Firefighters

FIREFIGHTERS. From the standpoint of occupational hygiene in the work of firefighters, the following main moments should be distinguished: a) duty shifts associated with constant readiness at a signal at any moment in a state of full readiness (clothing, equipment) to proceed with firefighting work, b) "combat" work—the very process of firefighting. The determining factor in the characterization of duty shifts is the factor of readiness for "combat" work. Despite the fact that duty shifts are only to a very insignificant degree associated with the performance of certain operations (exercises) and therefore are not professional activity in the direct sense of the word, nevertheless they leave a specific imprint on the profession of firefighters. The factor of readiness causes, on the one hand, constant nervous tension, which does not pass even among seasoned professional firefighters, and on the

other hand, a state of depression due to the impossibility of performing systematic active work. All this with the prolonged performance of firefighter duties cannot but affect their neurophysical structure and can be the cause of a number of neuropsychiatric disorders.--The so-called "combat" work of firefighters is associated with a number of dangers and hazards, among which the main ones are: 1) the danger of accidents (bruises, burns, injuries, electrical injuries, etc.), 2) high temperatures in the sphere of action of fire and sharp temperature fluctuations, 3) the danger of poisoning. Special attention is deserved, along with the danger of injuries, by the danger of poisoning ("smoke poisoning"). The composition of smoke inhaled by firefighters at a fire does not represent anything constant and depends on the nature of the burning substances and the degree of combustion. Therefore, the symptoms of "smoke poisoning" are extremely diverse. With complete combustion (sufficient oxygen access), smoke along with carbon dioxide contains nitric and nitrous acids, ammonia, and sulfuric acid. With incomplete combustion, the main ingredient determining the danger and most symptoms of smoke poisoning is carbon monoxide (see). In addition to carbon monoxide during incomplete combustion, phenol, acrolein, formic acid, and others are formed. The danger of poisoning is especially great when extinguishing so-called chemical fires. Many nervous system, respiratory, and digestive system diseases frequently occurring among firefighters with a certain right can be linked to poisonings that took place during the extinguishing of fires.

In regard to morbidity and traumatism, firefighters do not stand out particularly noticeably among other occupational groups, which apparently is connected, on the one hand, with selection (physically healthy people are selected for this work, and only persons distinguished by significant endurance remain for long periods), and on the other hand, with the mechanization of firefighting, the development of preventive fire-prevention measures reducing the number of fires, and in connection with this, the workload of firefighters with so-called combat work. The frequency rate of serious accidents associated with loss of working capacity among Moscow firefighters was 2.1-4.9, in Leningrad (1924-26) - 2.2-4.4 per 100, which is approximately twice as low as the traumatism of textile workers not belonging to the category of particularly traumatized categories of workers.--Improvement and easing of working conditions for firefighters depend primarily on the progress of firefighting technology (mechanization, etc.), the improvement of gas rescue work (masks, respirators). Improvement of living conditions, correct organization of duty shifts (introduction of a three-shift system) are of serious importance for improving the working conditions of firefighters. Very important is the correct setup of medical and occupational selection, as well as periodic medical examinations.

Z. Smelyansky.