Indicators of health status of firefighters during the implementation of flashover simulator

Abstract

U ovom radu prikazani su rezultati istraživanja provedenog na vatrogascima iz javnih vatrogasnih postrojbi (JVP) i dobrovoljnih vatrogasnih društava (DVD) koji su sudjelovali u obuci za gašenje požara u zatvorenom prostoru u simulatoru plamenih udara (SPU) pri JVP Ivanić-Grad. Ispitanicima je mjeren krvni tlak, tjelesna temperatura u zvukovodu, pokazatelji plućne funkcije, stupanj oštećenja DNA i indeks tjelesne mase. Zamijećena je visoka učestalost pretilosti (27%) te povišenih vrijednosti krvnog tlaka (53%) prije obuke. Spomenuta obuka dovela je do većeg porasta srčane frekvencije i temperature u pripadnika DVD-a u odnosu na profesionalne vatrogasce. Sistolički krvni tlak nije se značajnije mijenjao tijekom obuke u SPU-u, dijastolički krvni tlak blago se snizio, a pokazatelji plućne funkcije su blago porasli u obje grupe, što ukazuje da obuka u SPU-u dovodi do očekivanog fiziološkog odgovora kardiovaskularnog i dišnog sustava na fizički i termalni stres te se može smatrati zdravstveno sigurnom za zdrave vatrogasce uz obaveznu upotrebu zaštitne opreme. Visoka učestalost pretilosti i povišenih vrijednosti krvnog tlaka ukazuje na potrebu unaprjeđenja fizičke spremnosti vatrogasaca u Hrvatskoj.This article presents an overview of the investigation performed on the professional and volunteer firefighters attending Compartment Fire Behaviour Training (CFBT) in a simulator in controlled conditions. Blood pressure (BP), tympanic temperature, parameters of lung function, DNA damage, and body mass index (BMI) were recorded for study participants before and during the CFBT. High prevalence of obesity (27%) and basal hypertensive BP values (53%) was found. CFBT induced mild hyperthermia and physical strain. In comparison to professional firefighters, CFBT induced higher increase in pulse and tympanic temperature in volunteers. Systolic BP did not vary significantly, diastolic BP slightly decreased, and parameters of lung function slightly increased in both groups during the CFBT. Results confirm that CFBT induced only expected physiological cardiovascular and respiratory responses, and can be considered as a safe procedure for healthy firefighters using obligatory protective equipment. High prevalence of obesity and elevated BP values indicates a need for better physical fitness and BP control among firefighters in Croatia

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