 50 km/h 63.5 84.4 67.2 83.3 70 km/h 65.2 84.8 72.4 85.9 100 km/h 71.4 84.8 76.1 90.7

*Measured sound pressure level in dB(A) according to speed and considering all data together, for Germany and* 

**Germany Latvia Without signal With signal Without signal With signal**

level during emergency trips than German emergency personnel.

Both countries use the Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter 315, CDI model, 4-door, manual and manufacturing year 2010 (Riga, Latvia) and a similar model from year 2012 (Aurich, Germany) This model is a standard Sprinter with high ceilings. The front

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.91898*

chose similar cars in model and age.

cabin design layout constituted likewise.

**4.1 Sound level meter measurements**

ous emergency trips are as shown in **Table 3**.

dimensions.

distance of 1 m.

84.8 dB(A).

with 90.7 dB(A).

**4.2 Questionnaire**

**4. Research results**


*Influence of Noise in Ambulance Vehicles on Emergency Service Personnel DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.91898*

The ambulance car is analysed in terms of technical specification and physical dimensions.

For proper comparison of the ambulance service in Germany and Latvia, we chose similar cars in model and age.

Both countries use the Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter 315, CDI model, 4-door, manual and manufacturing year 2010 (Riga, Latvia) and a similar model from year 2012 (Aurich, Germany) This model is a standard Sprinter with high ceilings. The front cabin design layout constituted likewise.

The sirens are located bilaterally on the roof and front spoiler of the ambulance car. The type of sirens and frequency for Latvia and Germany differ especially in frequency of sound melody. Germany is using sirens of type "Martin-Horn 2298 GM" DIN 14610 EC with a 4′ membrane-bell and sound pressure level of 125 dB(A) at a distance of 1 m.

In Latvia, there is no standardised sound melody throughout a signal trip. During signal trips, the driver can choose manually between different frequencies.

## **4. Research results**

*Noise and Environment*

Materials of use:

2.Sound level meter

Excel 2010 and SPSS 22.0.

personnel is presented to.

February 2016.

effects was used.

workers

• Radio turned off

• Windows closed

• No rain, calm wind

under the following conditions:

• No talking, no funk communication

**3.2 Description of data collection**

1.Questionnaire (14 questions)

The collection of data is divided into two parts.

information started in January 2016 and ended in May 2016.

• Asphalt street and good surface conditions of the street

level meter.

Additionally, the noise level was detected by measurements with a sound

The first part includes the collection of basic personal and working information via a questionnaire of 14 questions. Hundred and five Latvian and hundred and two German emergency service workers responded to the questionnaire. The questionnaire was shared as electronic survey at http://www.visidati.lv and also distributed as printed paper to the different working stations. The collection of personnel

The research data were collected and statistically processed in Microsoft Office

The second part refers to the measurement of noise level by use of a sound level meter reviewing non-signal and signal noise exposures during 12-h shifts and by this giving the basis to analyse the average noise level that an emergency service

Digital sound level meter model LUTRON SL-4013 conforms to IEC 651 Type 2 with 0'. Noise was measured using a standard microphone head that was placed in the front passenger compartment of an ambulance during emergency driving. The equipment was programmed to collect data in fast mode, using the weighting curve "A". Also, a protective foam in the microphone in order to minimise the other noise

The measurements were recorded during 20 emergency trips with a duration range from 10 to 15 min. These measurements were performed in different days, periods and shifts. The noise levels were carefully recorded at different velocities

• Measuring device placed in the centre of the cabin at level of the ears of

• Taking measured number at stable driving of 50, 70 and 100 km/h

• Mostly free field as surrounding (no high density of high houses)

The collection of measurement started in January 2016 and ended in

**10**

#### **4.1 Sound level meter measurements**

The average sound levels based on the measurements performed during numerous emergency trips are as shown in **Table 3**.

In Germany, the minimum noise level is measured at 50 km/h without signal use with 63.5 dB(A) and the maximum is measured at 100 km/h with signal use with 84.8 dB(A).

In comparison, in Latvia, the minimum is measured at 50 km/h without signal use with 67.3 dB(A) and the maximum is measured at 100 km/h with signal use with 90.7 dB(A).

For both countries, it is noticeable that the noise level during signal use is enormously elevated than during trips without signal use. Comparing the Latvian with German emergency cars, non-signal trips are measured with a higher average noise level with an average difference of 5.2 dB(A) and during signal use the noise level in Latvian emergency cars is also higher by a difference average of 2.4 dB(A). This means, the Latvian emergency personnel is exposed to an overall higher noise level during emergency trips than German emergency personnel.

#### **4.2 Questionnaire**

The research included in total count 207 emergency workers from different emergency service centres. Hundred and two German and hundred and five


#### **Table 3.**

*Measured sound pressure level in dB(A) according to speed and considering all data together, for Germany and Latvia.*

Latvian emergency workers answered fourteen questions in an electronic form at http://www.visidati.lv or in printed version.
