Year of Award

2014

Document Type

Thesis - Campus Access Only

Degree Type

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Name

Health and Human Performance (Exercise Science Option)

Department or School/College

Department of Health and Human Performance

Committee Chair

Brent Ruby

Commitee Members

Joe Domitrovich, Charlie Palmer, Stephen Lodmell

Keywords

CORE TEMPERATURE, HEAT RELATED INJURY, THERMOREGULATION, WET BULB GLOBE TEMPERATURE, WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER

Publisher

University of Montana

Abstract

Purpose: To determine if the effects of environmental conditions and their corresponding levels of heat strain during wildfire suppression influence behavior of wildland firefighters (WLFFs). Methods: Twenty-two WLFFs participated in regular activities on the fireline while under direct observation. Core (TC) and skin (TSK) temperatures, heart rate (HR), breathing rate (RR), physiological strain index (PSI), activity counts (ACT), ambient temperature (TEMP), relative humidity (HUM), and a detailed activity log were recorded in 10-minute averages across the entire work shift of subjects in the study. Wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) estimations were calculated using TEMP and HUM inputs recorded during the work shift. Results: Total time spent in temperature classifications defined by WBGT was 2,280 minutes or 16% of the total time (14,240 min). Average ACT in the white, green, yellow, red, and black flag conditions (384.0 ± 400.5 counts•min-1, 122.0 ± 125.8 counts•min-1, 106.8 ± 176.3 counts•min-1, 324.1 ± 353.6 counts•min-1, 249.7 ± 236.8 counts•min-1) were not less than ACT during WBGT conditions below 78.0°F (487.0 ± 704.4 counts•min-1). PSI values observed in the five flag conditions (3.1 ± 1.3, 2.2 ± 1.4, 2.1 ± 1.2, 2.7 ± 0.9, 2.9 ± 0.7) and outside of (2.2 ± 1.6) indicate adequate thermoregulation in this population across all weather conditions. Additionally, there was no difference in TC in response to changing environmental conditions. TSK and the gradient between TC and TSK were highly variable across all 22 subjects and environmental conditions. Conclusion: Increase in WBGT gradation did not reduce observed measurements of ACT and PSI. Situations of elevated body temperature were mitigated by individuals in response to body heat manifestation across all temperatures.

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© Copyright 2014 Joseph Alan Sol