Effect of a Simulated Mine Rescue on Physiological Variables and Heat Strain of Mine Rescue Workers

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Abstract
To describe physiological responses of mine rescuers during a simulated mine emergency. Body-worn monitors (n = 74) and core temperature (Tc) capsules (n = 54) assessed heart rate (HR), respiration rate (RR), energy expenditure (EE), oxygen consumption (VO2), Tc and skin temperature (Tskin), by team position and task. A multivariate analysis was performed with team positions, tasks, and measures as factors. HRmean and HRpeak were 78.6% and 94.5% respectively, of predicted maximum heart rate. Arduous labour tasks elicited higher HR, RR, and VO2mean than casualty care. Captains exhibited lower HRmean, HRpeak, RR, RRpeak, VO2mean, Tc and Tskin compared to other positions. Tc mean exceeded 38.6°C; (n = 14 recorded Tc > 39°C). Captains’ physical loading and heat stress were lowest. Nonetheless, all tasks and positions induced high physical load and heat strain.

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