Testing Environmental Sensors to Reduce Heat Ailments among First Responders

Abstract Over the last few years, there has been an increase in the number of deaths of the hazmat first responders mainly due to cardiac arrest, heat stroke, heat stress, lack of oxygen in the blood and inhalation of hazardous chemicals. National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) statistics reveals the following: There were more than 30,000 firefighter injuries between 2010-2016 42% of fatalities were caused due to physical stress and overexertion The hazmat first responders face a 14 percent increase in cancer-related deaths (NIOSH) Past research and interviews with various focus groups have indicated that there is a lack of real time health monitoring for first responders during a hazmat response. It is extremely important to monitor the health and environmental parameters surrounding the hazmat first responders in order to improve their safety and mitigate their deaths. A decrease or an increase in the core body temperature of a hazmat first responder when exposed to extreme environmental conditions can result in adverse health effects such as heat stroke, cardiac arrest and heat exhaustion. Thus, my primary research goal is to monitor the core temperature inside and outside the personal protection suit of first responder in order to improve their health and reduce risks associated when they are subjected to potentially harmful emergency hazmat situation. This can be achieved through Internet of Things (IoT) sensor technology. The purpose of this research is to: Monitor the health parameters of the first responders in an emergency hazmat response through IoT sensors Improve their safety and reduce adverse heath effects Visualize the IoT sensor data for effective decision making Comments Office of the Federal Register National Archives and Records Administration. (2011, October 1). Code of Federal Regulations Title 49 (Transportation) Caldwell, J. N., Engelen, L., van der Henst, C., Patterson, M. J. & Taylor, N. A.S. (2011). The interaction of body armor, low-intensity exercise, and hot-humid conditions on physiological strain and cognitive function National Fire Protection Association. (2017, June). Firefighter activities, injuries, and deaths