Testing Environmental Sensors to Reduce Heat Ailments among First Responders

Abstract Over the last few years, there has been an increase in the number of deaths of the hazmat first responders mainly due to cardiac arrest, heat stroke, heat stress, lack of oxygen in the blood and inhalation of hazardous chemicals. National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) statistics reveals the following: There were more than 30,000 firefighter injuries between 2010-2016 42% of fatalities were caused due to physical stress and overexertion The hazmat first responders face a 14 percent increase in cancer-related deaths (NIOSH) Past research and interviews with various focus groups have indicated that there is a lack of real time health monitoring for first responders during a hazmat response. It is extremely important to monitor the health and environmental parameters surrounding the hazmat first responders in order to improve their safety and mitigate their deaths. A decrease or an increase in the core body temperature of a hazmat first responder when exposed to extreme environmental conditions can result in adverse health effects such as heat stroke, cardiac arrest and heat exhaustion. Thus, my primary research goal is to monitor the core temperature inside and outside the personal protection suit of first responder in order to improve their health and reduce risks associated when they are subjected to potentially harmful emergency hazmat situation. This can be achieved through Internet of Things (IoT) sensor technology. The purpose of this research is to: Monitor the health parameters of the first responders in an emergency hazmat response through IoT sensors Improve their safety and reduce adverse heath effects Visualize the IoT sensor data for effective decision making Comments Office of the Federal Register National Archives and Records Administration. (2011, October 1). Code of Federal Regulations Title 49 (Transportation) Caldwell, J. N., Engelen, L., van der Henst, C., Patterson, M. J. & Taylor, N. A.S. (2011). The interaction of body armor, low-intensity exercise, and hot-humid conditions on physiological strain and cognitive function National Fire Protection Association. (2017, June). Firefighter activities, injuries, and deaths

Assessing Wearable Technology’s Role to Reduce HAZMAT Health Risks

Abstract \ \ With the latest development in technology, wearable devices and Internet of Things (IoT) can provide new opportunities to improve human safety, human health monitoring and communicate data for effective decision making in critical time sensitive cases such as a HAZMAT situation. The Federal Hazardous Materials Regulations defines Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) as a biological, chemical, radiological, or physical substance that is capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property when transported in commerce. Examples of HAZMAT incidents include chemical spills on the road due to an accident, chemical leaks from a storage facility, and chemical reactions that take place during cargo transfers. The aim of this research is to identify existing gaps in the safety of commercial vehicle drivers hauling hazardous materials, where technology can be used to mitigate risks and reduce potential exposure during and after a HAZMAT incident. Our goal is to determine how the risks associated with the transportation of HAZMAT shipments can be minimized by employing reliable, secure and cost effective technological solutions such as wearable devices and sensors. \ \ In the past few years, there has been an increase in the number of accidents during HAZMAT transportation across the U.S. highways (Office of the Federal Register National Archives and Records Administration). The safety, security and environmental concerns associated with the haulage of HAZMAT are continuously growing in number and complexity. Commercial vehicle drivers associated with private and government freight agencies specializing in HAZMAT are responsible to prevent injuries and property damages to themselves, and the public while hauling hazardous materials. During a chemical spill or a HAZMAT road transportation accident, commercial vehicle drivers are at potential risk of being exposed to dangerous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids and gases, toxic and infectious substances, and corrosives that can have an adverse effect on their health and their surroundings. Hence, it is extremely important to monitor their health and improve their safety by preventing HAZMAT related injuries and illnesses. \ \ Recently conducted focus groups with first responders have helped identify various threats and concerns when responding to a HAZMAT incident. These concerns include Responder Safety – the safety of first responders in terms of long-term health effects when subjected to potential HAZMAT exposure, Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) – the fear of chemicals entering the PPE, Weather and Location – weather conditions would make responding to a HAZMAT incident difficult, Communication – only minimal information is provided to first responders before reaching the HAZMAT incident site. These identified concerns generated from the focus group interviews will be used to create a survey for commercial drivers. \ \ For this study, we will be conducting focus group interviews and a needs assessment survey engaging HAZMAT transportation carriers and drivers to further identify their immediate concerns and needs in areas such as personal safety, alert notifications, safety regulations, health and wearable technology. First, our study will help us perform a gap analysis in order to assess if the concerns identified by the first responders correlate or differ from the concerns identified by commercial vehicle drivers specializing in HAZMAT transportation. Second, we will share the results with stakeholders. Third, we use the results as inputs to develop a strategic technology plan for wearable devices and sensors to build an integrated incident commander user interface for situational awareness during a HAZMAT event. \ \ US DoT Region-VII (UTC 25-1121-0005-110) supports the funding for this study.