Cardiovascular risk in fire academy instructors during live-fire simulation activity

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Biomarker Research

Background:

• Firefighting is an extreme occupation associated with high risks of cardiovascular disease and sudden cardiac death.
• Strenuous physical exertion and psychological stress during fire suppression contribute to these occupational hazards.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate vital signs (hemodynamic status) and cardiac disease-related biomarkers during live firefighting simulations.
• To assess the immediate and short-term physiological impact of live-fire firefighting on firefighters.

Main Methods:

• A pilot case-controlled study involving seven firefighting instructors performing a 40-minute live-fire simulation.
• A control group performed similar exercises wearing personal protective equipment.
• Cardiovascular evaluations, including vital signs and biomarkers, were conducted pre-simulation, post-simulation, and up to 24 hours later.

Main Results:

• The simulation group exhibited significantly higher pulse pressure, heart rate (110 bpm vs. 77 bpm), and body temperature (37.6°C vs. 36.0°C) compared to the control group.
• Elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6), coagulation protein (fibrinogen), and stress hormones (cortisol, adrenocorticotrophic hormone) were observed immediately post-simulation.
• IL-6 and fibrinogen remained elevated up to 24 hours after the live-fire simulation.

Conclusions:

• Live-fire firefighting simulations induce significant alterations in hemodynamic status and increase stress-related biomarkers.
• These identified markers show potential for decreasing cardiovascular risk in firefighters.
• Further investigation is warranted to validate these findings and develop preventative strategies.