Section2–HeatStressandtheFirefighter.pptVIP

Section 2 – Heat Stress and the Firefighter After completing this section, the firefighter will be able to: Identify basic heat stress terms and concepts. Describe sources of heat exposure that affect firefighters. Understand the added impact of personal protective equipment on heat stress. Understand the effects of heat stress on the human body. After completing this section, the firefighter will be able to: Understand the role of adaptation and acclimatization to environmental conditions and how they may benefit firefighters. Identify and treat the symptoms of minor heat injuries and illnesses. Identify and treat the symptoms of heat exhaustion. Identify and treat the symptoms heat stroke. Describe various methods for avoiding heat-related injuries. Objective 2-1 Identify basic heat stress terms and concepts. Important Terms and Concepts Environmental (ambient) temperature Thermal radiation Conduction Convection Relative humidity Objective 2-3 Describe sources of heat exposure that affect firefighters. Sources of Heat Exposure to Firefighters Environmental Heat Exposure: This is the weather you are operating in. Fire Exposure: The most critical thermal exposure faced by firefighters. Fire exposure occurs during actual fire suppression and fire rescue activities. Particularly severe exposures during combustible/flammable liquid fuel and chemical fires. Long-Term Exposure to Heat For the vast majority of municipal firefighters, exposure to extreme heat situations will occur in limited, short doses. There are several exceptions to this, including: Career firefighters who have been involved in training exercises or repetitive calls during high temperature conditions. Volunteer firefighters who work outdoor or otherwise hot atmospheric jobs and respond to fire calls after extended periods exposed to heat. Wildland firefighters who operate for long periods of time in high temperature conditions and may not be able to retreat to climate-controlled facilities during