Estimating Total Energy Expenditure for Fire-Fighters during Large Scale Disaster Response Training Using a Tri-Axial Accelerometer.

Nao Koizumi,Yutaro Negishi,Hitomi Ogata,Randeep Rakwal,Naomi Omi

doi:10.3390/nu13082789

Abstract

The present study was conducted to estimate total energy expenditure (TEE) of fire-fighters using tri axial-accelerometers in conjunction with an activity log survey on a large number of subjects undergoing training mimicking a large-scale disaster. Subjects were 240 fire-fighters participating in a two-day fire-fighting training dedicated to large-scale natural disasters. Data was analyzed by job type of activity group and the job rank, and by comparing the average. The average TEE of the total survey training period is about 3619 (±499) kcal, which is the same value of expenditure for professional athletes during the soccer game season. From the activity group, the rescue and other teams consumed significantly more energy than the fire and Emergency Medical Team (EMS) teams. From the job rank, Fire Captain (conducting position) consumed significantly lower energy than the Fire Lieutenant and Fire Sergeant. Furthermore, it was found that a middle position rank consumed the most energy. This research supports a need to reconsider the current rescue food (and protocols) to supplement the energy expenditure of fire-fighters. In addition, since there was a significant difference between the job type and the job rank, it is necessary to examine the energy amount and shape suitable for each.

Highlights

When a large disaster occurs, fire-fighters are expected to engage in disaster rescue activities of high intensity and for a long period under harsh environmental conditions.The first 48 h after the disaster are especially critical, as the priority is on the saving victims’lives and this is the time period where the fire-fighters usually work without sleep and rest
In Japan, when a large-scale disaster occurs, emergency fire response teams are organized by the fire department and fire-fighters are dispatched nationwide for various disaster-relief activities; this implies working away from the home base and the necessity of transporting all necessary fire-fighting equipment and resources in order to carry out multiple duties longer than usual duty hours
A report from the Fire and Disaster Management Agency issued in 2012 revealed that it is the responsibility of each fire department to make food, water, personal equipment, etc., available for more than 72 h [3]

Summary

Introduction

When a large disaster occurs, fire-fighters are expected to engage in disaster rescue activities of high intensity and for a long period under harsh environmental conditions.The first 48 h after the disaster are especially critical, as the priority is on the saving victims’lives and this is the time period where the fire-fighters usually work without sleep and rest. “Food” is especially required to maintain the body condition of fire-fighters in such emergency situations, and supporting them for their enhanced role as rescue personnel in the disaster zone. Under such highintensity work/abnormal situations it is understandable that there might be a less than sufficient food supply and this lack of food (energy) creates an adverse effect on the firefighters. A report from the Fire and Disaster Management Agency issued in 2012 revealed that it is the responsibility of each fire department to make food, water, personal equipment, etc., available for more than 72 h [3] Complying with this condition is difficult, and it was found that the stockpile of each fire department headquarters is not sufficient [4]

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