title: Validating 'fit for duty' tests for Australian volunteer fire fighters suppressing bushfires.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study compared fire fighter's work-rates and performance between the Pack Hike Test (PHT), Field Walk Test (FWT) and critical bushfire suppression tasks.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nineteen volunteer fire fighters undertook the PHT, whilst a further 11 also performed the FWT. All 30 fire fighters completed four critical tasks. Physical, physiological and subjective ratings were measured during tasks and tests.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Peak and mean heart rate during the Hose Drag was lower than during the FWT. Mean velocities for the PHT and FWT were higher than in all tasks except Hose Drag. Finishing times in the PHT and FWT were strongly correlated with finishing times for three and four of the critical tasks.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The PHT and FWT may be valid fit for duty tests for Australian rural fire fighters though the clear differences between the tests and some tasks may prompt fire agencies to consider other tests that more accurately simulate bushfire suppression work.
authors.affiliation: School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Cara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lord
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Netto
authors.forename: Aaron
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Petersen
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nichols
authors.forename: Jace
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Drain
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Phillips
authors.forename: Brad
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Aisbett
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D004651:Employment / Q000592:standards; D061388:Firefighters; D005390:Fires; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010560:Personnel Selection / Q000379:methods*; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation; D055815:Young Adult