Module 3: Health and Safety - IAFF

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IAFF Training for Hazardous Materials: Technician© Student Text 24. Radiology A chest x-ray is taken annually if you smoke, otherwise, every three years unless other findings are detected during the medical exam. In radiology, an x-ray beam passes through the heart and lungs from the posterior to the anterior part of the body (back to front); it also runs from side to side (left to right). The x-ray shows bony structures of the spine, and those bony structures surrounding the heart, lungs, and rib cage. It can identify broken ribs and abnormalities of the trachea and its branches. It shows a limited view of the lung tissue itself. Other abnormalities like tuberculosis, some tumors, and cancers will show up as white spots on a black view. The heart also makes a shadow on the x-ray that can be measured. An enlargement of the heart may be indicative of such things as congestive heart failure. 25. Pulmonary Function Test The pulmonary function test measures the amount of air that goes through the mouth and trachea into the lungs and is broken down into two functions. The first function is the flow test, which measures the amount of air expelled from the lungs. This is referred to as forced expiratory volume. Forced expiratory volume is the amount of air that you can blow out as fast as possible from your lungs. It measures the ability of someone to breathe. Decreased pulmonary function may be traced to cigarette smoking, asthma, or chronic bronchitis. The second function is the test that measures the volume of air held in the lungs after expiration. The results can be indicative of emphysema, infection, or other exposures, such as chemicals. Blood Tests Blood tests can provide your doctor with a database for use in analyzing your health and to verify information found in your physical examination. In the comprehensive blood test, four tubes of blood are needed. This is taken from a vein in your arm. The more common tests are listed below. 26. Hemoglobin The blood’s ability to carry oxygen is dependent on the amount and effectiveness of the hemoglobin. Exposure to toxic substances can alter the hemoglobin, as can iron deficiency and some states such as sickle cell anemia. 27. Complete Blood Count (CBC) The complete blood count is evaluated for several different things. The first is the white blood count (the number of white blood cells in the blood). The white corpuscles are basically the body’s defense mechanism. They are divided into two main groups, the neutrophils and the lymphocytes. The neutrophils fight bacterial infections such as strep throat, pneumonia, bacterial meningitis, and other common and serious infections. The lymphocyes are cells that fight such things as the flu and gastroenteritis. The CBC also measures the eosinophils which respond to allergies. 3-126 Module 3: Health and Safety
Student Text IAFF Training for Hazardous Materials: Technician© 28. SGPT and SGOT These two tests are part of the chemistry panel evaluated at each physical. These are enzymes (catalysts for biochemical reactions) that can screen for organ damage, such as liver inflammation from hepatitis or toxic chemical exposures. 29. Uric Acid This is the chemical responsible for gout (painful inflammation of the joints), which is a form of arthritis. Uric acid levels in your body can vary depending on your diet. If your doctor feels the uric acid level is high, he may question you about the types of foods you eat. 30. Cholesterol This is a solid alcohol called a steroid (steroid compounds also include hormones and vitamins), which is vital for proper brain and nervous system function. Elevated cholesterol levels are thought to be a high risk for heart attacks. Your doctor will evaluate your cholesterol level against your diet and physical exam findings. 31. Triglycerides Triglycerides are essentially blood fats that may contribute to cardiac disease. High triglycerides can also be a sign of alcoholism and obesity. All of these intensive, technological tests and doctor’s examination combine to provide a comprehensive review of your mental and physical well being. Each component helps to confirm findings found on either the physical exam or other medical tests. Additional tests are many times needed in order to further identify the severity of a disease process. These tests are recommended by the Health Center physician but referral is made back to your primary care physician for follow through. Module 3: Health and Safety 3-127
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Module 3: Health and Safety - IAFF

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