Health status and physical fitness of mines rescue brigadesmen

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess health status of regular and part-time mines rescue brigadesmen. Material and Methods: A group of 685 mines rescue brigadesmen was examined within the preventive testing -a basic internal, biochemistry and anthropometric examination, physical fitness testing. Results: The average age of the subjects was 41.96±7.18 years, the average exposure in mining was 20±8.1 years, out of that 11.95±7.85 years as mines rescue brigadesmen. Elevated levels of total serum cholesterol (T-CH) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-CH) were found in over 1/2 of the subjects. Systolic hypertension (systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mm Hg) was confirmed in 34%, overweight (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25) in 62.3% and obesity (BMI ≥ 30) in 20.4% of the examined mines rescue brigadesmen. The metabolic syndrome was found in 15.2% of persons. The highest physical fitness was found in mines rescue brigadesmen and the lowest in mine officers. Limit values of maximum oxygen uptake (VO 2 max /kg) determined by the management of the mine rescue station were not reached by every 3rd of all mines rescue brigadesmen. Compared with the control group of the Czech and Slovak population, the rescuers are taller, have greater BMI, higher percentage of body fat in all age categories and proportionally to that they achieve a higher maximum minute oxygen uptake; however, in relative values per kg of body weight their physical fitness is practically the same as that of the controls. Conclusions: The prevalence of risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and VO 2 max /kg in the group of the mines rescue brigadesmen is comparable with that in the general untrained Czech population.

Heart rate variability in mine-rescuers in conditions of a simulated emergency response

“…After a rigorous professional selection, only absolutely healthy people are admitted to such work. Nevertheless, the examination conducted by Tomaskova H. et al [12] in the group of 685 mine-rescuers which included electrocardiography at rest, basic anthropometric and biochemical tests allowed the authors to conclude that the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in this study group is comparable with that one in the general population. Taking into account that the mean term of service of rescues in the mentioned study was quite high, the obtained results can be explained by the impact of working conditions.…”

Effect of a Simulated Mine Rescue on Physiological Variables and Heat Strain of Mine Rescue Workers

“…These elevated physical loads can be exacerbated in underground mine conditions as they are characterized by temperatures exceeding 40 °C, and 60% humidity. 12,13 The primary mechanism of heat loss (perspiration) 14–16 is inhibited by high humidity and extensive protective equipment. 10–11 These impaired cooling mechanisms, combined with high physical activity, will result in higher than normal core temperature ( T c ), significantly increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.…”

Anatomy of Mine Rescue Teams’ Casualty Incidents: A Basis for Medical Emergency Preparedness and Injury Prevention

“…1 The environment in disaster areas is dark, narrow, hot, humid, and complex, which could easily lead to the occurrence of casualties. [2][3][4] For example, 7 MRT members died due to a blast injury in the Shanmushu Coal Mine on July 23, 2013. Three MRT members died because of suffocation from discharging gas after opening up a seal in the Tongshengtongji Coal Mine on October 26, 2017.…”