earchers also examine cardiovascular responses to firefighting and to specific firefighting tactics and operating location by assessing ECG responses, blood chemistry and coagulatory measures, and vascular responses during and up to 12 hours following firefighting.
Cardiovascular and chemical risks faced by firefighters are among the most pressing health concerns in the fire service such as sudden cardiac events and firefighting-related cancers. However, relatively little fire safety information exists on the cumulative exposures firefighters face while working on the modern fireground and participating in firefighter training exercises.
“This is the first time that we have had the opportunity to assess—in a comprehensive, efficient, yet safe manner—the thermal insult, chemical exposures and cardiovascular risks that firefighters face when responding to a residential structure fire in the 21st century. We studied the impact of firefighting tactics and fireground job function on exposure, but also the ability for skin cleaning and PPE decon to impact these risks. As we further examine research results, we will continue to lead the national discussion on ‘putting the firefighter back in service’”.
— Dr. Gavin Horn, FSRI Research Engineer (Formerly Director for IFSI Research)
This research project provided a better understanding of how operating in an environment typical of today’s fireground impacts cardiovascular events and chemical exposures related to carcinogenic risk.
The results have been translated into ten key considerations for the fire service. The key considerations are broken into three categories: Tactical Considerations Related to Occupant Exposure, Exposure Considerations for Outside and Overhaul Operations, and Cleaning and Decontamination Considerations after the Fire.
Learn more in the ONLINE TRAINING COURSE.
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Published: May 25, 2022