The Effect of Physical Exertion in Chemical and Biological Personal Protective Equipment on Physiological Function and Reaction Time

Abstract

This study did not identify any effect of 20 minutes of heavy exercise in highly fit volunteers wearing level C chemical and biological PPE on reaction time. Heart rate response and TM temperature were higher during exertion in PPE. These differences, along with other physiological alterations observed, were not of clinical relevance. Further studies using arterial blood gas analysis and a more accurate measure of core body temperature are needed to better assess the physiological effect of this level and duration of exercise on subjects wearing similar PPE. Other aspects of cognition also require investigation under these conditions, in order to assess their effect on patient and rescuer safety.

Metabolic fatigue in resuscitators using personal protection equipment against biological hazard

“…(22) Another study by Szarpak et al (23) evaluated the correct performance of external cardiac massage techniques on a mannequin by professionals in protective suits, evaluating the correct position, depth or quality, among other aspects, but none of these studies evaluated how this physical exertion affected the resuscitators. The study by Stein et al, (24) which analyzes the reaction time of workers carrying PPE and their physiological response, should be highlighted. The authors describe and compare changes in heart rate, venous pH, pCO 2 , bicarbonate, lactate level, oxygen saturation and temperature.…”

“…If we combine the physiological overload that is caused by the use of specific protection equipment, together with the effort involved in resuscitation tasks, working with biological hazard protection equipment generates discomfort and decreases in the level of attention and response capacity. (24) These circumstances increase the probability of suffering occupational accidents and the risk of exacerbating pre-existing diseases, decreasing effective work time or generating work situations where it is impossible to perform the assigned tasks safely, for the patient, the healthcare worker themselves or the rest of the staff. (25) Our research is limited to the study of the physiological and anthropometric parameters cited in the methodology, but the usefulness of other parameters such as cortisol, pH or insulin levels, among others, is not discussed.…”

Does Gender Influence Physiological Tolerance in Resuscitators When Using Personal Protection Equipment against Biological Hazards?

“…At the same time, blood flow to the skin increases (peripheral vasodilatation), to increase the release of heat to the outside, which is impossible in this case due to the waterproof characteristics of the protective equipment. If this situation is reached under a very intense or lasting physical effort, professionals who are wearing this equipment begin to feel uncomfortable and present diminished attention and response capacity [ 23 ].…”

Repercusiones fisiológicas del uso de equipos de protección individual frente a riesgos biológicos sobre los trabajadores de la salud

“…El profesional comenzará a sudar, y se producirá una evaporación en el interior del traje, provocando que la piel se enfríe; al mismo tiempo, aumenta el flujo de sangre hacia la piel (vasodilatación periférica), para aumentar la liberación de calor hacia el exterior (imposible en este caso debido a las propias características de impermeabilidad del traje de protección). Si esta situación se origina bajo un esfuerzo físico muy intenso o duradero en el tiempo, los profesionales que portan estos equipos comienzan a presentar incomodidad y disminución del nivel de atención y capacidad de respuesta (67) . Este hecho aumenta la probabilidad de sufrir accidentes laborales y el riesgo de reagudización de enfermedades preexistentes, disminuyendo el tiempo efectivo de trabajo o generando situaciones de trabajo en las que es imposible realizar las tareas asignadas con seguridad, tanto para el paciente, como para el propio trabajador o el resto de los trabajadores (68) (69) .…”

“…Para concluir, se han de destacar dos artículos, el de Stein et al (67) , que analiza el tiempo de reacción de los trabajadores portando equipos de protección personal y su respuesta fisiológica. Los autores tratan de describir y comparar los cambios en la frecuencia cardiaca, el pH venoso, en el pCO 2 , bicarbonato, nivel de lactato, saturación de oxígeno y temperatura.…”