The Human Cost Incurred by Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência (SAMU-192) Professionals During COVID-19

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mobile Emergency Medical Service (SAMU) played a crucial role in the care and transportation of patients. However, the working conditions and human cost faced by SAMU workers in this context are underexplored. This study assessed the work context and the human cost from the perspective of SAMU professionals during the pandemic, with a sample of 179 workers across 16 Brazilian states. The results revealed that approximately 80% of the workers faced critical to severe working conditions, along with issues related to work organization and socio-professional relationships. The human cost, particularly the cognitive cost, was also high, affecting around 78.2% of SAMU workers. Notably, the study highlights the significant influence of work organization on the human cost, specifically the cognitive cost.

Keywords

• samu
• worker health
• working conditions
• covid-19
• activity ergonomics