In the journal Wildfire (Sharkey, et al., 2008, p. 10), the writer points out that the MTDC and the University of Montana researchers have measured the aerobic fitness of IMT members, checked they physically and have identified the "presence of risk factors for coronary artery disease and inflammatory markers in blood samples," Sharkey points out. Clearly, if a firefighter is a risk to have a heart attack, it makes sense to either help improve his health, or prevent him from engaging in the stressful work that firefighting entails.
For example, of the 56 IMT members that were surveyed in 2007, thirty percent of them reported that "above average or severe stress was associated with their IMT position," according to Sharkey. The job of the Forest Service and managers at the regional level is to work towards reducing the risks that come IMT members are taking every time they go into a wildland fire situation.
"Firefighters, especially those in supervisory and Incident Management Team positions, often have problems with stress, fatigue, and mental overload," according to Phase III of the Wildland Firefighter Safety Awareness Study, and quoted by Sharkey. The report / study goes on to assert that there is "little training or advice given on how to mentally prepare oneself for what is ahead" and how to prevent the impact of fatigue from becoming overwhelming while in the line of duty (Sharkey, p. 11).
The point here is that up until recently, the Forest Service and other agencies have not had a good preventative policy to address the stress that firefighters face. It seems remarkable that this aspect of the job hasn't received the attention it deserves, and Sharkey explains that the MTDC and other support systems for the Forest Service will pay more attention to the psychological distress that results from stress. This is certainly an advance for firefighters, especially if the program is carried out nationally and all firefighters in the wildlands are carefully screened before they launch themselves into a battle against a blaze.
In the process of their work, firefighters often come into contact -- or nearly so -- with downed power lines. The Wildfire magazine points out that one of the recent advances is a "AC voltage detector" that gives the firefighter a warning "in...
2). The most serious complication from coronary artery disease is the possibility of a heart attack, which can occur when blood flow to an area of the heart muscle is completely blocked, preventing oxygen-rich blood from reaching that area of heart muscle. However, the effects upon other organs of the body of coronary artery disease are still being studied by scientists. Because genetics and lifestyle are both contributing factors in heart
Other symptoms are shortness of breath and heaviness on the chest, a sensation of tightness, pain, burning sensation, squeezing or pressure on the breastbone or in the arms, neck and jaws. However, some persons showed no symptoms of coronary artery disease before a heart attack and just died suddenly (De Milto). Beneficial and Adverse Effects of Treatment The finding that atherosclerosis is an inflammatory response brought attention to the beneficial use
Especially among diabetics and others who demonstrate silent ischemia in which symptoms of the condition remain suppressed, a regular doctor checkup can help reduce chances for heart attack or death. An ECG reading will help determine if the person has developed coronary artery disease. That person can then take steps to remedy the problem. Other diagnostic measures include the exercise stress test, a coronary angiography, an echocardiogram, nuclear scan,
Coronary Artery Disease Development of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Coronary artery disease represents an obstruction or constricting (stenosis) of vessels and arteries which supplies the heart with oxygenated blood. The cause for CAD is atherosclerosis (arterial hardening), or a fatty plaque buildup on inner arterial linings. The resultant obstruction impedes blood flow across coronary arteries. The complete cut- off of blood flow leads to a heart attack (or myocardial infarction, in medical
Diagnostic Studies In basic terms, medical and family histories act as the basis for CAD diagnosis. In this case, abnormal levels of blood proteins, glucose, cholesterol or fats are risk factors for CAD. Further, the risk of CAD is identified by recording electrical purses of the heart using an electrocardiogram. For purposes of indicating heart failure, a chest x-ray may be taken. Any injury in heart muscles can be identified through
Heart Disease (CAD: Coronary Artery Disease) Online web site HeartPoint defines Coronary Artery Disease as Coronary artery disease generally refers to the buildup of cholesterol in the inside layers of the arteries. As shown here, this will slowly narrow the flow of blood through the vessel, and the muscle it supplies will not get enough blood. The plaque weakens the wall. As shown in the lower artery, a crack may develop
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