Occupational exposure to noise by ambulance crew

PURPOSE: to describe the sound pressure levels that workers are exposed during working hours in ambulances and verify possible association between the use of sirens, traffic conditions and time of the day that the measurement was taken. METHODS: in the first stage, it was measured the sound pressure level in the cabin of the ambulance during emergency trips, and performed the investigation of the driver's perception about traffic conditions and use of the siren. In the second stage, it was analyzed the noise exposure of a worker during the working hours. The data were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: the average of the equivalent continuous sound level for 12 emergency trips exceeded 85 dB (A) above the value allowed by the Regulatory Standard 15, and the loud noise was associated with traffic conditions and use of the siren (p <0.05). The noise dose in percentage during a driver shifts varied from 17,51% to 155,68%, exceeding the recommended limit and also had an influence on traffic conditions and siren's use. CONCLUSION: the sound pressure levels to which workers are exposed during working hours in ambulances are high and beyond what is established by the Brazilian standard. Thus, it is necessary to develop preventive health actions to this professionals since the high noise levels can adversely affect their hearing health and quality of life.