Physical demands of firefighter search and rescue in ambient environmental conditions |
| |
Authors: | Richmond V L Rayson M P Wilkinson D M Carter J M Blacker S D |
| |
Affiliation: | Optimal Performance Ltd., Bedford House, Clifton, Bristol, UK. vic@optimalperformance.co.uk |
| |
Abstract: | This study investigated the physiological responses and limitations to a simulated search and rescue scenario in a high-rise building under ambient conditions. Sixteen firefighters performed the scenario under four conditions: standard duration breathing apparatus (SDBA) and 45 mm hose; extended duration breathing apparatus (EDBA) and 45 mm hose; SDBA and 70 mm hose; EDBA and 70 mm hose. Core temperature, skin temperature and heart rate were monitored. In four of 32 trials the casualty was rescued; the remainder of the trials were terminated for safety, high core temperature or shortage of air. Final core temperature and heart rate were higher in the EDBA (39.1 degrees C; 72% heart rate reserve (HRR)) than SDBA conditions (38.6 degrees C; 67%HRR). No differences were observed between hose sizes. The scenario proved too onerous to complete successfully in the majority of cases. Replacing SDBA with EDBA eliminates air supply as a limiting factor, but brings with it challenges of managing thermal strain. |
| |
Keywords: | |
本文献已被 PubMed 等数据库收录! |
|