Parade safety and planning: A heat balance case study of marching band artists.

Marching band (MB) artists are subject to exertional heat illnesses (EHIs) similar to other active groups like laborers and athletes. Yet, they are an understudied population with no evidence-based heat safety guidelines. Presented here is a case study of the 233rd annual Bristol, RI Independence Day Parade in 2018 that resulted in over 50 EHIs, including 25 from the Saint Anthony Village marching band (MB) from suburban Minneapolis, MN. This research aims to identify the contributing factors that led to the large number of EHIs, as well as guide ensuring the safety of MB artists in future events. A human heat balance model in conjunction with local weather data was used to simulate heat stress on MB artists. Three modeling scenarios were used to isolate the roles of clothing (band uniform vs. t-shirt and shorts), weather (July 4, 2018 vs. 30-year climatology), and metabolic rate (slow, moderate, and brisk marching pacing) on heat stress. The results identify several key factors that increased heat stress. The meteorological conditions were unusually hot, humid, and sunny for Bristol, resulting in reduced cooling from evaporation and convection, and increased radiant heating. Behavioral factors also affect heat stress. The full marching band uniforms reduced evaporative cooling by 50% and the activity levels of marching 4 km over several hours without breaks resulted in conditions that were uncompensable. Finally, it is speculated that a lack of acclimatization for participants from cooler regions may have exacerbated heat-related impacts. These findings highlight several recommendations for MB directors and race organizers, including the use of summer uniforms for anticipated hot conditions, and advance parade planning that includes providing shade/hydration before and after the parade for participants, considering cooler routes that reduce radiant heating and preparing for anticipated heat-related health impacts appropriate for anticipated hot conditions.

Exertional heat illnesses in marching band artists: a case series.

Marching band (MB) artists frequently spend many hours engaged in outdoor physical activity. Anecdotal evidence and small studies have indicated that MB artists do experience heat-related health problems. Yet, unlike athletes, military personnel, or workers, there is very little research on heat-related hazards among this unique population. Here, we seek to understand the incidence and circumstances under which exertional heat illnesses (EHIs) occur among MB artists over a 31-year period (1990-2020) across the USA. Using an on-line news dataset, we identified 34 separate events and at least 393 total EHIs. Heat syncope (~ 55%) and heat exhaustion (~ 44%) comprised the majority of EHIs, although a small number of exertional heat stroke cases were also reported. EHIs were reported in all types of MB activities with ~ 32% during rehearsal, ~ 29% during parades, ~ 21% during competition, and ~ 15% during a performance. Also, the vast majority of events occurred with high school (~ 88%) marching bands. Finally, EHIs overwhelmingly occurred when the weather was unusually hot by local conditions. In light of these findings, we emphasize the need for MB specific heat polices that incorporate weather-based activity modification, acclimatization, education about EHIs, and access to on-site medical professionals.

University Marching Band Members' Noise Dosages and Hearing Health-Related Knowledge.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To measure sound exposures of marching band and non-marching band students during a football game, (2) to compare these to sound level dose limits set by NIOSH, and (3) to assess the perceptions of marching band students about their hearing health risk from loud sound exposure and their use of hearing protection devices (HPDs). METHODS: Personal noise dosimetry was completed on six marching band members and the band director during rehearsals and performances. Dosimetry measurements for two audience members were collected during the performances. Noise dose values were calculated using NIOSH criteria. One hundred twenty-three marching band members responded to a questionnaire analyzing perceptions of loud music exposure, the associated hearing health risks, and preventive behavior. RESULTS: Noise dose values exceeded the NIOSH recommended limits among all six marching band members during rehearsals and performances. Higher sound levels were recorded during performances compared to rehearsals. The audience members were not exposed to hazardous levels. Most marching band members reported low concern for health effects from high sound exposure and minimal use of HPDs. CONCLUSION: High sound exposure and low concern regarding hearing health among marching band members reflect the need for comprehensive hearing conservation programs for this population.