Psychological Hazards

Psychological hazards often accompany the stress of atmospheric and physical hazards. However, psychological hazards are more difficult to identify. Common psychological hazards include claustrophobia, fatigue, panic, fear, anxiety, high noise levels, and loss of communication. These hazards, coupled with the atmospheric and physical hazards a victim may endure, can be the most challenging aspect of confined space rescue and can prevent a victim from performing self-evacuation.

Some signs and symptoms of psychological stress include the following:

• Elevated pulse
• Sweating
• Rapid breathing
• Clammy, cold palms
• Feeling you are lost, the walls are closing in, or there is no air

To learn more about Firefighter Confined Space visit our Firefighter Confined Space Entry & Rescue Online Training web page.