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The impact of heat exposure and sleep restriction on firefighters’work performance and physiology during simulated wildfire suppression
journal contribution
posted on 2018-03-09, 00:00 authored by Grace VincentGrace Vincent, B Aisbett, B Larsen, ND Ridgers, R Snow, Sally FergusonSally FergusonThis study was designed to examine the effects of ambient heat on firefighters’ physical task performance, and physiological and perceptual responses when sleep restricted during simulated wildfire conditions. Thirty firefighters were randomly allocated to the sleep restricted (n = 17, SR, 19 °C, 4-h sleep opportunity) or hot and sleep restricted (n = 13, HOT + SR, 33 °C, 4-h sleep opportunity) condition. Firefighters performed two days of simulated, intermittent, self-paced work circuits comprising six firefighting tasks. Heart rate, and core temperature were measured continuously. After each task, firefighters reported their rating of perceived exertion and thermal sensation. Effort sensation was also reported after each work circuit. Fluids were consumed ad libitum. Urine volume and urine specific gravity were analysed. Sleep was monitored using polysomnography. There were no differences between the SR and HOT + SR groups in firefighters’ physiological responses, hydration status, ratings of perceived exertion, motivation, and four of the six firefighting tasks (charged hose advance, rake, hose rolling, static hose hold). Black out hose and lateral repositioning were adversely affected in the HOT + SR group. Working in hot conditions did not appear to consistently impair firefighters work performance, physiology, and perceptual responses. Future research should determine whether such findings remain true when individual tasks are performed over longer durations.
History
Editor
Tchounwou PBVolume
14Issue
2Start Page
1End Page
15Number of Pages
15eISSN
1660-4601ISSN
1661-7827Publisher
MDPI, SwitzerlandPublisher DOI
Full Text URL
Additional Rights
CC BY 4.0Peer Reviewed
- Yes
Open Access
- Yes
Acceptance Date
2017-02-06External Author Affiliations
Deakin University; Bushfire Co-Operative Research Centre; Griffith UniversityAuthor Research Institute
- Appleton Institute
Era Eligible
- Yes