Shelters in Alpine Rescue: Can They Create a Comfortable Zone at the Deployment Site?

IntroductionLightweight shelters made of water- and windproof polyester are frequently used by mountain rescue, but information on physical and psychological stress during their use is scarce.MethodsA prospective observational study was conducted with 48 experienced rescuers who performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation training on a manikin in a shelter in alpine terrain. The objective parameters of air temperature, moisture, and concentrations of carbon dioxide and oxygen were measured inside the shelter. The subjective experience of the rescuers regarding stress, moisture, noise, air draft, convenience, spatial confinement, brightness, room temperature, and air quality was assessed using a questionnaire.ResultsDuring 15 min of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the median temperature in the shelter rose by >15°C (Δ<i>t</i>, 15.9°C; interquartile range, 14.3-16.5°C; <i>P</i>=0.018). Carbon dioxide concentrations increased to 0.97 vol% maximum. Bag valve mask ventilation was established with and without the use of supplemental oxygen, which showed significantly different oxygen shelter concentrations (21.1 vol% with oxygen, 20.6 vol% without oxygen; <i>P</i><0.001). Most participants rated the physical comfort and spatial conditions inside the shelter as convenient.ConclusionsIn this study, the use of shelters in alpine terrain improved physical comfort while carrying out a rescue. Most participants gave high ratings for the working conditions in the shelter.