@article {bnh-1792, title = {Tympanic Temperature to Predict Core Temperatures of Firefighters Report}, year = {2013}, abstract = {

This study examined the validity of tympanic temperature measurements as a predictor of core temperature on the fireground in different environmental conditions. Fifty-one volunteer firefighters participated in the study across four different conditions, the conditions consisted of; 1) passive (i.e., no intervention) cooling in cold ambient temperatures (0-6{\textdegree}C); 2) cooling (through water immersion) in cool ambient temperatures (10-12{\textordmasculine}C); 3) cooling (through water immersion) in warm ambient temperatures (21.5{\textdegree}C); and, 4) passive cooling in warm ambient temperatures (22{\textdegree}C). Firefighters wore full structural personal protective clothing while performing common firefighting duties including search and rescue tasks for 20-40 minutes. There was no difference between core and tympanic temperature immediately post-exercise across any condition. However, for all conditions, tympanic temperature dropped significantly faster than core temperature from 0 minutes, and remained significantly lower (p \< 0.05) than core temperature from nine to 20 minutes post-training. The results show that there is no consistent difference between core and tympanic temperature during recovery from a simulated firefighting task across a range of different ambient conditions. Agencies should, accordingly, prioritize investigating other practical markers of core temperature as part of a broader heat stress management plan for firefighters.

}, isbn = {978-0-9806759-6-2}, author = {Larsen, Brianna and Peter Langridge and Anna Ruzic and Cara Lord and Brad Aisbett} } @article {bnh-1784, title = {Cardiovascular Risk Screening Volunteer Firefighters Report}, year = {2012}, month = {08/2012}, abstract = {

Background: The work demands involved in firefighting place significant stress on the cardiovascular system. This study investigated the application of the AHA/ACSM Health/Fitness Facility Preparticipation Screening Questionnaire in volunteer Country Fire Brigade (CFA) firefighters.

Methods: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors were measured in 3777 CFA firefighters and entered into a modified version of the American Heart Association (AHA)/ACSM Health/Fitness Facility Preparticipation Screening Questionnaire to stratify individuals as low, moderate or high risk.

Results: Just over half (50.8\%) of female and more than two thirds (68.2\%) of male CFA firefighters were classified as moderate risk. The questionnaire further stratified 2.6\% of female and 5.2\% of male CFA firefighters as high risk while the remaining 46.6\% and 26.6\% of female and male firefighters, respectively, were classified as low risk.

Conclusion: The majority of firefighters screened were at moderate risk and therefore, would be advised by AHA/ACSM guidelines to undertake and pass a detailed medical examination and a medically supervised exercise test prior to initiating vigorous intensity physical activity. However, considering the financial and practical implications (e.g., reduced emergency response capacity) the introduction of mandatory screening may cause, fire agencies should focus screening for high risk personnel only, while promoting agency wide CVD health education.

}, isbn = {978-0-9806759-6-2}, author = {Alexander Wolkow and Kevin Netto and Peter Langridge and Jeff Green and Nichols, David and Michael Sergeant and Brad Aisbett} }