Effect of heat on firefighters' work performance and physiology

Article


Larsen, Brianna, Snow, Rodney and Aisbett, Brad. 2015. "Effect of heat on firefighters' work performance and physiology." Journal of Thermal Biology. 53, pp. 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtherbio.2015.07.008
Article Title

Effect of heat on firefighters' work performance and physiology

ERA Journal ID2094
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsLarsen, Brianna (Author), Snow, Rodney (Author) and Aisbett, Brad (Author)
Journal TitleJournal of Thermal Biology
Journal Citation53, pp. 1-8
Number of Pages8
Year2015
Place of PublicationUnited Kingdom
ISSN0306-4565
1879-0992
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtherbio.2015.07.008
Abstract

Wildland firefighters often perform their duties under both hot and mild ambient temperatures. However, the direct impact of different ambient temperatures on firefighters' work performance has not been quantified. This study compared firefighters' work performance and physiology during simulated wildland firefighting work in hot (HOT; 32 °C, 43% RH) and temperate (CON; 19 °C, 56% RH) conditions. Firefighters (n=38), matched and allocated to either the CON (n=18) or HOT (n=20) condition, performed simulated self-paced wildland fire suppression tasks (e.g., hose rolling/dragging, raking) in firefighting clothing for six hours, separated by dedicated rest breaks. Task repetitions were counted (and converted to distance or area). Core temperature (Tc), skin temperature (Tsk), and heart rate were recorded continuously throughout the protocol. Urine output was measured before and during the protocol, and urine specific gravity (USG) analysed, to estimate hydration. Ad libitum fluid intake was also recorded. There were no differences in overall work output between conditions for any physical task. Heart rate was higher in the HOT (55±2% HRmax) compared to the CON condition (51±2% HRmax) for the rest periods between bouts, and for the static hose hold task (69±3% HRmax versus 65±3% HRmax). Tc and Tsk were 0.3±0.1 °C and 3.1±0.2 °C higher in the HOT compared to the CON trial. Both pre- and within- shift fluid intake were increased two-fold in the heat, and participants in the heat recorded lower USG results than their CON counterparts. There was no difference between the CON and HOT conditions in terms of their work performance, and firefighters in both experimental groups increased their work output over the course of the simulated shift. Though significantly hotter, participants in the heat also managed to avoid excessive cardiovascular and thermal strain, likely aided by the frequent rest breaks in the protocol, and through doubling their fluid intake. Therefore, it can be concluded that wildland firefighters are able to safely and efficiently perform their duties under hot conditions, at least over six hours.

Keywordsfirefighting, work output, hydration
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020420702. Exercise physiology
350505. Occupational and workplace health and safety
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Byline AffiliationsDeakin University
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
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