Back pain is one of the most common reasons for a person to call an ambulance service, yet how ambulance services specifically manage back pain has not been described – beyond general pain management guidelines – according to searches of Australian-state and New Zealand ambulance service jurisdiction websites (between 25th January to 3rd February 2022).

The burden of disease due to musculoskeletal conditions and low back pain (LBP) in Australia – as well as globally – remains high and ongoing, particularly with regards to females and older populations. As a result, LBP alone costs the Australian healthcare system AUD$4.8 billion annually, is one of the most common reasons for visiting a general practitioner and is the leading cause of lost productive years.