Presentation
A Laboratory Evaluation of a Cooling System for a Firefighter Coat
SessionOE5: Tool Applications
DescriptionFirefighters are required to wear heavy protective clothing that will protect them in fire suppression activities. This protective clothing includes pants, coats, and self-contained breathing apparatus, often contributing heat stress of firefighters (Mani et al., 2015). Live Fire activities expose firefighters to intense heat, resulting in core body temperatures exceeding 38o C, which is the definition of hyperthermia or heat stress (Mani et al., 2015, James et al., 2013). The potential for heat stress is also increased by the elevated environmental temperatures due to climate change, resulting in elevated body temperatures. Furthermore, the exertion levels required to perform routine fire and rescue tasks also elevate the core body temperature.
The objective of the current study was to evaluate a cooling system placed inside a fire coat to determine if core body temperature (CBT) can be lowered, potentially being protective to the firefighter. Further, evaluation of the postural and neuromuscular responses during typical firefighter training tasks provided a functional assessment of the cooling system within the fire coat.
The objective of the current study was to evaluate a cooling system placed inside a fire coat to determine if core body temperature (CBT) can be lowered, potentially being protective to the firefighter. Further, evaluation of the postural and neuromuscular responses during typical firefighter training tasks provided a functional assessment of the cooling system within the fire coat.
Event Type
Lecture
TimeWednesday, September 11th11:55am - 12:15pm MST
LocationFLW Salon H
Occupational Ergonomics