title: The effect of prescribed fluid consumption on physiology and work behavior of wildfire fighters.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine 1) wildfire fighters' ability to consume the prescribed fluid volume (1200 mL h(-1)), 2) the effect of fluid intake on plasma sodium and hydration, and 3) the effect of fluid intake on firefighters' heart rate, core temperature and activity during emergency suppression shifts.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-four firefighters were divided into ad libitum (AD, n = 17) and prescribed (PR, n = 17) drinking groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  PR drinkers did not meet the prescribed fluid target, yet consumed over double the volume of AD drinkers. No differences between groups in plasma sodium or hydration were noted. PR drinking resulted in lower core temperature between 2 and 6 h. This did not coincide with reduced cardiovascular strain, greater work activity or larger distances covered when compared to AD drinkers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Extra fluid consumption (above AD) did not improve firefighter activity or physiological function (though PR firefighters core temperature was lower earlier in their shift). Firefighter can self-regulate their fluid consumption behavior and work rate to leave the fireground euhydrated.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Exercise and Sports Science, Deakin University, Burwood 3125, Australia.
authors.forename: Jenni
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Raines
authors.forename: Rodney
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Snow
authors.forename: Aaron
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Petersen
authors.forename: Jack
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Harvey
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nichols
authors.forename: Brad
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Aisbett
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000502:physiology; D003681:Dehydration / Q000517:prevention & control; D004190:Disasters; D004326:Drinking / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D061388:Firefighters; D005390:Fires; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology; D012964:Sodium / Q000097:blood; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D012964:Sodium