Citation

Carey MG, Baldzizhar AN, Miterko CR, Qualls BW, Vincent RL, Merrick R, Dean GE. J. Occup. Environ. Med. 2018; 60(2): 186-190.

Affiliation

School of Nursing at University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester NY, USA (Carey), Strong Memorial Hospital at University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester NY, USA (Carey, Baldzizhar, Miterko, Qualls, Vincent), Rochester Fire Department (Merrick), School of Nursing, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA (Dean).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/JOM.0000000000001199

PMID

29049092

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Firehouse alarms are so loud they cause a systemic response, similar to the flight-or-flight response. The purpose of the study was to reduce firehouse environmental stimuli to improve sleep quality and, thus, reduce cardiac burden.

METHODS: The intervention included: restricted unnecessary fire alarms, reduced light levels, and regulated temperature in the bunkroom.

RESULTS: Among 24 firefighters, 11 completed the matched post-assessment. Six weeks after implementing the interventions, measures revealed the average lux level dropped from 0.75 to 0.19 lux, p < 0.05 and the presence of elevated blood pressure reduced from 86% to 15%, p < 0.05.

CONCLUSIONS: Results support that reducing environmental stimuli in firehouses reduces blood pressure; which is much easier than targeting behavior change. RECOMMENDATIONS: Based on this pilot study, the practice of routinely activating unnecessary fire alarms in firehouse bunkrooms should be discouraged.

Language: en