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Abstract
Objective: The aim of the study is to determine the physiological effects of breathing apparatus and ascent strategies during a simulated 120-m vertical high-rise firefighting ascent.
Methods: Twenty-eight firefighters completed four high-rise firefighting trials wearing standard- or extended-duration breathing apparatus with continuous ascent (SDBA-C/EDBA-C) or with breaks (SDBA-B/EDBA-B). Task time, heart rate, ratings of perceived exertion, core body temperature, and thermal comfort were recorded at predetermined elevations.
Results: Task time took significantly longer during the EDBA-C compared with SDBA-C trial. Heart rate (at 40, 80, and 100 m) was significantly lower in trials following breaks compared with the continuous trials. Core body temperature rose by 0.11°C every 10 m of ascent. During the SDBA trials, 89% to 96% of firefighters activated their low air alarm compared with only 7% in EDBA.
Conclusions: Firefighters should wear EDBA beyond 80 m of ascent and are encouraged to take regular breaks.
Methods: Twenty-eight firefighters completed four high-rise firefighting trials wearing standard- or extended-duration breathing apparatus with continuous ascent (SDBA-C/EDBA-C) or with breaks (SDBA-B/EDBA-B). Task time, heart rate, ratings of perceived exertion, core body temperature, and thermal comfort were recorded at predetermined elevations.
Results: Task time took significantly longer during the EDBA-C compared with SDBA-C trial. Heart rate (at 40, 80, and 100 m) was significantly lower in trials following breaks compared with the continuous trials. Core body temperature rose by 0.11°C every 10 m of ascent. During the SDBA trials, 89% to 96% of firefighters activated their low air alarm compared with only 7% in EDBA.
Conclusions: Firefighters should wear EDBA beyond 80 m of ascent and are encouraged to take regular breaks.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 141-147 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine |
| Volume | 66 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Early online date | 1 Feb 2024 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Feb 2024 |
Acknowledgements
The authors thank the London Fire Brigade and their firefighters for the support in conducting in this study.Funding
Funding sources: This study was funded by the London Fire Brigade.
UN SDGs
This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
Keywords
- breathing apparatus
- core body temperature
- firefighters
- heart rate
- high-rise
- physical exertion
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics of 'Physiological Responses and Performance of Simulated High-Rise Firefighting'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 2 Finished
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Centre for the Analysis of Motion, Entertainment Research and Applications (CAMERA) - 2.0
Campbell, N. (PI), Cosker, D. (PI), Bilzon, J. (CoI), Campbell, N. (CoI), Cazzola, D. (CoI), Colyer, S. (CoI), Cosker, D. (CoI), Lutteroth, C. (CoI), McGuigan, P. (CoI), O'Neill, E. (CoI), Petrini, K. (CoI), Proulx, M. (CoI) & Yang, Y. (CoI)
1/11/20 → 31/10/25
Project: Research council
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Centre for the Analysis of Motion, Entertainment Research and Applications (CAMERA)
Cosker, D. (PI), Bilzon, J. (CoI), Campbell, N. (CoI), Cazzola, D. (CoI), Colyer, S. (CoI), Fincham Haines, T. (CoI), Hall, P. (CoI), Kim, K. I. (CoI), Lutteroth, C. (CoI), McGuigan, P. (CoI), O'Neill, E. (CoI), Richardt, C. (CoI), Salo, A. (CoI), Seminati, E. (CoI), Tabor, A. (CoI) & Yang, Y. (CoI)
1/09/15 → 28/02/21
Project: Research council
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