Monitoring of temperature stress during firefighters training by means of RFID epidermal sensors

Monitoring body temperature is a fundamental health issue for workers that, like firefighters, are sometimes exposed to high thermal stress. Wireless epidermal sensors are a non-invasive tool to collect temperature data in a very efficient way. This paper describes an experimental study carried out during a Compartment Fire Behavior Training. We used wireless thermometers based on Radiofrequency Identification (RFID) technology to measure firefighters clothing layers temperatures. Such devices can be placed directly on the skin like a plaster and are compatible with the UHF RFID standard. Thanks to the simplicity of sensor activation and data download, we managed to obtain multiple data from 10 firefighters during their training. These collected data give an idea of the thermal load that the firefighters experience while performing their duties.