Critical Care Innovations (Sep 2023)
The impact of high temperatures on the work of a firefighter in Nomex protective gear.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: For firefighters to respond effectively and safely in challenging situations, their protective gear must offer maximum protection, comfort, and ergonomics. While this gear protects against high temperatures, it can pose risks in other scenarios. Specialised attire safeguards against fires but can be perilous in localised threats, potentially life-threatening. This is associated with increased internal body temperature, causing rapid breathing, elevated heart rate, increased blood flow and pressure, substantial sweating, and loss of essential elements. The study aimed to compare physical stress levels at high and low ambient temperatures and examine the variations in measured parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study assesses how working in high temperature conditions wearing firefighter gear affects physical and psychological abilities and recovery between tasks. It evaluates participants' well-being before and after the study, years of service, protective gear comfort, fluid intake, alternatives to standard gear, and recovery time. It uses questionnaires and measurements of vital signs (body temperature, weight, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, heart rate) before and after physical exertion. RESULTS: A total of 152 participants participated in this study, with 30 during the winter season and 122 in the summer. The human body releases heat through convection, conduction, radiation, and evaporation. Maintaining normothermia is challenging at high temperatures. In summer, participants' weight increased due to sweating. After exertion, blood pressure diverged significantly, with the summer group showing a notable increase in systolic pressure, which stressed the need for hydration. Blood oxygen levels increased during exertion but normalised after rest. Pulse rates were similar at rest but significantly increased in the summer group after exertion, highlighting the importance of caution and hydration at high temperatures. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of collected data, including medical assessments and surveys, clearly demonstrates the significant impact of working in high temperature conditions on the vital parameters of the participants. Prolonged heat exposure, primarily due to the insulating properties of specialised gear and resulting thermal discomfort, accelerates fatigue and exhaustion. This, in turn, leads to increased errors, slower responses, and potential health problems. To address this concern, the introduction of lighter uniform options, adjustments to legal regulations, and the inclusion of overheating risks in medical protocols should be considered as preventive measures.
Keywords
