Physiologic monitoring in extreme environments: application of microsensors and embedded processors to predict heat stress in fire fighters

Carin Van Gelder; L. Alex Pranger; Adrian R. Urias; Ronalee Lo; William P. Wiesmann; Robert J. Winchell; Margaret A. Kolka; Nina Stachenfeld; Sandy Bogucki

doi:10.1117/12.466648

13 May 2002 Physiologic monitoring in extreme environments: application of microsensors and embedded processors to predict heat stress in fire fighters

Carin Van Gelder, L. Alex Pranger, Adrian R. Urias, Ronalee Lo, William P. Wiesmann, Robert J. Winchell, Margaret A. Kolka, Nina Stachenfeld, Sandy Bogucki

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 4615, Biomedical Diagnostic, Guidance, and Surgical-Assist Systems IV; (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.466648
Event: International Symposium on Biomedical Optics, 2002, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

Interior structural firefighting involves heavy physical exertion under extreme environmental conditions. Personal protective clothing and equipment impose 50 lbs of weight on fire fighters and impede the evaporative cooling mechanisms normally responsible for thermoregulation during exercise. The intense heat of the fire ground further exacerbates the physiological stress on working fire fighters. Occupational morbidity and mortality statistics reflect the impact of such stressors on fire service personnel. Non-invasive physiological monitoring capabilities are needed to more precisely define the cardiovascular responses to the demands of fire fighting and identify markers of impending failure of compensatory mechanisms prior to collapse or onset of irreversible pathology. A suite of sensors designed to provide continuous remote monitoring of fire fighters has been developed. Oximetry sensors are incorporated into SCBA facemask to allow unencumbered monitoring and analysis of cardiovascular and pulmonary function. The present report also describes a model system for physiological studies of fire fighting. This system comprises a series of timed simulations of fire ground tasks performed by fire fighters in a heated environmental chamber. Preliminary testing confirms the feasibility of reliable oximetry signal acquisition under fire ground conditions.

Citation Download Citation

Carin Van Gelder, L. Alex Pranger, Adrian R. Urias, Ronalee Lo, William P. Wiesmann, Robert J. Winchell, Margaret A. Kolka, Nina Stachenfeld, and Sandy Bogucki "Physiologic monitoring in extreme environments: application of microsensors and embedded processors to predict heat stress in fire fighters", Proc. SPIE 4615, Biomedical Diagnostic, Guidance, and Surgical-Assist Systems IV, (13 May 2002); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.466648

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