Physical fatigue of emergency workers after rush entry into the low-oxygen environment at high altitude

ABSTRACT Objective To characterize the epidemiological and physiological features of fatigue in high-altitude hypoxic environments, providing evidence for emergency management. Methods An observational study examined emergency rescuers in high-altitude, evaluating physical fatigue through physiological parameters (diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation), echocardiography, salivary hormone levels (CK, SC, SAA, IgA, SIgA), and sleep quality. Results Participants exhibited elevated diastolic blood pressure, increased heart rate, reduced oxygen saturation, prolonged sleep latency, and shortened sleep duration. Echocardiography revealed structural-functional changes: enlarged left/right ventricular apexes, increased mitral valve E velocity, and decreased main pulmonary artery diameter/aortic valve velocity. Fatigue-related salivary hormones (CK, SC, SAA, IgA, SIgA) dropped significantly. Conclusion Identified cardiovascular, respiratory, and hormonal alterations underscore the need for targeted interventions: enhancing rescuers’ physical adaptability, optimizing rescue workflows, and providing medical support to mitigate fatigue in high-altitude emergency operations.