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Evaluating the Effects of Heat Stress on the Cardiovascular System and Psychophysical Response of Firefighters

Musolin, Kristin M.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1305892912

Abstract Details

2011, MS, University of Cincinnati, Medicine: Occupational Medicine.
Limited studies have documented the cardiovascular strain of firefighting. Cardiovascular disease causes nearly 50% of on-duty deaths among U.S. firefighters each year. The study examined the effects of live-and non-live fire drills on cardiovascular and psychophysical responses of 12 male firefighters and 1 female firefighter. In this experimental pre- and post-scenario study design, participants performed three standardized tasks while inside a steel building during their regularly scheduled training drill. Fire training sessions involved a set of three tasks including: hose advancement, search and rescue, and backup, each performed for three to four scenarios. Scenarios included first floor fire, second floor fire for which firefighters had to climb a flight of stairs and basement fire for which firefighters had to descend a flight of stairs. Data on vital signs were collected before training and then pre- and post-scenario. Heat stress is an important contributory risk factor for cardiovascular disease in firefighters. During the training, continuous core body temperature (CT) and heart rate (HR) data were collected using a FDA-regulated radio pill and a Polar heart rate belt, respectively. The radio pill and heart rate belt transmitted data to a receiver that was placed in the inside pocket of the firefighter’s turnout coat. Psychophysical data were collected pre- and post-scenarios, which included perceptions of thermal distress, physical exertion, and respiratory distress. Our hypothesis was that there would be a significant increase from pre-scenario to post-scenario values of cardiovascular and psychophysical parameters. Results showed that there was a significant increase in average heart rate (23%) with a p<0.05 for pre-to post-scenario 2 and a p<0.05 for pre- to post-scenario 3. Percent maximum oxygen consumption resulted in maximal heart rates and reductions from pre- to post-scenarios. Pre-scenario mean was: lower limit=58% and upper limit=69% (n=6). Post-scenario 3 mean % max oxygen consumption reduced to: lower limit=17-26% (n=5). Average core body temperature increase throughout the training also proved to be significant with a p<0.05 pre-to post-scenario 2 and p<0.05 pre- to post-scenario 3. Psychophysical parameter results also showed a significant increase as the training progressed; perceived exertion rating (107%) with a p<0.05, and respiratory distress (150%) with a p<0.05, perception of thermal distress (56%) with a p<0.05. This study addressed the firefighter community’s concerns related to the monitoring of the potential health effects such as a cardiovascular event. The firefighters will be able to use this information to improve self-assessment choice, change emergency response relating to safety, and help them understand the importance of protecting themselves against the detrimental effects of heat stress. The end goal is to develop early signs of effects of heat stress that can be used in a real-time remote monitoring system.
Amit Bhattacharya, PhD (Committee Chair)
Clara Ross, MD (Committee Member)
Paul Succop, PhD (Committee Member)
106 p.
Occupational Safety
heat stress; core body temperature; radio pill; firefighters; CorTemp; effects of heat stress

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Musolin, K. M. (2011). Evaluating the Effects of Heat Stress on the Cardiovascular System and Psychophysical Response of Firefighters [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1305892912

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Musolin, Kristin. Evaluating the Effects of Heat Stress on the Cardiovascular System and Psychophysical Response of Firefighters. 2011. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1305892912.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Musolin, Kristin. "Evaluating the Effects of Heat Stress on the Cardiovascular System and Psychophysical Response of Firefighters." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1305892912

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1305892912
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© 2011, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.