Physiological Stresses Associated with U.S. Air Force Groundcrew Activities

Abstract : This study of the rapid turn-around operation involving F-16 aircraft at Nellis AFB, NV, was performed from August 1983 to April 1984. A total of 38 rapid turn-around exercises were conducted at a site off the regular runway. Each exercise was performed by a team of five men (two crew chiefs, two loaders, and the Jammer driver) and was completed within 18 to 36 min. Members of the team wore either fatigues or CWDE. Regardless of the air temperature and the ensemble worn, the average VO2 of the loaders was 40-59% higher than that of the crew chiefs. The average VO2 of the Jammer driver was 12% higher than that of the crew chiefs. Changes in HR were similar to those observed for the VO2. The total-body SR of individuals wearing the CWDE was consistently higher than when the same individuals wore fatigues. The rate of rise in rectal temperature and skin temperature while performing the task was greater when wearing the CWDE than when wearing fatigues. Resting after completing a turn-around did not reduce heat stress when the CWDE was worn. Keywords: Stress physiology.