Training prepares first responders for disasters including terrorist attacks. To train effectively it should be as realistic as possible and elicit the stress response. We are developing a profile that will be a marker for intensity of stress as well as differentiate stress from exertion. We have monitored stress during several training scenarios for different groups including civilian SWAT teams and the military. In addition, we can monitor stress to exposure to nonlethal weapons. We have monitored stress during exposure to blunt impact using a paintball paradigm. We have measured salivary substances (such as cortisol and DHEA [markers for the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis]) and amylase [marker for the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system], physiological parameters (such as activity and heart rate), and neuropsychological assessment tools (such as Borg's perceived exertion scale, Spielberger's STAI and Thayer's ADC). With these neuroendocrine, physiological and behavioral indices in hand, we are poised to examine stress induction in preparedness in trainees.
Blunt impact munitions are often used by civilian law enforcement and in military operations on urban terrain (MOUT) missions to dissuade individuals and groups from approaching valued assets. The use of blunt munitions (rubber-ball or sponge) is predicated on their effectiveness as aversive stimuli; the effectiveness is weighed against the risk of serious injury or death. However, little empirical evidence supports effectiveness. Here, we use a paintball gaming context to study the effects of blunt impact on performance and approach behaviors. Volunteers individually traversed a course in which targets offer the opportunity to gain for accuracy. While completing the targeting task, subjects were bombarded with paintballs, which progressively became more numerous and the impact more intense as the subjects neared goal locations. Initial data suggest that over 30 blunt impacts by paintballs delivered at 280 ft/sec over 30 to 100 ft are insufficient to overcome intrinsic and extrinsic approach motivations or impair targeting or advance performance in an overwhelming majority of subjects. Our apparent ceiling effect was surprising. A sub-comparison of the few subjects who stopped the game before the end with those who did not suggests that personality factors influence the effectiveness of blunt impact as a deterrent. While paintballs differ from traditional blunt impact munitions on a number of physical characteristics, impact that was sufficient to repeatedly bruise volunteers was not an effective deterrent.
KEYWORDS: Personal digital assistants, Sensors, Heart, Analog electronics, Oxygen, Signal processing, Electrocardiography, Blood, Infrared radiation, Transmitters
Training prepares civilian first responders and military personnel to handle the many aspects of their mission to the
best of their capability. For training to be the most effective, it should be as realistic as possible and elicit the stress
response. Stress, however, is not measurable by a simple variable or recording. A stress response measurement requires
the collection of physiological, behavioral, neuropsychological, and self report variables simultaneously. These are most
valid when recorded or documented in real-time to the stress itself. To facilitate the recording of a stress profile, a handheld
computer platform (HP-IPAQ) was developed. The HP-IPAQ with the PocketPC operating system running
LabVIEW software offers the best flexibility for the interfacing of sensors and physiological amplifiers. The interactive
human interface allows for the collection of self-report and other neuropsychological assessments. To test system
designs, civilian and military trainees participated in various scenarios. Our system for simultaneous data collection of
physiological and behavioral variables shows promise for field applications.
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