Physical Fatigue of Emergency Workers After Rush Entry Into the Low-Oxygen Environment at High Altitude.

Objective: This study aimed to characterize the epidemiological and physiological features of fatigue in high-altitude hypoxic environments, providing evidence for emergency management.

Methods: An observational study examined emergency rescuers in high-altitude environments, evaluating physical fatigue through physiological parameters (diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation), echocardiography, salivary hormone levels (CK, SC, SAA, IgA, SIgA), and sleep quality.

Results: Participants exhibited elevated diastolic blood pressure, increased heart rate, reduced oxygen saturation, prolonged sleep latency, and shortened sleep duration. Echocardiography revealed structural-functional changes: enlarged left/right ventricular apexes, increased mitral valve E velocity, and decreased main pulmonary artery diameter/aortic valve velocity. Fatigue-related salivary hormones (CK, SC, SAA, IgA, SIgA) dropped significantly.

Conclusions: Identified cardiovascular, respiratory, and hormonal alterations underscore the need for targeted interventions: enhancing rescuers' physical adaptability, optimizing rescue workflows, and providing medical support to mitigate fatigue in high-altitude emergency operations.