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As most textile tests are destructive, non-destructive test (NDT) methods are needed to evaluate in-use firefighters' protective clothing and to provide guidance as to when to replace this clothing. One NDT method that has shown promise is near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. The focus of this research was to examine methods that can be used to analyze spectral data to develop correlations between NIR results and remaining tensile strength of three different Kevlar®/PBI outer shell fabrics after 30–300 s exposures of 10–70 kW/m2 in the cone calorimeter. Four methods of analyzing NIR data were considered: shifts in absorbance at a particular wavelength, changes to absorbance features (area and prominence), and changes to the slope of reflectance curves based on a normalized difference index (NDI) method. While each method had its advantages and disadvantages, the NDI method showed the most promise of the methods considered here, as there were clear trends across the three fabrics over the entire heat flux range. It could also be implemented using measurements at two wavelengths, which would assist in developing a practical device for evaluation of firefighters' protective clothing in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Firefighter first responders and other emergency medical services (EMS) personnel have been among the highest risk healthcare workers for illness during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. We sought to determine the rate of seropositivity for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies and of acute asymptomatic infection among firefighter first responders in a single county with early exposure in the pandemic. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of clinically active firefighters cross-trained as paramedics or EMTs in the fire departments of Santa Clara County, California. Firefighters without current symptoms were tested between June and August 2020. Our primary outcomes were rates of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody seropositivity and SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR swab positivity for acute infection. We report cumulative incidence, participant characteristics with frequencies and proportions, and proportion positive and associated relative risk (with 95% confidence intervals). Results: We enrolled 983 out of 1339 eligible participants (response rate: 73.4%). Twenty-five participants (2.54%, 95% CI 1.65-3.73) tested positive for IgG antibodies and 9 (0.92%, 95% CI 0.42-1.73) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR. Our cumulative incidence, inclusive of self-reported prior positive PCR tests, was 34 (3.46%, 95% CI 2.41-4.80). Conclusion: In a county with one of the earliest outbreaks in the United States, the seroprevalence among firefighter first responders was lower than that reported by other studies of frontline health care workers, while the cumulative incidence remained higher than that seen in the surrounding community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this research was to understand how firefighter protective suits perform in different operational environments. This study used a sweating guarded hotplate to examine the effect of environmental temperature (20–45°C) and relative humidity (25–85% RH) on evaporative heat loss through firefighter turnout materials. Four firefighter turnout composites containing three different bi-component (semi-permeable) and one microporous moisture barriers were selected. The results showed that the evaporative resistance of microporous moisture barrier systems was independent of environmental testing conditions. However, absorbed moisture strongly affected evaporative heat loss through semi-permeable moisture barriers coated with a layer of nonporous hydrophilic polymer. Moisture absorption in mild environment (20–25°C) tests, or when testing at high humidity (>85% RH), significantly increased water vapor transmission in semi-permeable turnout systems. It was also found that environmental conditions used in the total heat loss (THL) test (25°C and 65% RH) produced moisture condensation in bi-component barrier systems, making them appear more breathable than could be expected when worn in hotter environments. Regression models successfully qualified the relationships between moisture uptake levels in semi-permeable barrier systems and evaporative resistance and THL. These findings reveal the limitations in relying on THL, the heat strain index currently called for by the NFPA 1971 Standard for Structural Firefighter personal protective equipment, and supports the need to measure turnout evaporative resistance at 35°C (Ret), in addition to THL at 25°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies suggest that exposure to potential endocrine disrupting chemicals (pEDCs) may contribute to adverse health outcomes, but pEDC exposures among firefighters have not been fully characterized. Previously, we demonstrated the military-style silicone dog tag as a personal passive sampling device for assessing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposures among structural firefighters. This follow-up analysis examined the pEDC exposures based on department call volume, duty shift, and questionnaire variables. Structural firefighters (n = 56) were from one high and one low fire call volume department (Kansas City, MO metropolitan area) and wore separate dog tags while on- and off-duty (ndogtags = 110). The targeted 1530 analyte semi-quantitative screening method was conducted using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (npEDCs = 433). A total of 47 pEDCs were detected, and several less-frequently-detected pEDCs (75%), off-duty pEDC concentrations were strongly correlated (r = 0.31–0.82, p < 0.05), suggesting co-applications of phthalates and fragrances in consumer products. Questionnaire variables of “regular use of conventional cleaning products” and “fireplace in the home” were associated with select elevated pEDC concentrations by duty shift (paired t-test). This suggested researchers should include detailed questions about consumer product use and home environment when examining personal pEDC exposures.

Firefighters are exposed to multiple occupational hazards, where one of the hazards is chemical hazard that can affect the respiratory system. However, little is known regarding the perception of firefighters on the source of exposure to respiratory hazards, particularly in Malaysia. This work aims to explore the firefighter's perspective on respiratory hazard exposure and to examine the compliance of the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). In-depth interviews were employed among 12 firefighters at Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia in September 2020. The interview recordings were transcribed verbatim and of thematic analysis done via the NVIVO 12 programme. All participants were Malay, male, and married. The respiratory hazard exposure perceived can be divided into occupational source (e.g. exposure to smoke from firefighting, fire training, firefight demonstration, commuting, firefight vehicles: chemicals and dust) and non-occupational source (e.g. smoking). Firefighter recognised both the importance of wearing PPE and the fact they are still not compliant in wearing it. They also perceived wearing PPE as burden and having only a limited stock of PPE. Education and training need to be reinforced to strengthen firefighters' risk perception, hazard identification, and risk assessment of hazards exposure. Strict standard operating procedure (SOP) and supervision during firefighters' task is crucial to reduce hazard exposure and increase PPE compliance. Systematic and thorough inventory management is needed to ensure adequate PPE supply. Post qualitative analysis, the firefighters' perception on respiratory hazard exposure was obtained, demonstrating that the analysis is ready for further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xiaojun Chen,1 Lishao Zhang,1 Zhekuang Peng,2 Shaoxing Chen1 1Department of Hospital Office, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Public Health, The Third Affiliated Hospital of SunYet-Sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Shaoxing ChenDepartment of Public Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, 57# Changping Road, Shantou 515041, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86-754-88252184Email xjchen@stu.edu.cnBackground: Firefighters are routinely exposed to occupational stress and are therefore vulnerable to psychological problems.Patients and Methods: This study assessed the prevalence of mental health symptoms and potential contributing factors in a sample of firefighters in Shantou city, in the Guangdong Province of China. We conducted a cross-sectional survey with 335 firefighters, including 329 male and 6 female firefighters. We used a questionnaire which assessed anxiety and depression, as indicated by the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), as well as other mental health symptoms, using the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90). Basic information and potential-related factors were also collected.Results: The average age of participants was 27.38 (SD ± 6.11) years. Assessed by the indexed score of different scales, SAS and SDS positive screening rates were 6.86% and 22.68%, respectively. SCL-90 scores indicated that 6.86% of participants had mental health symptoms. Logistic regression analysis showed that educational level, firefighter rank, and birth order were associated with mental health outcomes. Firefighters in Shantou were also shown to have better mental health outcomes than the Chinese military, but worse than the national population of firefighters.Conclusion: These findings indicated the mental health of firefighters is not good. It is necessary to explore effective approaches to help preventing and treating mental disorder in firefighters.Keywords: firefighter, mental health, depression, anxiety, influencing factors

The purpose of this research is to understand the increasing of hardiness in Firefighter of Dinas Kebakaran dan Penanggulangan Bencana Kota Bandung after given self-efficacy training. The theory used were self-efficacy theory from Bandura (2002) and hardiness from Maddi & Khosaba (2005). The research has 18 subjects as a sample taken by purposive sampling methods. The methods use was Quasi-experimental. Data was analyzed using Wilcoxon signed rank test statistic methods to make comparison between pre-test and post-test. As a result of this research: degree of hardiness in Firefighter of Dinas Kebakaran dan Penanggulangan Bencana Kota Bandung was increase after participate in self-efficacy training. Conclude that self-efficacy training could help to increase hardiness in Firefighter of Dinas Kebakaran dan Penanggulangan Bencana Kota Bandung.

Background: This study investigated the effect of increased job stress, caused by musculoskeletal disease (MSD) among firefighters, on a firefighter's intention to leave the profession, henceforth referred to as “turnover intention,” and verified the moderating effect of mindfulness on such a relationship. Methods: A survey involving a total of 549 Korean male firefighters as participants was conducted herein, and the following results were obtained: the mediation effect of the MSD to turnover intention through job stress was confirmed, and the indirect effect of job stress was verified. Results: We verified the moderated mediation effect of mindfulness on the relation:MSD, job stress, and turnover intention. The conditional indirect effect for middle and high levels of mindfulness is significant. Conclusion: The result of this study is supported by proofs of the relationship between a firefighter's MSD, job stress, and turnover intention, and these case studies reveal the moderated mediation effect of dispositional mindfulness.

Background: Firefighting is a high-risk occupation. The firefighters can be involved in acute and chronic diseases. The study was conducted to investigate the acute symptoms of pulmonary problems, chest radiography, and pulmonary function testing among the professional firefighters of Tehran Firefighting Stations in active firefighting of the Plasco trade center disaster. Methods: A call was announced by the national Fars news agency to examine the firefighters in the Plasco trade center disaster. Results: A total of 56 firefighters completed the study design. They were male, commonly at a young age, and less than their 3rd decade. Upper respiratory tract symptoms were at a higher frequency than a lower airway tract; 98% of the subjects complained of respiratory symptoms. Chest abnormality was 24% and normal acute short-term spirometry was 87%. Acute occupational bronchitis was a prominent respiratory disease. Conclusion: Acute toxic inhalation respiratory diseases, including acute bronchitis, asthma-like disease, and laryngitis were found in our study. Medical monitoring is necessary for the detection of adverse health effects in the exposure, post-exposure, and long lifetime.

Immersive virtual reality (VR) shows a lot of potential for the training of professionals in the emergency response domain. Firefighters occupy a unique position among emergency personnel as the threats they encounter are mainly environmental. Immersive VR therefore represents a great opportunity to be utilized for firefighter training. This systematic review summarizes the existing literature of VR firefighting training that has a specific focus on human factors and learning outcomes, as opposed to literature that solely covers the system, or simulation, with little consideration given to its user. An extensive literature search followed by rigorous filtering of publications with narrowly defined criteria was performed to aggregate results from methodologically sound user studies. The included studies provide evidence that suggests the suitability of VR firefighter training, especially in search and rescue and commander training scenarios. Although the overall number of publications is small, the viability of VR as an ecologically valid analog to real-life training is promising. In the future, more work is needed to establish clear evidence and guidelines to optimize the effectiveness of VR training and to increase reliable data through appropriate research endeavors.

The rescue operations’ environment can impair firefighters’ performance and increase the risk of injuries, e.g., burns and hyperthermia. The bulk and carried weight of heavy protection contributes to lower physical performance, higher metabolic load and internal body heat production. For recommending optimal protection for the tasks and incident scenarios, knowledge of clothing thermal properties is needed. However, detailed data on firefighter protective clothing systems are not available. The aim of the study was to provide scientific background and a dataset that would allow for validation of thermo-physiological models for task-specific conditions of rescue work. Thermal insulation of 37 single items and their variations and 25 realistic protective clothing ensembles were measured on a thermal manikin. Twelve (12) ensembles that evenly covered the whole insulation range were selected for evaporative resistance testing. The equations for summing up individual item’s insulation to ensemble insulation and calculating clothing area factor were derived from the dataset. The database of a firefighter clothing system was created. In addition, the local and regional thermal properties of the clothing ensembles were provided for use in future validation of advanced thermo-physiological models for rescue worker exposure predictions and for designing decision aid tools.

Background: Firefighter physical fitness (PF) plays a crucial role in mitigating health issues and supporting occupational performance. The influence of rank on firefighter PF remains understudied and previous research is often limited by small sample sizes of firefighters volunteering for research studies, potentially biasing results towards fitter firefighters not representative of entire departments., Objective: To examine the PF profile of firefighters in a large urban fire department and the influence of age and rank on PF., Methods: Data, including muscular fitness, estimated aerobic capacity (VO2max), and body fat percentage (BF%) measures from 1361 firefighters (90% male; age: 37.4±10.1yrs; 60 recruits, 973 firefighters, 290 lieutenants/captains, 38 chiefs) were analyzed. Correlation and ANCOVAs were conducted to examine the impact of rank on PF while controlling for age. Score distributions were scrutinized to profile the PF of the department., Results: Age was negatively associated with pull-ups (r = - 0.39), sit-ups (r = - 0.39), and push-ups (r = - 0.32), but positively associated with relative VO2max (r = 0.17) and BF% (r = 0.39). Rank had a statistically significant, but trivial effect size, on pull-ups (p = 0.028, η2 = 0.007) and sit-ups (p = 0.034, η2 = 0.005). Firefighters with lower PF levels were older, had higher BF%, lower fat-free mass, and were a greater proportion of females., Conclusions: Firefighters exhibited diverse levels of PF. Age, not rank, appeared to influence firefighters' PF. The findings that firefighters who were older, female, with poorer body composition are more likely to have lower PF levels highlights the need for individualized PF training to enhance occupational performance and health across the fire department.

Objective: Motor vehicle incidents or apparatus crashes are a leading cause of firefighter fatalities in the United States. Nonuse of seat belts has been linked to some of these fatalities. This research seeks to understand the relationship between safety climate and seat belt use among firefighters, as findings will provide insights into factors that may bolster seat belt use and protect firefighters., Methods: Data were collected from 208 career firefighters working for a city fire department in the southeastern United States. Structural equation modeling was used to test a hypothesized model and to assess the relationships between organizational safety climate, work group safety climate and seat belt use., Results: It was determined that positive perceptions of workgroup safety climate, as a higher order factor, comprised of supervisor support, horizontal cohesion, and vertical cohesion, was positively associated with seat belt use within a sample of firefighters. Organizational level safety climate did not have a significant relationship with seat belt use but did positively influence workgroup safety climate perceptions., Conclusions: Safety climate has been associated with safety compliance and participation behaviors, but more research was needed to specifically examine the impact of safety climate on seat belt use in firefighters. The findings point to the importance of safety climate as a leading indicator and predictor of seat belt use. Bolstering safety climate through safety programs, commitment to safety, effective communication, supportive supervisors and cohesion should ultimately aid in bolstering seat belt use among firefighters, which is important to curtailing firefighter injuries and fatalities.

The aim of this study was to assess the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of a return-to-work (RTW) screening test to be used on UK firefighters following injury. The inter rater and intra-rater reliability of eight tasks involved in a screening test was used to assess readiness to RTW for UK firefighters following injury. These tasks included the following: (1) putting on and removing a breathing apparatus set (BA), (2) a ladder lift simulation, (3) a ladder carry simulation, (4) a light portable pump (LPP) lift and carry simulation, (5) a hose run, (6) a ladder climb with leg lock, (7) a casualty evacuation and (8) a confined space crawl simulation. The inter-rater reliability between each individual screening task was interpreted as Excellent (ICC = 0.94–1.00) for eleven (68.75%) of the screening task videos and as Good (ICC = 0.75–0.88) for five (31.25%) of the screening task videos. Intra-rater reliability was interpreted as Excellent (ICC = 1) for twenty-six participants (74.3%), Good (ICC = 0.76–0.88) for eight participants (22.9%) and Moderate for one participant (2.8%). Due to the reliability of this screening test, it allows conclusions to be made from the results which can inform a RTW decision for a firefighter.

Structural firefighters (SFFs) are exposed to multiple occupational hazards that affect dietary behavior and can contribute to increased risks of cancer and cardiovascular disease compared to the United States’ general population. Dietary behavior is a feasible modification for positive health outcomes. The objectives of this narrative review are to summarize the diet behavior of SFFs, review findings of diet interventions that positively modify diet behavior, identify research gaps, and suggest recommendations for addressing those gaps. PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and CABI Web of Science were searched between February 2020 and June 2022 for peer-reviewed articles. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) study population must include SFFs; (2) investigate diet or diet intervention among SFFs; (3) report results specific to SFFs; and (4) be published in the English language. Thirty-four studies were included. Results indicate that SFFs recognize the importance of a healthy dietary pattern, but do not follow one, and that food choices are often influenced by colleagues. Diet interventions, such as the Mediterranean diet, were observed to have positive health improvements, such as improved lipid levels and lower CVD risk. Team counseling was found to be more effective for adopting healthier diets compared to one-on-one counseling; and general counseling was more effective than no counseling. A gap identified by this review is the lack of information concerning differences in dietary intake, diet quality, and dietary behaviors while on- and off-shift, and throughout the career. Diet is an important risk factor for occupational disease development; therefore, effective, consistent dietary interventions are necessary.

Overhaul is the phase of firefighting after flames have been extinguished but when products of combustion are still being released. While positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) provide the highest level of respiratory protection during overhaul, use of air-purifying respirators (APRs) with suitable filters could potentially provide a lower weight, longer duration option for first responders. The objective of this study was to assess whether an APR with a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) canister could be recommended as substitution for SCBA during overhaul. A total of 15 simulated standard overhaul environments were created by burning household materials. Sampling was conducted using mannequin heads fitted with full facepiece respirators with either a CBRN canister or SCBA. In-mask and personal samples were collected for aldehydes, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, inorganic acids, aromatic hydrocarbons, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter. An additional six simulated high-exposure overhaul environments were created in a flashover chamber by continuously adding household materials to a smoldering fire. The sampling train was the same for both the standard and high-exposure environments; however, the facepiece was sealed to the mannequin head in the high-exposure environments. In the standard overhaul environment, the CBRN canister effectively reduced the level of exposure for most contaminants, while in the high-exposure overhaul exposure setting in-mask acetaldehyde and formaldehyde were detected. In both exposure settings, the SCBA prevented almost all exposure, and therefore remains the recommended respiratory protection during overhaul. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The study was designed to estimate the prevalence of mental disorders in a cohort of firefighters who had been deployed to a devastating fire in Fort McMurray, Alberta, in 2016. Methods: A cohort of firefighters was established and followed up by online questionnaires. The contact in October 2018 to March 2019 included the PCL-5 questionnaire screening for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) screening for anxiety and depression. A sample was selected comprising all scoring ≥31 on the PCL-5 or ≥12 on either scale of the HADS, 30% of those scoring 8 to 11 on the HADS, and 10% of those with lower scores on all scales. This sample was assessed through a structured clinical interview to categorize disorders as defined in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5). Interviews were carried out face-to-face or by telephone between August 2019 and February 2020. Diagnoses in the interview sample were reweighted to obtain prevalence estimates for the whole cohort. In an analysis of receiver operating characteristics (ROC), possible cut points for scores from each screening questionnaire were examined. Results: In 2018 to 2019, 1,000 of the cohort of 1,234 firefighters completed the HADS and 998 completed the PCL-5. Of these, 282 were identified for structured clinical interviews for DSM-5 (SCID) assessment. Interviews were carried out with 192. Among those assessed, 40.6% met the criteria for PTSD, 30.7% for an anxiety disorder, and 28.5% for a depressive disorder. When reweighted to allow for sampling and losses to assessment, cohort prevalence estimates were as follows: PTSD 21.4% (15.7% to 29.1%), anxiety disorders 15.8% (11.0% to 22.5%), and depressive disorders 14.3% (9.9% to 20.8%). Lower prevalence estimates were obtained when using the cut point with least misclassification in the ROC analysis. Conclusion: Using the gold-standard SCID assessment, high rates of mental disorders were found in this cohort of firefighters who had experienced a devastating fire. Fewer cases would have been identified by screening questionnaire alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Firefighting is a profession that has the potential to be extremely demanding, both physically and mentally. More specifically, these tactical personnel must be physically fit to perform their occupational requirements, all while they are exposed to daily stressors. This is likely to include everything from physical strain and shift work to interrupted sleep and witnessing potentially traumatizing events. Failure to prepare and mitigate these occupational demands can have long-lasting implications to overall performance as well as health and wellness. Unfortunately, many of these elements often go unaddressed. As such, considerations for collaborative and overarching cross-disciplinary allied health teams should be made. Human performance optimization (HPO) is a model that has been successfully adopted by the U.S. military to enhance the overarching health, wellness, and performance of soldiers. This article proposes the utilization of a similar HPO model by providing a rationale for how it can be used to reduce premature morbidity and mortality, as well as increasing overall readiness and resilience within the firefighting profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Force plate assessments, such as countermovement jumps and isometric mid-thigh pulls, examine performances (e.g., jump height, force, power) and movement strategies (e.g., asymmetries, durations), and are best suited to characterize and monitor physical capabilities, not predict injuries. To begin applying force plate technologies, users must first; (1) develop a data management plan to visualize and capture data over time; (2) select appropriate force plates for their scenario; (3) design appropriate testing protocols to ensure valid and reliable data. Force plate assessments may be added to existing testing, serve as separate testing batteries for annual profile testing to compare individuals and understand initial physical capabilities, or for more frequent testing (i.e., monthly or weekly) to monitor training-related adaptations or neuromuscular fatigue. Although these assessments inform evidence-based program designs, human performance practitioners must understand the considerations for conducting appropriate force plate testing, as well as proper visualizations and management of force plate data. Thus, the aim of this review is to provide evidence-based practices for utilizing force plates in tactical populations (e.g., military, firefighters, police). This includes best practices to implement testing for performance profiling, training adaptations, and monitoring neuromuscular fatigue and force asymmetries. Of note, due to the large amount of force-time metrics to choose from, this article provides general examples of important metrics to monitor and training recommendations based on changes to these force-time metrics, followed by specific examples in three case studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim was to provide a consensus tasks needed to be included in a return to work assessment for operational firefighters. Methods: A two round online Delphi study was conducted with twenty-four participants including firefighters, service fitness advisers and occupational health managers. A consensus was set at 70% agreement. In round one, participants completed an online survey relating to tasks to be included during a return to work assessment for firefighters following an injury. Round two was an online consensus meeting to discuss the tasks where consensus was not achieved. Results: A consensus was reached for ten of the thirteen tasks, including the number of repetitions required when lifting a light portable pump and climbing a ladder. A consensus was reached for the total distance equipment which should be carried. This included carrying a ladder, a hose and a light portable pump. Conclusions: This study has provided a consensus for tasks to be included when assessing a firefighter for return to work. Further research is needed to understand how to use this assessment optimally [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine cardiovascular responses to medical (MED) and fire (FIRE) alarm tones in firefighters. Methods: Heart rate was collected throughout 24-h shifts (N = 41). Call logs were utilized post hoc to identify heart rate at the time the alarm sounded (TIMETONE), peak heart rate following the alarm (TIMEPEAK), and heart rate at the time of station departure (TIMEDEPART) for MED and FIRE calls. A 2X3 (TONE x TIME) split-plot mixed-model repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and least significant differences tests examined the influence of tone type on heart rate, expressed as a percent of age estimated maximum. Bivariate Pearson correlations examined the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and TIMEPEAK and TIMEDEPART. An alpha of 0.05 determined statistical significance and Bonferroni Corrections were applied to post hoc comparisons (p < 0.017). Results: Follow-up analyses for the significant 2 × 3 repeated-measures ANOVA (p = 0.035) indicated differences in heart rate for MED (p < 0.001) and FIRE (p < 0.001) where TIMETONE < TIMEPEAK, TIMETONE < TIMEDEPART, and TIMEPEAK > TIMEDEPART. There was a non-significant simple effect of time for MED and FIRE at TIMETONE (p = 0.259), but significant effects of tone type where FIRE > MED at TIMEPEAK (p < 0.001) and TIMEDEPART (p = 0.002). There was a significant small positive relationship between BMI and TIMEPEAK (p = 0.002) and TIMEDEPART (p < 0.001) for MED only. Conclusions: Alarms increased heart rates to a greater extent in FIRE than MED calls. Higher BMI was related to greater heart rate responses in MED but was unrelated to FIRE response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and is a major concern among professional American firefighters, with rates for suicidal ideation in firefighters two times higher than rates in the general population. The Neuman systems model integrated with the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide provides a better understanding of the specific occupational and cultural aspects of firefighting that lead to a greater risk for suicidal ideation. This model provides an innovative lens that can inform the development and the implementation of interventions aimed at preventing suicidal ideation among firefighters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The Fort McMurray fire in Alberta, Canada, devastated the townsite in May 2016. First responders were heavily exposed to smoke particles. Blood samples taken from firefighters in May and August/September 2016 were used to measure concentrations of inflammatory markers in plasma and the relation of these markers to exposures and respiratory ill-health. Methods Blood samples were drawn from firefighters from two fire services, who also completed questionnaires about tasks and exposures during their deployment to the fire and about respiratory symptoms. Plasma was analysed for 42 inflammatory markers in a multiplex assay. At Service A, samples were collected twice, within 19 days of the start of the fire (early sample) and again 14–18 weeks later (late sample). At Service B, only late samples were collected, at 16–20 weeks. Principal component (PC) scores were extracted from markers in plasma from the early and late samples and, at both time periods, the first two components retained. PC scores were examined against estimated cumulative exposures to PM2.5 particles, self-rated physical stressors during the fire, and time since the last deployment to an active fire. The relation of component scores and exposure estimates to respiratory health were examined, using self-ratings at the time of the blood draw, a validated respiratory screening questionnaire (the European Community Respiratory Health Survey [ECRHS]) some 30 months after the fire, and clinical assessments in 2019–2020. Results Repeat blood samples were available for 68 non-smoking first responders from Service A and late samples from 160 non-smokers from both services. In the 68 with two samples, marker concentrations decreased from early to late samples for all but 3 of the 42 markers, significantly so (P < 0.05) for 25. The first component extracted from the early samples (C1E) was unrelated to respiratory symptoms but the second (C2E) was weakly related to increased cough (P = 0.079) and breathlessness (P = 0.068) and a lower forced expiratory volume in one second/forced expiratory capacity (FEV1/FVC)(β = –1.63, 95% CI –3.11 to –0.14) P = 0.032. The first PC at 14–20 weeks (C1L) was unrelated to exposure or respiratory health but the second PC (C2L) from these late samples, drawn from both fire services, related to cumulative PM2.5 exposure. In a multivariate model, clustered within fire service, cumulative exposure (β = 0.19, 95% CI 0.09–0.30), dehydration (β = 0.65, 95% CI 0.04–1.27) and time since last deployed to a fire (β = –0.04, 95% CI –0.06 to –0.01) were all related to the C2L score. This score was also associated with respiratory symptoms of wheezing, chest tightness, and breathlessness at the time of the blood draw but not to symptoms at later follow-up. However, apart from the lower FEV1/FVC at 15–19 days, the marker scores did not add to regression models that also included estimated cumulative PM2.5 exposure. Conclusions Concentrations of persisting inflammatory markers in the plasma of firefighters deployed to a devastating fire decreased with time and were related to estimates of exposure. Although not a powerful independent predictor of later respiratory ill-health, they may serve as an indicator of previous high exposure in the absence of contemporary exposure estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the physical, motoric and cardiovascular status of selected Czech professional and volunteer firefighters aged 25 to 35 years. Firefighters (especially professionals) were chosen as a template for Czech male population because they are considered the most physically fit among the adult population. Moreover, physical training is a part of the job description for professionals, their motoric performance is regularly checked, and a decline in fitness is grounds for termination of employment. Since volunteer firefighters assist professionals in emergencies, they tend to be under the same physical and mental stress and their motivation to maintain excellent physical condition is considerable. The somatic characteristics, body composition, motoric performance tests as an indicator of the level of speed, power and endurance abilities, blood pressure and heart rate measurements and the Ruffier test as an information about the status of the cardiovascular system were performed. This study used handgrip dynamometry to determine muscle strength as well. The results of our investigation showed that professional and volunteer firefighters have good physical, motoric and cardiovascular status and do not differ significantly in body height and adiposity, in body composition, in motoric performance, in cardiovascular characteristics, but do differ significantly only in hand-grip dynamometry (higher mean values in professionals). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Firefighting has always been a risky profession, many lives are lost despite technological innovation. The existing firefighting tactics are prone to human mistakes. The life of firefighters has always been endangered during explosions or radioactive explosions, when even high-quality suits and equipment are useless. There is a growing trend to use robots instead of humans to put out fires. This paper proposes autonomous robots capable of detecting people caught in fire and extinguishing fires in conditions where humans cannot intervene. The robot moves around the affected area and avoids any obstacles encountered along the way. A robot with a built-in infrared camera will intelligently check the damaged area for human life, while other robots will help put out fires that are too far away from humans. As a result, it will be possible to save human lives inside the fire impacted region without jeopardizing the lives of human firefighters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the many different chemicals in the air, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pose a serious threat to human health. Firefighters are exposed to them both during fire suppression and in fire vehicles and fire stations due to inhalation of the fumes from contaminated clothing and personal protective equipment. This study aimed to estimate the exposure and cancer risk caused by suspended particulate matter and PAHs present in these particles. Air samples were collected for 4 months in a garage of the fire station in a small town, located in an urban–rural area. PAH concentrations were measured using the gas chromatography method with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The concentration of PM4 (particulate matter with a diameter below 4µm) and TSP (total suspended particulate) in the fire station garage was 7 and 9 times higher than outside, respectively. The calculated values of health hazard risks associated with the exposure to PAHs in PM4 and TSP are: a toxic equivalent (TEQ) up to 10.36 and 23.3, incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) up to 3.45 and 4.65 and hazard quotient (HQ) up to 0.42 and 0.57, respectively. A significantly increased risk of cancers in the professional group of firefighters was found.

As our society ages, more and more elderly or disabled people live in long-term care (LTC) facilities, which are vulnerable to fires and may result in heavy casualties. Because of the low mobility of LTC residents, firefighters often need to enter the facility to save people. In addition, due to LTC facility management needs, many doors or windows on the passages for a fire rescue operation may be blocked. Thus, firefighters have to employ forcible entry tools such as disk cutters for passing through, which may lengthen the rescue time if an incorrect route or tool is utilized. As new information technologies such as ontology and building information modeling (BIM) have matured, this research aims at proposing a BIM-based ontology model to help firefighters determine better rescue routes instead of using rules of thumb. Factors such as the path length, building components and materials encountered, and forcible entry tools carried are considered in the model. Real LTC fire investigation reports are used for the comparisons between the original routes and the ones generated by the proposed model, and seven experts joined the evaluation workshop to provide further insights. The experts agreed that using the proposed approach can lead to better fire rescue route planning. The proposed BIM-based ontology model could be extended to accommodate additional needs for hospital fire scenes, in the hopes of enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of firefighters’ rescue operations in such important facilities.

BACKGROUND: Inadequately fitting turnout coats and pants hamper mobility and safety of firewomen. Previous research has established that firewomen are dissatisfied with their turnout coats and pants. Yet, there has been minimal in-depth research into the specific fit problems and consequences of these problems on the workplace health of firewomen. OBJECTIVE: The researchers sought to uncover common fit problems firewomen have with turnout coats and pants, and their impact on mobility and safety while performing work. METHODS: The researchers performed a qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews of 35 firewomen. RESULTS: The study illuminated specific fit problems firewomen have with their turnout coats and pants. These fit challenges include challenges with the overall proportions of the turnout coats and pants as well as issues of length and how the turnout coats and pants fit around their body (circumference), leading to concerns about mobility and safety. CONCLUSIONS: This study builds an understanding of specific fit problems on the ability of firewomen to do their challenging work in a safe and stress-free manner. Firewomen's protective apparel should protect and empower all firewomen. To adequately protect firewomen, manufactures should prioritize the implementation of these findings to improve the safety and mobility that firewomen's turnout coats and pants offer them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: While firefighter‐emergency medical responders (FF‐EMR) are important stakeholders in cities considering the implementation of a supervised injection facility (SIF), there is little information on perspectives of first responders who serve these communities. The aim of the present study was to identify FF‐EMR perspectives on working near a SIF. Methods: FF‐EMRs from Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services completed an online survey that queried participant perspectives on working near a SIF. Results: Four main themes were identified: positive effects, negative effects, duration of assignment, and sense of duty. Similar percentages of first responders reported positive (22.2%) and negative aspects (25.9%) of working near the SIF, while some (18.5%) indicated preference for a short‐term assignment to the SIF area. FF‐EMRs most commonly described a sense of duty (35.2%). Conclusions: To our knowledge, our study is the first to identify FF‐EMR perspectives related to work near a SIF. Perspectives and concerns of first responders should be considered in policy debates about implementation of new SIFs to guarantee an adequately‐prepared first responder workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: National Firefighting Rescue System (NFRS) plays an crucial role in ensuring internal security of Poland. NFRS is based on Professional Fire Services (PFS) and Voluntary Fire Services (VFS). In accordance with Polish law, firefighters are able to perform a lot of medical procedures. The purpose of this work is to to evaluate the knowledge levels among professional and voluntary firefighters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational comparative study. Participants were recruited from professionally active firefighters from PFS and VFS. In order to assess the knowledge levels, test containing questions about 22 medical procedures has been prepared. Shapiro-Wilk and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to analyze inter-group differences. All results were considered significant at p

Aim: The presentation of preliminary considerations on the ethos of the profession of firefighter. Introduction: In addition to appropriate procedures and standards, the competences of persons who create an institution are an essential element of their good functioning. In the context of the profession of firefighter, which serves an important social mission, axiological competences, which properly condition the effectiveness of all other competences, are taking on particular significance. The shaping of the ethos of duty, which determines its model and aspirations, is their source and point of reference. One should note the important place of valorisation of the ethos of firefighter among the most important factors which build the potential of this profession. The correlation between work and living in accordance with the moral rules of individuals and professional groups is determined by the term “ethos”. This notion became especially important during the dynamic development of knighthood. It became, in a sense, a synonym for a set of moral concepts, attitudes and behaviour. It highlights the unconditional devotion to the undertaken obligations. Ethos is something more than adopting a specific attitude which is highly regarded in moral terms. It approximates something which can be regarded as typical morals of an individual and even more closely resembles the social norm constituting an indicator of average moral behaviour of the members of the group in specific historical circumstances. The level of firefighter’s ethos, therefore, ultimately reflects the level of average moral behaviour of individual representatives of this service. Professional ethos is never shaped over a short period of time. It is often created slowly, with specific effort, by entire generations. One can indicate here an incredibly strong interrelation. Members of a given professional group not only establish the ethos, they are moulded by it into morally adult people through their work and lifestyle. Only by actually becoming involved in the implementation of ethos can one build a model lifestyle, which invariably, in the case of the profession of firefigher, is based on inner strength, courage, sacrifice and professional competence. Conclusions: The effective pursuit of the profession of firefighter must have its axiological foundation. Therefore, shaping the ethos of the knights of St. Florian should be regarded as an important element of the theory and pragmatics of this profession.

Prior research indicates firefighting to be a demanding and hazardous profession that places tremendous amounts of stress on the body, both physically and mentally. Likewise, degraded fitness levels can affect the firefighter’s (FF) ability to execute rescue tasks efficiently and places the imperiled and FF at risk for injury or death. The current study examined the relationship between physical fitness tests (PFT) and Simulated Fire Ground Test (SFGT) performance among active FF. Twenty (n=20) male career FF (age 37.8±8.4 years, height 182.1±7.0 cm, body mass 95.6±8.9 kg) were assessed for PFT and the SFGT. The PFT assessments included: maximum grip strength (GS), 3-minute step test, vertical jump (VJ), 1-RM back squat (BS), and 1-RM bench press (BP). The SFGT was composed of: stair climb with hose bundle (SC), 30m charged hose advance (CHA), and 30m dummy drag (DD). The SFGT demands were completed in full PPE (personal protective equipment) gear and pack. SFGT scores were then compared to the PFT scores with Pearson correlation coefficients (r). Grip strength demonstrated a negative moderate (r=-0.49: p0.05). Age did not demonstrate a significant relationship with performance on any of the SGFT assessments (p>0.05). Within the parameters of this study, FF’s exhibited a moderate to very high relationship between PFT and the execution of simulated firefighting demands.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to demonstrate the possibility of using history science methods in occupational studies by evaluating overall historical changes in Danish firefighting modifying chemical exposures from smoke and fire trucks. METHODS: Data on changes in Danish firefighting after World War II were searched for in both museums and the Danish library catalogue REX, accessing collections of literature from all institutes of the University of Copenhagen and the Danish Royal Library. RESULTS: Several historical changes were identified either increasing or reducing chemical exposures in Danish firefighting. New sources of chemical exposures included more toxic smoke combustion from plastic materials introduced in the 1950s, exhaust from new diesel engines introduced in the 1960s and new assignments relating to chemical cleanups in the 1970s and traffic accidents in the 1990s. Nevertheless, several improvements in the profession`s work environment may have reduced chemical exposures, for example, mandatory use of more effective respiratory protection equipment in the 1970s, incorporation of mechanical exhaust systems in the 2000s, and filters and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) for diesel engines in the 2010s. CONCLUSION: The data showed that the work environment in Danish firefighting has undergone several improvements during the last decades. At the same time, however, several new chemical hazards have also been introduced. Consequently, no strong conclusions as to whether Danish firefighting overall has become a less hazardous profession can be made.

The aim of the paper is to summarize the evidence of health impacts of occupational exposure to wildland fires. The authors searched 3 databases for relevant articles and screened the results. After full-text review, articles were included based on pre-determined criteria. The authors identified 32 relevant articles. Occupational exposure to wildland fires affects lung function in the short term and may increase the risk of hypertension in the long term. Exposure to wildland fires is also associated with post-traumatic stress symptoms. There was insufficient evidence to comment on most longer-term risks, and in particular on respiratory disease or cancer risks. Further research is required to understand whether occupational exposure to wildland fires results in clinically significant impacts on respiratory function, and to further clarify the relationship between occupational exposure and blood pressure, mental health, and cancer outcomes. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2019;32(2):121–40

Abstract Background Firefighting is a dangerous occupation with high rates of injuries and fatalities, with the majority of line of duty fatalities due to cardiovascular events. Additionally, firefighters struggle with poor health/low levels of fitness, including high (> 80%) rates of overweight and obesity. Limited resources exist for fire departments that are tailored to the culture and work requirements of these “tactical athletes”. Though there has been increasing interest in high intensity functional training (HIFT) programs, research data are lacking among firefighters and few studies have focused on training recruits. The purpose of this pilot investigation was to examine a novel HIFT program (TF20) on fire academy recruits’ health, fitness, and performance as determined by a simulated fire ground test (SFGT), as well as determining the program’s acceptability and feasibility. Methods Thirteen participants were recruited from an entry level fire academy and were randomly assigned to the control (CG, n = 6) or HIFT group (TF20, n = 7). The CG was asked to continue current exercise habits. TF20 was provided a 10-week online based training program that included periodized workouts, nutritional information, and mental readiness education. Due to attrition within the first two weeks of the study, 10 male fire recruits (23 ± 3 years) completed the study (CG, n = 3, TF20, n = 7). All 10 participants completed baseline and follow-up assessments. Results The TF20 group showed improvement on numerous outcome measures including SFGT (40% passing at baseline, 86% passing post-intervention). TF20 participants significantly increased estimated VO2max (p = 0.028), improved body composition (p = 0.028), and improved grip strength (p = 0.018). The CG did not experience any significant changes. The TF20 group completed approximately 75% of the assigned workouts. Conclusion While TF20 participants showed significant fitness gains, the small sample size limited direct comparisons to the CG. TF20 was well-received although there may be a better way to implement the intervention to increase participation. This investigation provides promising outcomes, useful information about implementation, feasibility, and acceptability for the TF20 HIFT program among firefighter recruits. IRB #8063 APPROVED 01/04/2016. Trial registration NCT03319394. Registered 28 September 2014. Retrospectively registered.

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of burnout in Kazakhstan firefighters with regard to position and to identify predictors of faster burnout in order to plan future preventive strategies. Methods Data on demographics, lifestyle, fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS)), SF-8 health-related quality of life (HRQL) and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) emotional exhaustion (EX), cynicism (CY) and professional efficacy (PE) were obtained from 604 (94% men, median age 27 (interquartile range (IQR) 12) years) firefighters from all 18 fire departments of the city of Almaty. Associations between predictors and burnout EX, CY and PE dimensions were tested using multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results Burnout scores were low in this sample, including EX (0.6; IQR 1.55), CY (1.2; IQR 1.8) and PE (4.8; IQR 2.4). The highest median EX score (1.5 (IQR 2.0)) was in managers as opposed to the lowest in drivers (0.4 (IQR 1.4)), (p

Representations of fire in the U.S. are often tinged with nostalgia: for unburned landscapes, for less frequent fires, for more predictable fire behavior, or for a simpler, more harmonious relationship between human communities and wildfire. Our perspective piece identifies four prevalent nostalgic figures that recur in popular representations of wildfire: the Giant Sequoia, the Heroic Firefighter engaged in “the Good Fight”, the Lone Frontiersman, and the “Noble Savage”. We assess the affordances and constraints of each of these figures for helping and/or hindering fire management. We consider how some forms of nostalgia position particular humans as heroes and fire as a villain, how others prioritize the communities that come together to face catastrophic fire events, and how some romanticize Indigenous burning practices. Drawing on knowledge from fire science, human geography, and the environmental humanities, we suggest that a more nuanced understanding of nostalgia can be useful for fire management and for finding healthier ways of living with more fire in the future.

Introduction: Firefighting is a stressful job with great degree of physical and psychological demands. The effort-reward imbalance and fatigue need for recovery in this occupational group can lead to the serious consequences. The present study tries to assess the influences of the personal variables on the effort-reward imbalance and fatigue need for recovery. Methods: In this cross sectional study, 107 industrial firefighter were recruited in 2018. The effort-reward imbalance and fatigue need for recovery questionnaire were used to collect the required information. The data analyzed by multiple linear regression with SPSS 16 and statistical significance level was less than 0.05. Results: More than 70 percent of the population study reported a desirable level of effort-reward imbalance and fatigue need for recovery status. The results of regression analysis revealed a meaningful relation among personal variables and contractual status with need for recovery index. In addition, a meaningful relation was found between the type of contractual status, sleep disorders and hypnotic drug with over-commitment. However, there was no meaningful relation for effort-reward imbalance. Conclusion: The results showed a relative desirable status for effort-reward imbalance and need for recovery in the study group. It is recommended to intervene in working condition to obtaining more precise results.