TY - CONF
T1 - Physiological Responses And Thermal Limitations During Simulated High-Rise Firefighting Operations
AU - Stevenson, Richard
AU - Bilzon, James
AU - Warwick, Joseph
PY - 2023/9/1
Y1 - 2023/9/1
N2 - High-rise firefighting remains one of the most critical and physically demanding elements of the urban firefighting role. While the duration of such work is sometimes limited by the air available within self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), excessive hyperthermia has been reported as a major limitation and risk to firefighters.
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different breathing apparatus (BA) equipment and ascent strategies on a simulated 120-m high-rise firefighting task on selected performance and physiological variables in a representative sample of UK firefighters.
METHODS: Twenty-eight career firefighters (17 male, 11 female) completed four stair-climbing trials under different experimental conditions in random order: wearing standard duration BA (SDBA) with continuous ascent (SDBA-C), SDBA with discontinuous ascent (i.e. taking breaks) (SDBA-B), extended duration BA (EDBA) with continuous (EDBA-C) and discontinuous ascent (EDBA-B). Task time (TT), heart rate (HR), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), core body temperature (CT) and thermal comfort (TC) were recorded at the start (0-m), 40, 80, 100 and 120-m of vertical elevation and then following a full descent.
RESULTS: TT took longer during the EDBA-C trial at all elevations when compared with the SDBA-C trail (p = < 0.01), however no differences were found in HR, RPE, CT or TC. HR (at 40, 80 and 100-m) and RPE (at 80 and 100-m) were lower for both the SDBA-B and EDBA-B trials following breaks when compared to the SBDA-C and EDBA-C trails. The mean rate rise in CT was 0.11ºC for every 10-m of vertical ascent and 0.03ºC for every 10-m of vertical descent. Two trials were terminated because participants reached the CT threshold of >39.5 ºC, exhibiting signs and symptoms of exertional heat illness. Participants exceeded a CT of 39.0 ºC in a further eighteen trials.
CONCLUSIONS: Hyperthermia is a significant limitation when performing physically demanding continuous high-rise ascents in impermeable protective clothing. Taking short regular rest breaks alleviates cardiovascular but not thermal strain and improves perception of ability to work following ascending. Further research should develop valid and reliable personal telemetry core temperature monitoring systems.
This work was supported by The London Fire Brigade.
AB - High-rise firefighting remains one of the most critical and physically demanding elements of the urban firefighting role. While the duration of such work is sometimes limited by the air available within self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), excessive hyperthermia has been reported as a major limitation and risk to firefighters.
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different breathing apparatus (BA) equipment and ascent strategies on a simulated 120-m high-rise firefighting task on selected performance and physiological variables in a representative sample of UK firefighters.
METHODS: Twenty-eight career firefighters (17 male, 11 female) completed four stair-climbing trials under different experimental conditions in random order: wearing standard duration BA (SDBA) with continuous ascent (SDBA-C), SDBA with discontinuous ascent (i.e. taking breaks) (SDBA-B), extended duration BA (EDBA) with continuous (EDBA-C) and discontinuous ascent (EDBA-B). Task time (TT), heart rate (HR), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), core body temperature (CT) and thermal comfort (TC) were recorded at the start (0-m), 40, 80, 100 and 120-m of vertical elevation and then following a full descent.
RESULTS: TT took longer during the EDBA-C trial at all elevations when compared with the SDBA-C trail (p = < 0.01), however no differences were found in HR, RPE, CT or TC. HR (at 40, 80 and 100-m) and RPE (at 80 and 100-m) were lower for both the SDBA-B and EDBA-B trials following breaks when compared to the SBDA-C and EDBA-C trails. The mean rate rise in CT was 0.11ºC for every 10-m of vertical ascent and 0.03ºC for every 10-m of vertical descent. Two trials were terminated because participants reached the CT threshold of >39.5 ºC, exhibiting signs and symptoms of exertional heat illness. Participants exceeded a CT of 39.0 ºC in a further eighteen trials.
CONCLUSIONS: Hyperthermia is a significant limitation when performing physically demanding continuous high-rise ascents in impermeable protective clothing. Taking short regular rest breaks alleviates cardiovascular but not thermal strain and improves perception of ability to work following ascending. Further research should develop valid and reliable personal telemetry core temperature monitoring systems.
This work was supported by The London Fire Brigade.
M3 - Poster
SP - 55(9S):p 923-924
T2 - American College of Sports Medicine 2023
Y2 - 30 May 2023 through 2 June 2023
ER -