Use of a Cool Vest to Reduce Heat Strain During Shipboard Firefighting.
Abstract
The use of a 6-pack (12 lb) cool vest (CV) can reduce heat strain in personnel wearing firefighting ensemble (FFE) and exercising in air temperatures under 37.80c (1000F). However, the 6-pack CV does not fit comfortably under the FFE Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a 5 lb 4- pack cool vest (CV), compared to no vest (NV), to reduce heat strain in personnel performing firefighting activities during fire tests aboard the Sx-USS Shadwell (LSD-15), Mobile, AL. Eight males served as subjects. Measurements included rectal (Tre) skin temperatures from the chest (Tch) upper arm (Tua), thigh (Th), and calf (Tca), and heart rate (HR) - Air temperatures in the fire space averaged 12O0C (2480F). For all subjects, dressing in FFE and execution of pre firefighting activities led to gradual increases in HR, Tre, and skin temperatures. During actual firefighting, HR, Tre, and skin temperatures rose rapidly in all subjects. However, wearing CV was associated with smaller increases (p<.02) in Tre and Tch. Our findings indicate that the use of a 5 lb 4-pack CV has the potential to reduce heat strain and increase firefighting stay time of naval personnel during training and actual shipboard firefighting.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA309362
Entities
People
- B. L. Bennett
- F. Williams
- K. A. Huey
- R. D. Hagan
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center