Uwe Reischl

Fire Fighter Helmet Ventilation Analysis

A series of wind tunnel tests was conducted on selected fire fighter helmets to identify design factors which affect helmet ventilation at various air velocities and head orientation angles. Biomedical heat flux transducers were mounted on the surface of an electrically heated mannequin head to monitor convective heat loss. Under the experimental conditions, specific helmet design features were identified which can contribute to improved helmet ventilation and thus improve body metabolic heat loss. Attention to helmet design and helmet suspension systems is recommended to reduce fire fighter heat stress.

Fire fighter noise exposure.

Occupational noise exposure was evaluated for eight fire fighter positions on board three types of emergency vehicles. One hundred seventy code-3responses were monitored and sound pressure levels in excess of 115 dBA found. Futhermore, sound pressures exceeding the OSHA allowable level of 90 dBA for eight hours exposure were determined. Octave band analyses were performed for overall code-3 noise and for specific noise sources on each vehicle. An evaluation of eighty-nine audiograms of fire fighters was also carried out. The findings of this study suggest that under present operational conditions fire fighters experience excessive short-duration, high intensity noise exposure and a hearing conservation program for the fire service is therefore recommended.

Assessment of Ventilation Characteristics of Standard and Prototype Firefighter Protective Clothing1

Specialized clothing is an integral part of a firefighters protective system. However, existing fire fighter clothing, which attempts to protect against environmental hazards, also restricts dissipation of metabolic heat. This restriction can lead to severe heat stress and may result in subsequent hazards to the health and safety of the firefighter. A new prototype design has been developed that exhibits some improved heat-dissipation characteristics under controlled laboratory settings. Two versions of the prototype design were tested for ventilation and compared with the ventilation of standard turnout gear. Laboratory information was obtained using one male and one female test subject participating in a series of treadmill exercise tests. Biophysical data collected show that the proto type design provides improvements in clothing ventilation over the standard turnout gear presently in use. Analysis of results suggests that reduction in firefighter heat stress can be achieved, and con tinued development of the prototype design is recommended.

Comparative Assessment of GORETEX™ and NEOPRENE™ Vapor Barriers in a Firefighter Turn-Out Coat

A series of 18 laboratory tests using one male and two female subjects was carried out to assess the impact of a GORETEXTM barrier and a NEOPRENE™ vapor barrier on the ventilation characteristics of a firefighter turn-out coat. Clothing air-space temperatures were monitored while test subjects performed under a standardized treadmill exercise protocol. It was found that a GORETEX barrier contributed to lower clothing heat build-up than did a NEOPRENE vapor barrier. The improved heat dissipation characteristics of the GORETEX barrier may reduce heat stress and improve comfort for firefighters during firefighting operations.

Occupation related fire fighter hearing loss

A noise exposure survey and audiometric assessment of 750 Los Angeles City fire fighters carried out to study the impact of fire service noise exposure on fire fighter hearing loss revealed evidence of excess hearing loss at the 3000Hz, 4000Hz, and 6000Hz test frequencies. Fire fighter medical history and life-style data did not point to a significant impact of hobbies and diseases on hearing threshold changes. The hearing loss observed at the test frequencies was, in relation to age, in excess of a general national population. This increased hearing loss with age for fire fighters suggests occupational overexposure to noise. A hearing conservation program for the fire service is therefore recommended.

Water fog stream heat radiation attenuation

Tests indicate that water fog streams are effective in attenuating radiant heat. It is suggested, therefore, that such fog patterns be used for fire fighter protection and be considered a part of the fire fighters environment when specifications for protective clothing systems are developed.

Merging Video Technology with Personal Health Records to Facilitate Diagnosis and Treatment of Autism

Improved imaging techniques and an increased demand for a personal health record platform indicates that a telehealth based system has an excellent potential for improving patient care, providing a high capacity for information storage and retrieval, and for reducing healthcare costs. A video-capture technology is presented that will allow parents, schoolteachers, and other caregivers to capture a childs behavior for subsequent evaluation by an appropriate specialist worldwide. This platform is especially pertinent for the timely evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of children with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). Autism is a neuro-developmental disorder affecting many children in the US. Early intervention is important in treating this disorder. Long waiting periods delay evaluation and children often do not receive timely therapy. The new telehealth based system may shorten the time for a diagnosis, potentially increase diagnostic accuracy, reduce costs, and contribute to improved status of personal health records. Health insurance providers who must recognize the cost-saving potential of this approach will likely drive the commercial viability of this technology

Pressure Thresholds and Stiffness on the Plantar Surface of the Human Foot.

Abstract A methodology to assess Pressure Discomfort Thresholds (PDT), Pressure Pain Thresholds (PPT) and tissue stiffness on the plantar surface of the foot was developed. Ten male and 10 female participants volunteered for the study. Foot landmarks were used to create a standardised grid-type template of 95 points. For each test point, PPT and PDT values were obtained, and stiffness was calculated for each of the 20 participants. Cluster analyses were performed to determine the regions of similarity for the three dependent variables, PPT, PDT and stiffness. Moran’s-I-index was used to determine the spatial auto correlations. The use of k-means clustering showed five distinct clusters while the three dependent variables showed strong correlations to each other. Morisita’s similarity index was used to check the similarity of the grid among all participants. Both male and female participants showed a Morisita’s index greater than 0.7 confirming the reliability of the foot template. Practitioner Summary: Pressure Discomfort thresholds (PPT), Pressure pain thresholds (PPT) and tissue stiffness were evaluated at 95 points on the plantar surface of the foot. The PPT and related PDT map are useful to design the footbeds of shoes. Based on the data collected, five distinct clusters of locations were identified.

Health Informatics: A Roadmap for Autism Knowledge Sharing

With the prevalence of diagnosed autism on the rise, increased efforts are needed to support surveillance, research, and case management. Challenges to collect, analyze and share typical and unique patient information and observations are magnified by expanding provider caseloads, delays in treatment and patient office visits, and lack of sharable data. This paper outlines recommended principles and approaches for utilizing state-of-the-art information systems technology and population-based registries to facilitate collection, analysis, and reporting of autism patient data. Such a platform will increase treatment options and registry information to facilitate diagnosis, treatment and research of this disorder.

Emerging Use of Behavior Imaging for Autism and Beyond

Commercially available “behavior imaging” technology is effectively assisting the diagnosis and management of children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism. This technology offers a unique way of capturing behavior data in natural environments on video clips, and is complemented by a comprehensive information storage and retrieval platform. Uses to date include providing families living in remote areas with improved access to health care services. The flexibility and versatility inherent in this new platform allow for future expansion, which may include a variety of wireless physiologic sensors. The benefits offered by this new technology have been recognized internationally and the use of this new technology may expand from behavioral healthcare and special education to fields such as psychotherapy, therapy supervision, and a host of research applications.