Which device is used to monitor emergency workers' vital signs?

• A. Stethoscope and Blood Pressure Cuff
• B. Zoll X and/or Masimo RAD-57 Pulse CO-Oximeter
• C. Thermal Imaging Camera
• D. Portable ECG Monitor

Answer: (B)

Real-time field monitoring of a firefighter’s physiology focuses on whether oxygen is actually getting to tissues and whether carbon monoxide exposure is compromising that delivery. A pulse CO-oximeter does exactly that by continuously measuring multiple blood parameters noninvasively: oxygen saturation, heart rate, and crucially carboxyhemoglobin and methemoglobin levels. This allows crews to detect rising CO exposure and falling oxygen delivery long before symptoms appear, which is essential in hazardous environments.

The Masimo RAD-57 Pulse CO-Oximeter is designed for on-scene use and provides these readings in real time, giving quick, actionable data without stopping work. In contrast, a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff only give intermittent, single-point vitals and require pausing activity. A thermal imaging camera helps locate hotspots and victims but doesn’t measure a responder’s physiology. A portable ECG monitor tracks heart rhythm and rate but does not offer CO-oximetry data in the field. Therefore, the device that best fits the need to monitor emergency workers’ vital signs on scene is the pulse CO-oximeter, such as the Masimo RAD-57.