Effectiveness of Safety Interventions in Fire Engines to Reduce Potential Airborne Transmission of SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

Physical distancing and wearing a face mask are key interventions to prevent COVID-19. While this remains difficult to practice for millions of firefighters in fire engines responding to emergencies, the delayed forthcoming of evidence on the effectiveness of such safety interventions in this setting presents a major problem. In this field experimental study, we provided initial evidence to close this gap. We examined total aerosol burden in the cabin of a fire engine whilst manipulating crew size, use of FFP2 respirators and use of SCBA full-face masks during 15-min driving periods. At the same time, we controlled for crew activity and speaking, vehicle speed, cabin ventilation, cabin air temperature, pressure and humidity. Limiting the crew size, using FFP2 respirators and not donning SCBA full-face masks was associated with a reduction of the arithmetic mean of total aerosol burden of up to 49%. This study provided initial evidence on the effectiveness of safety interventions in fire engines to reduce potential airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through aerosols. More research about the physical and the clinical effectiveness of such safety interventions is needed.

Evaluating emergency service response to COVID‐19: A scoping review

“…Studies used either a cross‐sectional ( N = 15), field experiment ( N = 1 23 ), or natural experiment design ( N = 1 24 ). Data was collected using qualitative ( N = 9), quantitative ( N = 6), or mixed methods ( N = 2).…”

“…In Germany, the impact of different safety measures on the potential spread of Covid‐19 in firefighters was examined 23 . Findings highlighted that adopting government guidelines to reduce crew size from nine to six firefighters and donning full‐face self‐contained breathing apparatus did not significantly reduce the total amount of aerosol within fire engines compared to maintaining a standard crew size and donning standard FFP2 face masks.…”

“…For example, in the USA, police officers reported that poor managerial communication increased stress 29 . Issues with communication of government guidance also created problems for knowing what measures to implement and having time to do so across emergency services in 27 countries 23,28,33,37 . In contrast, strong leadership and effective intra‐ and inter‐agency communication were noted as beneficial for improving relationships and generating innovative risk reduction strategies 30,32,33,35,37 …”

“…Studies used either a cross-sectional (N = 15), field experiment (N = 1 23 ), or natural experiment design (N = 1 24 ). -1013 across either first responders, 25 emergency managers, 26 or emergency departments.…”

“…29 Issues with communication of government guidance also created problems for knowing what measures to implement and having time to do so across emergency services in 27 countries. 23,28,33,37 In contrast, strong leadership and effective intra-and inter-agency communication were noted as beneficial for improving relationships and generating innovative risk reduction strategies. 30,32,33,35,37 In terms of concrete mechanisms for facilitating clear lines of leadership and communication, survey and interview feedback from Canada and Sri Lanka highlighted the value of single-rather than multi-led incident management teams for improving delegation and maintaining order.…”