Physiological responses of fire-fighter instructors during training exercises

Authors: Clare Eglin¹; Sue Coles²; Michael Tipton¹

Source: Ergonomics, Volume 47, Number 5, 15 April 2004 , pp. 483-494(12)

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $56.94 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

Thirteen male instructors were monitored during a total of 44 live fire training exercises (ambient temperature 74 ± 42°C). Exposure time during the 'Hot Fire' (HF), 'Fire Behaviour' and 'Fire Attack' exercises was 33.0 ± 7.9 min (n = 30); 26.3 ± 5.5 min (n = 6); and 7.3 ± 2.6 min (n = 8) respectively. At the end of the exercises, mean core temperature (t_core) was 38.5 ± 0.9°C (n = 32), however eight instructors had a t_core above 39°C. The mean maximum temperature under the fire hood was 41.2 ± 4.6°C (n = 40). Mean maximum heart rate (HR) was 138 ± 26 bpm (n = 34) however, in five exercises, HR exceeded 90% of the instructors' HR reserve. Mean fluid deficit was 0.62 ± 0.6 l (n = 30) at the end of the HF exercises, the maximum being 2.54 l. Four instructors doubted their ability to perform a rescue at the end of the exercise. The energy cost of performing simulated rescues of a 50 kg dummy in the cool was investigated in a pilot study. Mean HR during the rescues was 79 ± 7% of the instructors' HR reserve and it was estimated that this could increase t_core by 0.4 to 0.6°C. The physiological responses to the fire-fighting exercises varied considerably and reflected the differences in work performed and external heat load. The results obtained from some individuals give cause for concern, and signs of heat strain were seen in at least two individuals.

Keywords: Fire-fighting; Heat stress; Temperature regulation

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0014013031000107568

Affiliations: 1: Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences University of Portsmouth Portsmouth UK 2: Fire Research and Development Group Department for Transport, Local Government and Regions Horseferry House, Dean Ryle Street London UK

Publication date: 2004-04-15

More about this publication?

Editorial Board
Information for Authors
Subscribe to this Title
ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Physiological responses of fire-fighter instructors during training exercises

Buy & download fulltext article:

Tools

Key

Text size:

Useful pages