Young Firefighters Research Articles

Effects of implementing a mandatory and consequential annual fitness assessment in a fire department over the initial 4-year period.

Despite the physical nature of the occupation many firefighters have low levels of physical fitness which is associated with poor performance of occupational tasks and increased injury rates. For many fire departments an initial step in promoting health and wellness within the department is to conduct annual fitness testing. To examine the effects of implementing a consequential fitness assessment within a fire department. A retrospective repeated measures design was used to analyze annual fitness assessment data of professional firefighters (n = 1415) from 2019 to 2022 within a large urban fire department located in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. The fitness tests included assessments of pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, aerobic capacity, and body composition. Repeated measure analyses of variances (ANOVAs) assessed the effect of year and a 2-way ANOVA was conducted to investigate the effects of sex and age on fitness measures on 2022 data. All fitness measures were found to be maintained over the 4-year period. Significant main effects of age and sex across all fitness measures, but no significant interactions were found. Older firefighters (50 + years) exhibited lower performance (p < 0.001, d > 0.80) on muscular fitness assessments than young firefighters (20-29 years). A large effect of sex (males > females) was found for pull-ups (d = 1.04), push-ups (d = 1.23), and aerobic capacity (d = 1.38). The results suggest that implementing a consequential fitness assessment could help maintain firefighters' fitness levels over a multi-year period.

IoT-FAR: A multi-sensor fusion approach for IoT-based firefighting activity recognition

Inadequate training poses a significant risk of injury among young firefighters. Although Human Activity Recognition (HAR) algorithms have shown potential in monitoring and evaluating performance, most existing studies focus on daily activities and have difficulty distinguishing complex firefighting tasks. This study introduces the Internet of things (IoT)-based wearable firefighting activity recognition (IoT-FAR) system which employs a multi-modal sensor fusion approach to achieve comprehensive activity recognition during firefighting training. The IoT-FAR comprises five wearable body sensor nodes and a coordinator node. This study explores the significance of features extracted from the surface electromyography, heart rate, and inertial measurement units in firefighting training activity recognition. A hybrid machine learning (HML)-based network is proposed, which integrates three models: one trained with all features (MA), another with upper body features (MU), and a third with lower body features (ML). The proposed HML-SVM-RBF1-RF2 network achieves superior performance, with a mean recall of 93.94%, mean precision of 90.94%, and a mean accuracy rate of 98.29%. Additionally, the study introduces the specialized firefighting training associated activities (SFTAA) dataset, which includes endurance training activities involving self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) conducted by eighteen firefighters. This dataset represents preliminary work towards building a comprehensive dataset covering various events and scenarios for tracking firefighter activities. The IoT-FAR system also demonstrates the potential use of misclassified activities as evaluation metrics for assessing firefighter training performance.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Psychological Well-Being of Firefighters

BackgroundCOVID-19 pandemic represented a unique stressful event that affected the physical health and psychological well-being (PWB) of individuals and communities. Monitoring PWB is essential not only to clarify the burden on mental health effects but also to define targeted psychological-supporting measures. This cross-sectional study evaluated the PWB of Italian firefighters during the pandemic. MethodsFirefighters recruited during the pandemic period filled out a self-administered questionnaire, the Psychological General Well-Being Index, during the health surveillance medical examination. This tool is usually used to assess the global PWB and explores six subdomains: anxiety, depressed mood, positive well-being, self-control, general health, and vitality. The influencing roles of age, gender, working activities, COVID-19, and pandemic restrictive measures were also explored. ResultsA total of 742 firefighters completed the survey. The aggregate median PWB global score was in the “no distress” range (94.3 ± 10.3), which was higher than that observed in studies conducted using the same tool in the Italian general population during the same pandemic period. Similar findings were observed in the specific subdomains, thus suggesting that the investigated population was in good PWB condition. Interestingly, significantly better outcomes were detected in the younger firefighters. ConclusionOur data showed a satisfactory PWB situation in firefighters that could be related to different professional factors such as work organization and mental and physical training. In particular, our results would suggest the hypothesis that in firefighters, maintaining a minimum/moderate level of physical activity (consisting of even just going to work) might have a profoundly positive impact on psychological health and well-being.

NEW GENERATION YOUNG FIREFIGHTERS

This study was carried out in order to find out the deficiencies, wishes and thoughts of the students of the Civil Defense and Fire Department of 39 universities in our country after they started to work in various fire departments of our country after they graduated. It is intended to help us gain fresh insights into what they see and what their future goals are. It will be tried to understand the effects of the 302-year-old Turkish fire brigades' transition from traditional management to modern management with the Republic, as well as the effects of young firefighters on the management, along with the effects on the new generation of young firefighters. Since fire brigades are dynamic organizations that work for 24 hours, firefighters have their own free time in the headquarters, when there is no disaster or emergency, during these 24 hours. What do the new generation of young firefighters spend their free time doing? What kind of work do they do for their own personal development? Although these differences do not prevent the establishment of bridges between generations, they provide a generational richness. In life, every person has something to learn from other people, and every person has something to teach other people. Since firefighting is an international profession, there is a professional brotherhood. Firefighters all over the world are real heroes who rush to the aid of people and creatures such as fires, floods, earthquakes, traffic accidents, forest fires, animal rescues. The importance given to fire brigades actually parallels the importance given to human life and nature. This study attaches importance to the belief that the new generation young firefighters with merit, who are the biggest candidates to add value to the fire brigades in our country, will add value to the fire brigades, as well as the value that the fire brigades will bring to them. Keywords: Young firefighters, Fire Brigades, Civil Defense and Firefighting

495 Use Of Coronary Calcium In Real-world Risk Profile Of Firefighters

Introduction: Coronary artery calcium score (CACs) is a powerful tool to predict the risk of future cardiovascular events in asymptomatic individuals. Studies have demonstrated that firefighters have a higher prevalence and severity of CAC than would be expected based on demographics and risk factors alone. However, the frequency of CAC in younger firefighters and its relationship to cardiac risk factors is not well defined.

Information presentation method for teleoperated robots to support the multifaceted understanding of fire sites

Although the overall number of fires is decreasing, the number of special fires as buildings become larger, taller, and deeper and fires and spills in hazardous materials facilities such as petroleum complexes is on the rise and ensuring the safety of firefighters has become a problem. The use of teleoperated firefighting robots is expected to be a solution to this problem. It is important to be able to operate the robot well, recognize the environment, and make decisions on what actions to take to perform the firefighting more effectively. This is closely related to the design of human machine interface (HMI) for teleoperated robots, but much of the research on HMI for teleoperated robots is concerned with how to operate the robot and how to present the information that is needed for operation. In addition, as the overall number of fires is decreasing, young firefighters' (novices’) lack of experience in firefighting has become a problem. Therefore, teleoperated firefighting robots are required to have the HMI that enables supports to recognize the environment and make decisions in firefighting. This study presents an information presentation method that is based on the control mode in the contextual control model (COCOM) to ensure that novices can have multifaceted perspectives during reconnaissance and attenuation like experienced firefighters (experts). The effectiveness of this method is confirmed by 12 firefighters. As a result, this study confirms that the information presentation is designed considering the control mode in the COCOM, and it improves the score from multiple perspectives. The findings of this study will contribute to the future development of teleoperated firefighting robots.

Effects of Emergency Duties on Cardiovascular Diseases in Firefighters: A 13-Year Retrospective Cohort Study.

This study aimed to examine the effects of firefighters' emergency duties on the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We used a 13-year follow-up in a nationwide retrospective cohort study. A total of 363,137 employees were recruited. The sex-and age-specific incidence of CVD (hypertension, angina pectoris, and acutemyocardial infarction [AMI]) in firefighters and public officials was estimated. The overall age-specific sex-based incidence of CVD, except for hypertension, was higher in firefighters than in public officials. The age-stratified hazard ratios for the three types of CVD in male firefighters were also higher. AMI was more common in younger firefighters, whereas angina pectoris and hypertension were common in older firefighters. Firefighters' duties are more likely to increase the risk of CVD, and preventive strategies with proven benefits are required.

The influence of age on the recovery from worksite resistance exercise in career firefighters.

To examine the changes in indirect markers of muscle damage in young and older firefighters following a feasible worksite resistance exercise routine. Nineteen young (25.5±3.4years) and 19 older male career firefighters (50.3±3.5years) completed pre-testing, an acute bout of resistance exercise, and post-testing at 24, 48, and 72h post-exercise at their fire station. Prior to all testing, firefighters completed a work-related fatigue (WRF) questionnaire to account for potential unanticipated differences in previous shift workloads. Testing included perceived muscle soreness, ultrasonography to quantify muscle size and echo intensity (EI) of the vastus lateralis (VL) and biceps brachii (BB), countermovement jump (CMJ) height and velocity, upper body (UB) peak force (PF), lower body (LB) PF and rapid force, and electromyographic (EMG) amplitude of the VL. The resistance training session included 3 sets of 8-10 repetitions of a deadlift, shoulder press, lunge, and upright row exercise at 80% 1-RM. All recovery variables were analyzed using a linear mixed model, controlling for WRF. There was no interaction (age × time) for any of the variables and a similar training volume were completed between groups (P≥0.171). Muscle soreness, CMJ height and velocity, UB PF, LB rapid force and EMG amplitude at later time intervals (100-200ms), and VL and BB muscle size were altered from baseline (P≤0.044) for 48, 24, 48, 72, and 72h post-exercise, respectively. Young firefighters exhibited greater CMJ height and velocity, LB PF, LB rapid force (200ms), and lower VL EI values than the older firefighters (P≤0.047). Age did not influence the recovery from an acute bout of worksite resistance exercise in firefighters. However, UB muscle strength, CMJ performance, and LB rapid force production were reduced 24-72h post-exercise. Appropriately scheduled and chronic on-duty resistance training may mitigate these decrements.

Cardiometabolic health among United States firefighters by age

Firefighting is strenuous work that results in considerable cardiovascular strain. Sudden cardiac events are the leading cause of duty-related death in the fire service. This cross-sectional study examined cardiometabolic measures and prevalence of risk factors in firefighters by age and sex and compare these data to the general population. Data obtained at medical exams (2015–2018) from 4279 male and 234 female career firefighters at four occupational health clinics in the United States were analyzed. Estimates for the general population were obtained using the 2015–16 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey fasting subsample. Linear regression models stratified by sex with age modelled as a continuous variable were used to examine general trends. Point estimates across age groups (20–29, 30–39, 40–49, and 50–59 year olds) for cardiometabolic measures were reported. Among the total sample, 36% were obese and 25% had low HDL cholesterol. Females had significantly lower body mass index (BMI), LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and blood glucose than males. A significant quadratic relationship of age with BMI, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides was found in males with increasing values peaking between 45 and 50 years. Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol increased with age among females. Blood glucose increased with age in both sexes. Firefighters had similar or better cardiometabolic health profiles than the US general population; however, both samples had a concerning prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors among individuals ≥ 40 years of age. Health professionals and fire service members alike should consider prevention efforts among young firefighters and better treatment among older firefighters.

Differences in 5-year weight change between younger and older US firefighters

BackgroundResearch consistently finds that, on average, firefighters gain weight over time and some data indicate that younger firefighters are more likely to gain weight than older firefighters. The purpose of this study was to estimate the 5-year weight change among younger and older US firefighters.MethodsData from two occupational medical exams separated by 5 years (2009–2016) were examined from a cohort of US career firefighters in Virginia (males, n = 589; females, n = 67). The cohort was grouped into two age categories (< 45 years and ≥ 45 years). Weight change subgroups were Loss (decrease of > 3% body weight), Stable (within ±3% body weight) and Gain (increase of > 3% body weight). Multinomial logistic regression models and linear regression models were conducted to examine differences in the probability of being in a particular weight change category, weight change overall and by weight change category between younger and older firefighters.ResultsAt baseline, 25 and 35% of younger (< 45 years) and older (≥ 45 years) were obese, respectively. Younger firefighters gained significantly (P < 0.05) more weight (3.0 ± 0.2 kg) than older firefighters (0.8 ± 0.5 kg). Younger firefighters were more likely to gain weight (53% versus 39%) and less likely (10% versus 20%) to lose weight as compared to older firefighters. Smaller weight gains were associated with age and BMI with the smallest increases observed in overweight and obese firefighters ≥45 years of age.ConclusionsHealth care providers should be attentive to weight gain, even among young non-obese firefighters, and counsel firefighters to avoid the additive risks of being older and heavier. In addition, weight loss/management programs should be promoted in the fire service to encourage healthy body weight and to prevent unhealthy weight gain among both young and old firefighters alike.

Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors by BMI and Age in United States Firefighters.

ObjectiveThis study examined cardiovascular disease risk factors by BMI category in firefighters, the association of BMI and age with risk factor prevalence, and the prevalence of risk factors by BMI category within age groups.MethodsCardiovascular measures from the medical evaluations of 4,453 firefighters, performed between 2015 and 2018 at four occupational health clinics in the United States (South‐West Cohort, Mid‐Atlantic Cohort, South‐East Cohort, and Mid‐West Cohort), were analyzed cross‐sectionally by BMI and age categories.ResultsAmong female firefighters with normal weight, 25% had high blood pressure, 8% had low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and 0% had high glucose, whereas the prevalence in female firefighters with obesity was 57%, 45%, and 11%, respectively. Among male firefighters, there were independent and significant associations of BMI and age for the prevalence of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, and high glucose. Higher BMI category was associated with a higher prevalence of high blood pressure, high triglycerides, and low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol within all age groups and with a higher prevalence of high glucose and high cholesterol within ages 40 to 49 and 50 to 59 years.ConclusionsAn increasing prevalence of risk factors with older age and higher BMI suggests that preventive strategies should be initiated in younger firefighters and aggressively promoted or mandated throughout firefighters’ careers.

Increased Cancer Diagnoses Among Younger Firefighters

Increased Cancer Diagnoses Among Younger Firefighters

The Influence of Age on Firefighter Combat Challenge Performance and Exercise Training Habits.

Saari, AI, Renz, G, Davis, P, and Abel, MG. The influence of age on firefighter combat challenge performance and exercise training habits. J Strength Cond Res 34(9): 2500-2506, 2020-The primary purpose of this study was to compare older vs. younger physically trained structural firefighters' performance in an international firefighter physical ability competition (Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge) and their engagement in physical training. Secondarily, firefighters' perceived importance of fitness characteristics to perform occupational tasks was evaluated. Sixty-four trained male firefighters' completed a timed occupationally specific competition course and a survey to assess exercise habits and perceived importance of fitness characteristics to perform fireground tasks. Firefighters were stratified into younger (<37 years; n = 34) and older (≥37 years; n = 30) cohorts based on the sample's median age. Independent samples t-tests were used to analyze differences in outcome measures between younger and older cohorts. It took older firefighters 8.8% longer to complete the course compared with younger firefighters (p = 0.029). Both groups reported similar training frequencies of cardiovascular (CV) training (Younger: 4.1 ± 1.7 vs. Older: 3.6 ± 1.5 session·wk, p = 0.203) and strength training (Younger: 3.6 ± 1.2 vs. Older 3.2 ± 1.4 session·wk, p = 0.274). Furthermore, there was no difference in weekly training load for CV (p = 0.663) or strength training (p = 0.898) activities between the cohorts. On average, firefighters indicated that all fitness characteristics were at least somewhat important for occupational performance. Occupationally relevant competition performance among a sample of fit firefighters was lower in older firefighters compared with younger firefighters, despite similar self-reported training volume and intensity. Practitioners may expect age-related decreases in occupational performance despite performing similar amounts of physical training.

Effect of Live‐Firefighting on Ventricular‐Vascular Coupling in Middle‐Aged Firefighters

IntroductionCardiovascular events are a leading cause of line of duty‐related death among firefighters. Increased risk potentially manifests from detrimental changes in ventricular function, vascular load, or their interaction defined as ventricular‐vascular coupling (VVC). Young firefighters exhibit ventricular‐vascular uncoupling after live firefighting, however it is unknown whether higher‐risk, middle‐aged firefighters respond similarly.PurposeDetermine the effect of live fire‐firefighting on ventricular function, vascular load, and VVC in middle‐aged firefighters (40–60 yr).MethodsEighteen middle‐aged male firefighters (48±5 years, 28±4.9 kg·m−2) underwent hemodynamic and cardiac measures before and 10 minutes after an 18‐minute bout of intermittent, high intensity live‐firefighting activities in personal protective equipment. Blood pressure (BP), left ventricular function (ejection fraction [EF]), ventricular elastance (Elv: end systolic pressure [ESP]/end systolic volume [ESV]), and vascular load, defined as arterial elastance (Ea: [ESP]/stroke volume [SV]) were measured. VVC quantified as the ratio of Ea to Elv.ResultsFollowing a single bout of high intensity, intermittent live‐firefighting activities, mean arterial pressure and ESP decreased while heart rate increased (see table ). EF, Elv and Ea were maintained, and VVC was preserved.ConclusionApparently healthy middle‐aged firefighters maintained the balance between ventricular function and vascular load following a single bout of live‐firefighting. Therefore, impaired VVC may not be related to the increased cardiovascular risk during a single bout of live‐firefighting in apparently healthy middle‐aged firefighters. Further investigations should examine the effect of an extended firefighting bout on ventricular function, vascular load, and VVC in individuals with cardiovascular disease risk factors. Changes in cardiovascular parameters pre/post firefighting activity. Pre Post p SBP (mmHg) 132 ± 11 123 ± 10 &lt;0.01 DBP (mmHg) 81 ± 6 79 ± 6 0.06 MAP (mmHg) 98 ± 7 94 ± 6 &lt;0.01 HR (bpm) 65 ± 10 85 ± 11 &lt;0.01 SV (ml) 85 ± 18 76 ± 15 0.11 EDV (ml) 126 ± 29 122 ± 27 0.40 ESV (ml) 43 ± 16 46 ± 17 0.40 ESP (mmHg) 102.6 ± 8.9 97.7 ± 6.7 &lt;0.01 EF (%) 66.1 ± 6.9 63.0 ± 7.1 0.12 Ea (mmHg/ml) 1.3 ± 0.3 1.4 ± 0.2 0.24 Ely (mmHg/ml) 2.8 ± 1.0 2.5 ± 0.8 0.33 VVC 0.5 ± 0.1 0.6 ± 0.2 0.08 SBP: systolic blood pressure, DBP: diastolic blood pressure, MAP: mean arterial pressure, HR: heart rate, SV: stroke volume, EDV: end diastolic volume, ESV: end systolic volume, ESP: end systolic pressure, EF: ejection fraction, Ea: arterial elastance, Elv: ventricular elastance, VVC: ventricular‐vascular coupling

A Study on Relationship between Firefighters’ Perception on Fire-related Media Coverage and their Morale

This study examines the impact of media on morale among firefighters in the Busan Fire Service Headquarters. The results of the analysis are as follows. The more they are interested in media and they feel it fair, the higher morale they have gained, particularly among outdoor service employees rather than indoor service employees. Male and elderly firefighters are relatively more interested in media, perceiving it fair and willing to adopt the news, compared to female and younger firefighters. This study is the first to examine the impact of media on firefighters’ morale.본 연구는 부산소방본부 소속 소방공무원들이 언론보도에 대한 내용별 관심도, 수용도, 공정도 인식이 소방공무원 사기 수준에 미치는 영향을 실증적으로 고찰해 보고자 하였다. 이를 통해 향후 소방공무원들의 사기를 진작 시키기 위한 이론적 기초자료를 제공하고자 하였다. 분석결과는 언론보도에 대한 관심도, 언론보도에 대한 공정도 요인이 소방공무원의 사기 수준에 유의미한 영향력을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 즉, 언론보도에 대한 관심도 와 공정도가 높을수록 소방공무원들의 사기 수준이 높아지고 있음을 알 수 있다. 특히, 내근직에 비해서 현장직 소방공무원들이 언론보도에 대한 공정도, 관심도가 사기 수준에 더 높은 영향력을 미치고 있다는 것을 확인 할 수 있었다. 한편, 인구사회학적 특성에 따른 인식차이를 보면, 행정직 근무자가 현장직 근무자에 비해서 언론보도의 관심도와 수용도 및 공정도 인식에서 모두 높은 것으로 확인되었고, 남성 소방관들이 여성 소방관들보다 언론보도에 관심이 더 많았고, 아울러 언론보도가 더 공정하다고 인식하였으며, 대체적으로 연령이 높을수록 언론보도에 대한 관심도가 높고, 수용도도 높았으며, 공정하다고 인식하는 정도도 높은 것으로 확인되었다. 본 연구는 지금까지 수행된 적이 없는 소방공무원의 언론보도에 대한 내용별 관심도, 수용도, 공정도 인식이 소방공무원 사기 수준에 미치는 영향을 분석한 선험적 연구라는 점에서 의의가 있으나, 분석 대상이 부산소방 본부 소속 소방공무원에 국한되어 있다는 한계를 가진다.

Firefighter Fatalities: Crude Mortality Rates and Risk Factors for Line of Duty Injury and Death.

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) provides high-quality data for firefighter deaths (FFDs), but until now these data have not been analyzed for temporal trends. This analysis explores FFDs between 1990 and 2016 to determine high-risk groups for outreach and training. Mortality rates were calculated using USFA information compared against the total number of deaths per year. Rates were compared between 1990-2009 (early period) and 2010-2016 (recent period). Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine predictors of death in firefighters (FFs) by age group (≤45 and >45 years old) and by work status (career vs volunteer). Analysis of 3159 FFDs revealed a decline in crude-rate mortality between 1990-2009 and 2010-2016 (47.4 vs 35 FF deaths per million, P < .0001). FFs of ≤45 years old were less likely to die in the 2010s than in the 1990s-2000s (13.7 vs 24.7 FF deaths per million, P = .0002). Trauma-related deaths decreased (13.1 vs 8.1, P = .0003), whereas CV-related deaths remained constant (19.4 vs 19.5, P = .24). Regression analysis determined that volunteer FFs were more likely to die from burns (OR 1.7, CI: 1.2-2.4, P < .0001) and trauma (OR 1.8, CI: 1.5-2.2, P < .0001) than career FFs. Younger FFs were also more likely to die from burns (OR 10.4, CI: 6.9-15.6, P < .0001) and trauma (OR 6.5, CI: 5.4-7.8, P < .0001). Although overall FFDs were lower after 2010, younger and volunteer FFs saw an increase in burn and trauma-related mortality. Cardiovascular-related fatalities were consistent throughout the study. Future research should continue to make use of high-standard data to track FFDs and efficacy of interventions.

The Relationship between coping Strategies, Perfectionism, Beliefs Pain and the Chronic Pain after Controlling the Age Effects in Firefighters

Stress is perhaps the most common pain with which we are faced. None of other physical symptoms are general as pain. Accordingly, since the beginning of the recorded history, trying to control the pain has been the main goal of human beings. The present study examined the relationship between coping strategies, perfectionism, pain beliefs, and chronic pain among firefighters suffering from chronic pain after controlling the age factor. The study employed a descriptive-correlational method to examine 405 firefighters suffering from chronic pain. The sample was selected by multistage cluster sampling method. The participants completed the chronic pain, coping strategies, perfectionism, and pain beliefs questionnaires. Data were analyzed by Pearson’s correlation and partial correlation. There was a significant positive relationship between firefighters’ age and the duration of pain, chronic pain disorder severity, emotion-focused coping strategies, pain beliefs and maladaptive perfectionism. Moreover, there was a significant negative relationship between firefighters’ age and problem-focused coping strategies and adaptive perfectionism. After controlling the age factor, high levels of pain duration and chronic pain disorder severity were related to high levels of emotion-focused coping strategies, maladaptive perfectionism, pain beliefs and low levels of problem-focused coping strategies and adaptive perfectionism. Zero-order correlation revealed that, the age of subjects had little impact on the strength of the relationships between the variables of the duration of pain and chronic pain disorder severity. The results indicated that, participants’ age had little impact on the strength of the relationship between the variables. It implies that young firefighters have urgent need for psychological interventions pertinent to the chronic pain for reducing chronic pain disorder severity and its duration.

Older firefighters are susceptible to age-related impairments in heat dissipation.

The aging-induced reduction in whole-body heat loss (HL) capacity generates concerns regarding the continued participation of older workers in occupations such as firefighting. We compared HL and change in body heat storage (S) during intermittent exercise in warm/dry and warm/humid conditions among older male firefighters (OLDER, n = 9, age = 54.7 ± 2.1 yr), older (age-matched) nonfirefighters (NON-FF, n = 9, age = 52.8 ± 1.2 yr), and young firefighters (YOUNG, n = 6, age = 26.7 ± 0.8 yr). We measured evaporative heat loss and dry heat exchange via the Snellen whole-body direct calorimeter while participants performed four 15-min bouts of cycling at 400 W of metabolic heat production separated by 15-min recovery periods in warm/dry (35 °C, 20% relative humidity) and warm/humid (35 °C, 60% relative humidity) conditions. We found no differences (P > 0.05) in HL or cumulative S (ΔS) between OLDER and NON-FF in the warm/dry (ΔS: OLDER = 233 ± 26 kJ, NON-FF = 270 ± 29 kJ) or warm/humid (ΔS: OLDER = 548 ± 24 kJ, NON-FF = 504 ± 47 kJ) conditions. The OLDER and NON-FF had lower HL than the YOUNG during exercise in both environmental conditions (P < 0.05). The OLDER stored 40% (P > 0.05) and 46% (P = 0.004) more heat than YOUNG in the warm/dry and warm/humid conditions, respectively. The NON-FF stored 63% (P = 0.016) and 34% (P = 0.025) more heat than the YOUNG in the dry and humid conditions, respectively. Older firefighters and age-matched nonfirefighters demonstrate similar HL and S during work in the heat. Moreover, HL is significantly reduced in older compared to younger firefighters during exercise in both warm/dry and warm/humid conditions. Consequently, older firefighters may be more susceptible to thermal injury while on duty than their younger counterparts.

Physician weight recommendations for overweight and obese firefighters, United States, 2011-2012.

IntroductionNational guidelines state that health care professionals (HCPs) should advise patients on the importance of maintaining a healthy weight. Firefighters have high rates of obesity, and cardiovascular events are the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths in firefighters. This study assessed the association of age and body mass index (BMI) with HCP weight recommendations among male firefighters.MethodsWe used data on self-reported HCP weight recommendations and measured BMI from a 2011–2012 national sample of male firefighters (N = 1,002). HCP recommendations were recorded as no advice, maintain, gain, or lose weight, and BMI was categorized as normal (<25.0 kg/m2), overweight (25.0–29.9 kg/m2), class I obese (30.0–34.9 kg/m2), and class II or III obese (≥35.0 kg/m2). We used multinomial logistic regression to estimate the odds of receiving weight advice by age and BMI categories.ResultsMost firefighters (96%) reported visiting an HCP in the past year. Most (69%) firefighters and 48% of class I to III obese firefighters reported receiving no weight advice. Higher BMI predicted HCP advice to lose weight (odds ratio class I obese vs normal weight: 12.98; 95% confidence interval: 5.38–31.34). Younger firefighters were less likely to receive weight loss advice than older firefighters, except among those who were class II or III obese.ConclusionsHCPs are important sources of health information for firefighters. Overweight and obese firefighters, particularly those who are younger, do not consistently receive HCP advice to lose weight. This marks a missed opportunity to prevent further weight gain and reduce obesity-related health outcomes.

Inflammatory responses of older Firefighters to intermittent exercise in the heat

Repeated strenuous work in the heat may predispose firefighters to augmented immune responses and inflammation. This study examined the immune responses in 12 older Firefighters (FF) and 12 older Non-Firefighters (Non-FF), and a group of 6 young FF and 6 young Non-FF, following intermittent exercise in the heat. The participants, matched for age, body surface area, body composition, and VO(2peak), cycled 4 × 15 min at moderate-to-high heat production (400 W), each followed by 15-min rest, in dry [10-20% relative humidity (RH)] and humid (60% RH) heat (35 °C). Rectal temperature (T(re)) and heart rate (HR) were measured continuously, and blood samples at baseline (PRE) and following 60-min recovery (POST) were analyzed for Interleukin (IL)-6, Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), platelet count (PLT), and mean platelet volume (MPV). No differences were observed for T(re), HR, TNF-α, CRP, or PLT between the FF and Non-FF in either condition. The Non-FF had greater changes in IL-6 (Warm/Dry = +1.10 ± 0.18, Warm/Humid = +2.94 ± 0.74 pg mL(-1)), compared to the FF (Warm/Dry = +0.67 ± 0.17, Warm/Humid = +0.70 ± 0.33 pg mL(-1)), and MPV at PRE/POST compared to the FF. Between the young and older FF and Non-FF, no differences in T(re), HR, PLT, or MPV were observed, however, elevated CRP (Warm/Dry) in the older FF, and IL-6 (Warm/Dry) and TNF-α (both conditions) in the older Non-FF, were observed. The elevated IL-6 in the Non-FF is potentially indicative of increased strain in the Non-FF and/or adaptive changes in the FF due to the occupational demands.