By EMS1 Staff
HANOVER PARK, Ill. — A 21-month national research project is underway to help lower the number of firefighter line-of-duty deaths.
Daily Herald reported that the study, led by the Hanover Park Fire Department, aims to improve the know-how and equipment to better handle the physical stresses of firefighting. From January 2017 to September 2018, 52 firefighter-paramedics will wear a monitor that measures their physiological responses during each shift.
“I believe firefighting is the most physically taxing thing anyone does,” Professor Denise Smith, the study’s lead investigator, said. “Perhaps the only activity that compares is what soldiers experience carrying their gear in extremely hot climates.”
Fire Chief Craig Haigh said his firefighters are willing to share to help firefighters nationwide.
“They know it will have a direct impact on firefighter health and safety for years to come,” Chief Haigh said.
Researchers hope the study’s findings help manufacturers make gear lighter, more breathable and less restrictive.
The project is funded by a $1.5 million grant from the Department of Homeland Security and backed by groups such as the International Association of Fire Fighters, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, Globe Manufacturing and Zephyr Medtronic.