Effects of Chronic Heat Stress and Shift Work on Postural Stability in Firefighters: A Pilot Study

University of Cincinnati Education and Research Center

November 17, 2021, 8:00:00 PM

12 - 1 PM PT | 2 - 3 PM CT | 3 - 4 PM ET

Speaker(s)

Rachel Zeiler, PhD Student

Rachel Zeiler is a PhD Candidate at the University of Cincinnati studying Environmental and Industrial Hygiene. Her work is currently focused on evaluating the effects that physical and chemical hazards have on functional outcomes, with her dissertation work focused on early-life lead exposure and its impact on postural stability and bone health in adulthood. Rachel works in the Early Detection of Degenerative Diseases and Innovative Solutions (EDDI) lab led by Dr. Amit Bhattacharya in the Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences.

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About the webinar:

Structural firefighters are exposed to many environmental stressors while still expected to make critical decisions on the job. Firefighters are exposed to high temperatures, perform physically demanding tasks, and wear heavy PPE, which all contribute to an increased internal body temperature. Firefighters also work extended shifts, typically as long as 24 hours, where their sleep may be interrupted to deal with emergencies. Fatigue generated from a combination of heat stress, performing physically demanding tasks, and partial sleep deprivation has contributed to a higher risk for loss of balance, which can increase the rate of fall-related injuries among firefighters. Maintaining balance while firefighting is essential for reducing fall-related injuries. This webinar will explore preliminary findings from a pilot study: Effect of Hyperthermia on Brain Function and Impact on Functional Outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

At the completion of this activity, the learner will be able to:

- Describe occupational hazards and risk due to heat stress and shift work amongst firefighters
- Recognize postural balance metrics and how they can be used to measure loss of balance
- Discuss ways to mitigate the physical risks of firefighting

Accessibility:

If you require an accommodation for effective communication (ASL interpreting/CART captioning, alternative media formats, etc.) to fully participate in this event, please contact Michelle Meyer at (510) 642-8365 or mmeyer@berkeley.edu with as much advance notice as possible and at least 7-10 days in advance of the event.