The German Red Cross performed a broad study on the working conditions of its emergency services staff. A questionnaire was employed to assess musculoskeletal complaints, psychosocial factors, and stress perception. In addition, in a smaller group of subjects, heart rates were continuously measured and levels of salivary cortisol determined during working hours. Physical strain as a consequence of lifting, carrying, and holding was reported most frequently as a stressful factor. Complaints in the neck and shoulder region, lower back, and in the knees were often mentioned despite the relatively young average age of the subjects. The results of this analysis are now being incorporated into new training guidelines of the German Red Cross; exercises in working techniques or a training program for muscle development are being tested. The overall relatively high degree of work satisfaction felt by emergency services personnel can be further enhanced by good leadership qualities of supervisors and involvement of staff in decision-making processes.