Physiological Limits of Firefighters
Abstract
The U. S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine conducted a study of respiratory stresses imposed on firefighters wearing a self contained breathing apparatus. The purpose of this study was to investigate the respiratory stresses and subsequent changes in work capacity accompanying the wearing of a self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Twenty volunteer subjects, ranging in age from 25 to 49 years participated in the study which included both smokers and nonsmokers of varying levels of physical fitness. A 30 minute SCBA, equipped with a full face mask and either a (1) demand, or (2) pressure demand regulator, was worn by the subjects while walking on a motor driven treadmill at a constant speed (3.3 mph) and up grades determined to require 50, 65 and 80 percent of each individual's aerobic capacity (VO2 max). Follwing a 10 minute rest, venous blood was drawn for Hb, Hct % COHb, and lactate determinations; the subject then began a 10 minute bout of work at one of the three workloads given above. Measurement monitored continuously during work included: forehead skin, core and mask temperatures; maximum and minimum O2 and CO2 tensions inside the mask; breathing resistance (pressure); and heart rate
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA079413
Entities
People
- David Tucker
- F. W. Baumgardner
- L. G. Myhre
- R. D. Holden