CHEST 2006 ABSTRACT BRIEFS
EMBARGO: Each Abstract is Embargoed Until the Day/Time Listed Below Title
Disaster Response
Chemical Protective Gear Limits Exercise Capacity
(Tuesday, October 24, 2006, 12:30 PM EST)
Respiratory and chemical protective equipment used by firefighters and military personnel significantly reduces exercise capacity, according to a new study. Researchers from Texas measured the effect of the equipment on 22, healthy, active-duty soldiers. Each participant performed three exercises, a minimum of one week apart, wearing different clothing and gear for each test. When exercising with a chemical protective mask or the full protective suit, participants showed a significant decrease in oxygen uptake and oxygen pulse.
Evacuation Processes During Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Lacked Planning
(Tuesday, October 24, 2006, 2:30 PM EST)
Multiple, complex issues led to the poor evacuation response during Hurricane Katrina, says a new study. Researchers from Louisiana interviewed ten senior officials from New Orleans hospitals and reviewed published accounts of the experience. Of the variety of cited reasons for the poor evacuation response, researchers included issues, such as poor hospital infrastructure, lack of planning and communication, and inadequate coordination. A similar study out of the University of Texas examined the reasons for deaths during Hurricane Rita and concluded that 90 of 111 deaths resulted from the mass evacuation. Researchers from both studies suggest revisions to hospital disaster evacuation plans.
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