title: Thermal-work strain in law enforcement personnel during chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) training.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Thermal safety standards for the use of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) ensembles have been established for various US occupations, but not for law enforcement personnel.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We examined thermal strain levels of 30 male US law enforcement personnel who participated in CBRN field training in Arizona, Florida, and Massachusetts.
  
  
  METHODS
  Physiological responses were examined using unobtrusive heart rate (HR) monitors and a simple thermoregulatory model to predict core temperature (Tc) using HR and environment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thermal strain levels varied by environments, activity levels, and type of CBRN ensemble. Arizona and Florida volunteers working in hot-dry and hot-humid environment indicated high heat strain (predicted max Tc>38·5°C). The cool environment of Massachusetts reduced thermal strain although thermal strains were occasionally moderate.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The non-invasive method of using physiological monitoring and thermoregulatory modeling could improve law enforcement mission to reduce the risk of heat illness or injury.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yokota
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Karis
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Tharion
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001831:Body Temperature; D006339:Heart Rate; D018882:Heat Stress Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016272:Occupational Health; D016495:Police; D011482:Protective Devices
keywords: Chemical,; Core temperature,; Heart rate,; Law enforcement,; Thermoregulatory model; biological,; nuclear (CBRN) ensembles,; radiological,