Can firefighter instructors perform a simulated rescue after a live fire training exercise?
Two studies were undertaken to determine whether firefighter instructors are capable of performing a simulated rescue task after undertaking a live fire training exercise (LFTE) lasting approximately 40 min. In the first study, ten instructors performed two simulated rescue tasks in air at 19 degrees C, involving dragging an 81-kg dummy for 15 m along a corridor and down two flights of stairs. The first rescue acted as a control (Rcontrol) and was conducted when they were euhydrated and normothermic. The second task was undertaken 10.4 (3.3) min [mean (SD)] after a LFTE resulting in an average rectal temperature of 38.1 (0.4) degrees C (Rhot). All instructors were able to successfully complete Rcontrol and Rhot in 90.1 (28.6) s and 78.7 (15.6) s respectively. Heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were higher after the LFTE [162 (16) beats min(-1) versus 180 (15) beats min(-1); and 13.3 (2.4) versus 15.7 (2.1), respectively, P<0.001]. In the second study, six instructors (one instructor participated twice giving seven trials) undertook a simulated rescue task in 16 degrees C involving dragging an 85-kg dummy along a flat surface 79 (65) s after a LFTE that increased rectal temperature to 38.3 (0.7) degrees C. On six occasions the instructor was able to successfully complete the full 30-m drag in 41.7 (6.9) s and one instructor dragged the dummy for 20 m before stopping through exhaustion. HR during the rescue task reached 173 (19) beats min(-1) and RPE was 16.3 (2.4). In conclusion, most of the instructors were able to perform a rescue task after the LFTE, however they were close to their physical limit.
Eglin
Clare M
CM
Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Portsmouth, St Michael's Building, White Swan Road, Portsmouth, Hants, PO1 2DT, UK. clare.eglin@port.ac.uk
Tipton
Michael J
MJ
D000328:Adult; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D005390:Fires / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D008297:Male; D011481:Protective Clothing; D018635:Rescue Work; D013663:Teaching; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors; D006113:United Kingdom; D000078329:Workforce