Citation

Rusiecki JA, Thomas DL, Chen L, Funk R, McKibben J, Dayton MR. J. Occup. Environ. Med. 2014; 56(8): 820-833.

Affiliation

From the Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics (Drs Rusiecki, Chen, and McKibben), Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Md; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Dr Thomas), National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Dengue Branch, San Juan, Puerto Rico; United States Coast Guard (Drs Rusiecki and Thomas and Mr Dayton), Directorate of Health, Safety, and Work Life, Washington, DC; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Dr Funk), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Emergency Preparedness and Response Office, Atlanta, Ga; and Department of Psychology (Dr McKibben), West Chester University, Pa.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/JOM.0000000000000188

PMID

25099408

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Disaster responders work among poorly characterized physical and psychological hazards with little understood regarding health consequences of their work.

METHODS: A survey administered to 2834 US Coast Guard responders to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita provided data on exposures and health effects. Prevalence odds ratios (PORs) evaluated associations between baseline characteristics, missions, exposures, and health effects.

RESULTS: Most frequent exposures were animal/insect vector (n = 1309; 46%) and floodwater (n = 817; 29%). Most frequent health effects were sunburn (n = 1119; 39%) and heat stress (n = 810; 30%). Significant positive associations were for mold exposure and sinus infection (POR = 10.39); carbon monoxide and confusion (POR = 6.27); lack of sleep and slips, trips, falls (POR = 3.34) and depression (POR = 3.01); being a Gulf-state responder and depression (POR = 3.22).

CONCLUSIONS: Increasing protection for disaster responders requires provisions for adequate sleep, personal protective equipment, and access to medical and psychological support.

Language: en