Abstract
Simple SummaryFirefighters must endure extreme environments. Such exposure increases their body temperature, which can induce fatigue, reduce motivation, and impair their decision-making. This study set out to investigate the relationship between these factors. Nine firefighters were required to complete simulated firefighting tasks in a controlled structural fire for 15 min. Logical reasoning, speed and accuracy, memory recall, general motivation and fatigue, and physical and mental effort were recorded prior to, immediately after, and 20 min after the simulation. Results of this study identified that alongside a significant increase in firefighter tympanic membrane temperature post-task; (1) body weight loss was poorly correlated with post-task motivation and fatigue scores; (2) pre-task logical reasoning scores were predictive of change in tympanic membrane temperature. Firefighters work in strenuous conditions for prolonged periods wearing up to 20 kg of personal protective equipment. This often contributes to significant heat and cardiovascular strain. This study examined the relationships between psychological and physical measures taken prior to undertaking a 15 min firefighting task, and the occurrence of heat stress and high levels of fatigue following the task. Nine qualified firefighters completed a 15 min “live burn” scenario designed to mimic a fire started by a two-seater couch in a lounge room and completed simulated tasks throughout the duration. Logical reasoning, speed and accuracy, general motivation and fatigue, and physical and mental effort were recorded pre-scenario, and at 0- and 20-min post-scenario. General motivation and fatigue scores at 0- and 20-min post-scenario were highly correlated with each other (rs = 0.90; p = 0.001). The general motivation and fatigue scores, at 0- and 20-min post-scenario, were also strongly related to pre-task logic/reasoning test scores (Post 0 rs = −0.77, p = 0.016; Post 20 rs = −0.87, p = 0.002). Firefighters with lower logical reasoning and speed and accuracy scores were more susceptible to fatigue and impaired cognition when exposed to rises in core temperature and heat stress.
Highlights
Firefighters work for prolonged periods in strenuous conditions, often in high ambient temperatures [1]
Firefighters were separated into two teams of four and five participants for convenience in managing the scenarios, but data for the two groups were pooled for analyses
Spearman’s correlation analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between measures recorded before commencement of the fire task and postfire task outcomes, including whether the participant withdrew from further assessment due to heat stress, change in tympanic membrane temperature, and score on the general motivation and fatigue scale
Summary
Firefighters work for prolonged periods in strenuous conditions, often in high ambient temperatures [1]. Firefighters perform strenuous tasks including victim search and rescue, stair and ladder climbing, and carriage of heavy equipment These commonly performed tasks have a high-energy-expenditure cost [1,2]. Heat exposure and dehydration increase subjective perception of the difficulty of exertion, which interferes with attention, vigilance, short-term memory, working memory, stress response, and psychomotor skills [10,13,14]. Despite such findings, the impact of thermal strain and the inherited stress of fire suppression on physical and cognitive function of firefighters following heat exposure is still to be fully elucidated. The current pilot study aims to examine the relationships between psychological and physical measures taken prior to a 15 min structural firefighting task and the occurrence of heat stress and high levels of fatigue following the task
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