Inflammatory and psychological consequences of chronic high exposure firefighting.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the impact of extreme heat exposure frequency on inflammation and well-being in UK Fire Service personnel.

Methods: 136 Fire personnel and 14 controls (CON) were recruited [92 Firefighters (FF), 44 Breathing Apparatus Instructors (BAI)]. BAI were split into low (LBAI; ≤15 exposures per month) and high (HBAI; ≥20 exposures per month) categories.

Optimizing the Use of Phase Change Material Vests Worn During Explosives Ordnance Disposal Operations in Hot Conditions.

Phase change material (PCM) cooling garments' efficacy is limited by the duration of cooling provided. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacing a PCM vest during a rest period on physiological and perceptual responses during explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) related activity. Six non-heat acclimated males undertook three trials (consisting of 2 × 3 × 16.