Causes of acoustic trauma among Polish State Fire Service officers: a review of incidents in 20152022

Abstract

A rare type of risk associated with firefighting activities and affecting the central nervous system (CNS) is acoustic trauma. The main causes of acoustic trauma in professional firefighters include long-term exposure to noise from fire engine sirens, emergency call alarms in the fire stations (fire halls), and the operation of equipment used during rescue and firefighting operations.The study was based on an analysis of data obtained from the HR Department of the National Headquarters of the State Fire Service (NHSFS). The analysis included cases of acoustic trauma suffered by firefighters while on duty, which were reported to the control room of their firefighting units as rescuer accidents, and followed up with medical interventions.The average number of accidents among SFS firefighters per year during the study period was n=1.617.During the study period (2015-2022), there were seven incidents in which a total of 11 firefighters suffered acoustic trauma affecting the CNS and the organ of hearing.To prevent on-duty accidents, both practical and theoretical training sessions are provided, covering measures aimed at reducing accident rates to minimum levels. Other important activities include hearing prophylaxis; medical examinations; breaks during work, appropriate organisation of work and the working environment; compliance with the applicable regulations, internal procedures and safety instructions; the use of personal protective equipment, and the good technical condition of vehicles and equipment.