Presentation
The association between individual characteristics, work organization, geographic location, and heat strain among 357 Chilean Wildland Firefighters
DescriptionWildland firefighters (WLFFs) encounter extreme metabolic and environmental heat loads, yet systemic heat strain remains poorly characterized in Chile. Objective: To quantify the prevalence of perceived heat strain among Chilean WLFFs and then compare the prevalence across WLFFs with varying individual characteristics, work organization, and geographic location. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 357 WLFFs. Perceived heat strain was assessed using the Heat Strain Score Index (HSSI), dichotomized into Safe/Caution (≤18) and Dangerous (>18) categories. The prevalence of heat strain was examined across individual characteristics (age, sex, and body mass index), work organization (tenure, arrangement, and shift), and the geographic location (coastal vs. inland). Associations between predictors and danger-level strain were analyzed using prevalence Ratios (PR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI). Results: A high prevalence of perceived heat strain was observed, with 38.7% (n=138) of WLFFs classified as being in the danger category and 73.1% of WLFFs reporting one or more heat-related symptoms. Although prevalence increased with age, body mass index, work tenure, and among seasonal workers, these associations were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Perceived heat strain was widespread, with approximately 4 in 10 WLFFs operating under dangerous conditions. No significant differences were observed across groups.
Contributors
Event Type
Lecture
TimeFriday, October 23rd11am - 11:20am PDT
Location