Thermal-work strain in law enforcement personnel during chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) training

Abstract

Background:

Thermal safety standards for the use of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) ensembles have been established for various US occupations, but not for law enforcement personnel.

Objectives:

We examined thermal strain levels of 30 male US law enforcement personnel who participated in CBRN field training in Arizona, Florida, and Massachusetts.

Methods:

Physiological responses were examined using unobtrusive heart rate (HR) monitors and a simple thermoregulatory model to predict core temperature (T_c) using HR and environment.

Results:

Thermal strain levels varied by environments, activity levels, and type of CBRN ensemble. Arizona and Florida volunteers working in hot-dry and hot-humid environment indicated high heat strain (predicted max T_c>38·5°C). The cool environment of Massachusetts reduced thermal strain although thermal strains were occasionally moderate.

Conclusions:

The non-invasive method of using physiological monitoring and thermoregulatory modeling could improve law enforcement mission to reduce the risk of heat illness or injury.

Keywords:

• Chemical
• biological
• radiological
• nuclear (CBRN) ensembles
• Core temperature
• Heart rate
• Law enforcement
• Thermoregulatory model

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the law enforcement personnel who volunteered for this study. In addition we extent our gratitude to Mr. Axel Rodriguez, Mr. Matthew Hurley, Mr. Gregory Kanagaki, and Dr. David Carney from the NSRDEC for their assistance in coordinating studies and obtaining the chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) ensembles needed for thermal manikin testing. We also thank Mr. Julio Gonzalez (USARIEM) for performing the thermal manikin testing of the CBRN ensembles and Mr. Adam Potter (USARIEM) for editing the manuscript.