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• Effective safety training was positively, significantly related to safety knowledge. • Safety knowledge was positively associated with PPE-related behavior outcomes among firefighters. • Findings support the importance of safety training with enhancing PPE use, which is critical to protecting firefighter safety, health and wellbeing. Introduction: Firefighter injuries and fatalities have been attributed to improper or ineffective use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Although studies have examined predictors of PPE to include situational, leadership, stressors and other psychosocial factors, research has not thoroughly examined the relationships between effective safety training administration, knowledge creation, and the influence of those factors on PPE use among firefighters. Method: This study aimed to assess those relationships by using structural equation modeling analysis. Results: The model fit was good, and findings confirmed the hypothesized model and relationships, which included a positive, significant relationship between effective safety training and safety knowledge and positive, significant relationships between safety knowledge and PPE-related safety behavior outcomes, including the effective use of PASS devices, the correct use of SCBA and PPE during overhaul operations, and the correct use and inspection of PPE among firefighters in general. Practical Applications: Findings support the importance of safety training in the fire service to bolster knowledge and correct PPE use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Providing NFPA 1403 compliant live-fire training can present thermal and chemical exposure risk to instructors and students. To reduce risk, training academies, fire departments, instructors, and standards setting technical committees need more information on how different training fuels used in common training structures can impact the environment in which firefighter training occurs. This study utilized a traditional concrete training structure with multiple compartments to characterize training environments with three different fuel package materials [i.e., low density wood fiberboard, oriented strand board (OSB), and wood pallets]. Exposure risks for a fire instructor located on either the first or second floor were characterized using measurements of heat flux, air temperature and airborne concentrations of several contaminants including known, probable, or possible carcinogens. It was hypothesized that utilizing a training fuel package with solid wood pallets would result in lower concentrations of these airborne contaminants [aldehydes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)] than wood-based sheet goods containing additional resins and/or waxes. Additionally, it was hypothesized that these concentrations would be lower than in the single compartment Fire Behavior Lab presented in a companion manuscript. For all measured compounds other than hydrochloric acid, airborne concentrations were 10 to 100 times lower than in the Fire Behavior Lab. OSB-fueled fires produced the highest median concentrations of total PAHs and VOCs such as benzene, while the pallet fuel package produced the lowest median concentrations of these compounds. These trends generally followed the qualitative visual obscuration created by each fuel. Additional tests were conducted on the OSB-fueled fires with increased ventilation and an alternate means of reducing visibility through smoldering smoke barrels. This OSB experiment with increased ventilation resulted in the highest temperatures in the fire room but the lowest impact on visibility throughout the structure, as well as the lowest overall concentrations of contaminants in this study. In contrast, the smoldering straw-filled smoke barrel created a highly obscured environment (with minimal impact on thermal environment) and some of the highest concentrations of the targeted contaminants of any test. These data may be useful in balancing obscuration for training with potential exposure to thermal stressors and contaminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to analyze risk perception, through the psychometric paradigm, and to identify the influencing sociodemographic factors, in a sample of Portuguese firefighters. This is an exploratory, cross-sectional study, involving an online questionnaire, in a convenience sample of (n = 59) firefighters from corporations in two Portuguese cities. The firefighters' risk perception in the sample is high (mean 8.61). Considering the psychometric paradigm dimensions, fear of suffering damage, personal vulnerability, severity of injury or disease, catastrophic potential and long-term consequences are those that influence risk perception in the sample. Firefighters consider to be exposed to a high level, to ergonomic risks, night shifts, chemical agents, thermal stress, stress, biological risks, risk of burn and explosion. Firefighters with < 5 years in service presented the lowest mean of risk perception (p-value = 0.022), but the sociodemographic variables, type of professional bond or the number of accidents suffered presented no significant difference (p-value > 0.05). To evaluate the self-reported adoption of safety behavior, the respondents classified their agreement with statements related to: the compliance with safety rules and procedures, the use of PPE, the attitude towards safety training and work pressure. It was concluded that the respondents who have a higher risk perception tend to adopt safety behaviors, thus confirming the importance of risk perception to implement targeted and effective strategies in safety training. Firefighters in the sample with fewer years of service have a lower risk perception, so they should be considered as a priority segment for safety training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relevant studies in the fields of fire safety, occupational health and firefighter clothing were analyzed in this study to address the high injury rate among firefighters during fire rescue and the complexity of factors affecting skin burns. The findings indicate that the degree of skin burns in firefighters is primarily influenced by the heat source (heat flux, type), firefighter clothing (fabric, pattern) and the under-clothing air gap (thickness, characteristics). Since skin burns cannot be directly measured, internal skin heat transfer and burn prediction models are commonly employed to assess the impact of external factors on skin burns. These models can predict the safe working distance or time for firefighters. Investigating the influencing factors and prediction models of skin burns among firefighters holds significant value in enhancing operating procedures, optimizing firefighter clothing design and effectively preventing skin burns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol misuse and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) co-occur at high rates among first responders (e.g., law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics), underscoring the need to better understand these relations to inform intervention efforts. Identifying malleable processes relevant to the association between PTSD and alcohol among first responders could inform tailored interventions. An example of such a malleable process is spirituality. As such, the current study examined the unique relationships between PTSD symptom clusters and alcohol misuse, while also accounting for the role of select demographics and religion/spirituality, in a sample of first responders. A national online sample of first responders (N = 320) completed measures of PTSD symptomology, alcohol misuse, religion/spirituality and demographics. Hierarchical linear regression analyses revealed that PTSD Intrusion (Cluster B) symptom severity was associated with greater alcohol misuse and PTSD Avoidance (Cluster C) was associated with lower alcohol misuse. Additionally, positive and negative spiritual coping were also associated with alcohol misuse. In the context of similar research among military samples, findings suggest potentially unique associations between PTSD symptom clusters and alcohol misuse among first responders. Additionally, findings highlight the potentially protective role of religion/spirituality in this population. Future research should explore nuanced relationships between PTSD symptom clusters and alcohol misuse as well as the salience of spirituality/religion in this unique population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Firefighters are at heightened risk for chronic occupational stress and exposure to potentially traumatic events. Experiencing potentially traumatic events is a risk factor for various psychiatric symptoms among firefighters, notably posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. This study evaluated the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of yoga to reduce PTSD symptoms, negative affect, and trait anxiety in firefighters. Methods: A total of 108 trauma-exposed career firefighters (99% male; Mage = 34.55, SD = 8.37) were enrolled in a single-arm 8-week yoga intervention, termed Mind–Body Tactical Training (MBTT). Feasibility was assessed in five domains. Self-report measures were used to evaluate the MBTT intervention's effectiveness in reducing symptoms of PTSD, negative affect, and trait anxiety. The Intervention Appropriateness Measure was employed to assess acceptability. Attrition, attendance, and intervention costs were used to determine demand, implementation, and practicality, respectively. Results: Total PTSD (p < 0.001, d = 0.426), negative affect (p = 0.029, d = 0.242), and trait anxiety (p < 0.001, d = 0.327) decreased from pre- to post-intervention. Improvements in trait anxiety were also observed from pre-intervention to follow-up (p = 0.032). The intervention was generally acceptable to participants, had a 6.48% attrition rate, and had an 80.73 ± 18.96% class attendance. The cost of instructors and equipment totaled US$6636.78, equating to a cost per participant per attended class of US$4.76. Conclusions: The current study provides initial evidence for the feasibility and effectiveness of yoga as a transdiagnostic treatment for firefighters. Preregistration: This study is not preregistered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare the workload of a maximal treadmill test (TREAD) and a fire suppression task (BURN) in firefighters and to examine their relationships to fitness as measured by body mass index (BMI), percent body fat (BF%), and peak aerobic capacity (VO2PEAK). The amount of time spent in the heart rate (HR) intensity ranges of 50–59% HRMAX (ZONE1), 60–69% HRMAX (ZONE2), 70–79% HRMAX (ZONE3), 80–89% HRMAX (ZONE4), and ≥90% HRMAX (ZONE5) quantified the workload as the Edward's Training Impulse for TREAD (ETRIMPTREAD) and BURN (ETRIMPBURN). The ETRIMPTREAD was significantly less than ETRIMPBURN. For TREAD, ZONE5 > ZONE2 and ZONE3. For BURN, ZONE4 > ZONE1, ZONE2, and ZONE5 > ZONE1, ZONE2, and ZONE3. A lower BF% and greater VO2PEAK were related to a greater ETRIMPTREAD and unrelated to ETRIMPBURN. For BURN only, a lower BF% and greater VO2PEAK were related to less time in ZONE5. BMI was unrelated to all workload measures. Laboratory-based maximal exercise testing does not adequately reflect the workload of simulated fire suppression and therefore may not be indicative of firefighter readiness to meet job demands. Less-fit firefighters rely on higher cardiovascular intensities to complete the same workload, and practitioners should consider this when selecting strategies to reduce job-associated cardiovascular risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Firefighters face significant risks of exposure to toxic chemicals, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), during fire suppression activities. PAHs have been found in the air, on the gear and equipment, and in biological samples such as the skin, breath, urine, and blood of firefighters after fire response. However, the extent to which exposure occurs via inhalation, dermal absorption, or ingestion is unclear. In this study, three PAHs, naphthalene, phenanthrene, and benzo[a]pyrene, were applied to porcine skin in vitro in an artificial sweat solution to better gauge firefighters' dermal exposures while mimicking their sweaty skin conditions using an artificial sweat dosing vehicle. Multiple absorption characteristics were calculated, including cumulative absorption, percent dose absorbed, diffusivity, flux, lag time, and permeability. The absorption of the PAHs was greatly influenced by their molecular weight and solubility in the artificial sweat solution. Naphthalene had the greatest dose absorption efficiency (35.0 ± 4.6% dose), followed by phenanthrene (6.8 ± 3.2% dose), and lastly, benzo[a]pyrene, which had the lowest absorption (0.03 ± 0.04% dose). The lag times followed a similar trend. All chemicals had a lag time of approximately 60 min or longer, suggesting that chemical concentrations on the skin may be reduced by immediate skin cleansing practices after fire exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mental toughness (MT), a construct linked to high-stress performance, is predominantly studied via self-assessment in cross-sectional designs. In the firefighting context, where no dedicated MT instrument exists, the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ) and the Military Training Mental Toughness Inventory (MTMTI) have been used. However, their reliability and concurrent validity remain unexamined. This study employs a two-wave longitudinal design involving sixty-two male firefighters. Over two days, they completed the SMTQ, while colleagues and officers assessed their MT using the MTMTI. Analyses included concurrent validity and inter-rater reliability tests. Inter-rater reliability exhibited minimal agreement (Day 1: κ = 0.04, p = 0.172; Day 2: κ = 0.05, p = 0.063), low internal consistency (Day 1: α = 0.03, ω = 0.03; Day 2: α = 0.45, ω = 0.45), and weak inter-rater correlations (Day 1: ICC2k < 0.001, 95%CI [−0.53, 0.35]; Day 2: ICC2k = 0.13, 95%CI [−0.33, 0.43]). Concurrent validity showed limited correlations between self-assessed SMTQ scores and MTMTI ratings on both days (Day 1: r = −0.09, p = 0.5; Day 2: r = 0.1, p = 0.5). These findings may underscore the necessity to develop firefighting-specific MT tools, recognizing the unique demands and nuances of this high-stress profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper carefully examines the translation of gender-neutral ‘firefighter’ into Arabic, as can be illustrated by the translations of 13 undergraduate students enrolled in an Advanced Translation course at Al-Quds University in the academic year 2023-2024. The approach we shall use is Majd Al-Najjar’s (1989) Arabicization techniques to render English signifiers into Arabic. The data of the study were extracted from the BBC in 2022 and alBosala News Agency in 2022. The aim is to draw a useful comparison between student translators and a full-fledged translator. The paper shows that the translation students fall prey to lexical and cultural incongruences existing between English and Arabic. The two languages are unrelated languages, so problems and difficulties in translation are expected to emerge. Both languages represent gender reality quite differently. The paper reveals that five procedures have been used to translate gender-neutral ‘firefighter’: (1) circumlocutionary verbal sentence whereby the English item is rendered in a roundabout way; (2) derivationality into noun of process, an active participle and passive participle; (3) a feminine term of address followed by firefighting verb conjugation; (4) feminine forms of active participle; (5) the addition of ‘woman’ to gender-neutral noun. The paper concludes that the translation of the gender-neutral noun ‘firefighter’ is possible despite the cultural and linguistic disparity between English and Arabic. Some implications have been made that would be conducive to better translator training.

Abstract Positive pressure ventilators (PPV) used by 97.7% of officers of the National Fire Service in Poland, are characterized by work that is not in line with the expectations of the firefighters. In order to improve the technical and operational features of these devices, a survey was conducted among 25,000 eligible firefighters, identifying the application of these devices, problems in use and expected development directions. A total of 682 officers voluntarily completed the survey. Based on their findings, it was determined that ventilators are most often used to smoke out buildings after or during a fire. Mentioned problems when using these devices were mainly noise (78.2%), exhaust emissions (68.5%), and impediments to mobility through the device’s relatively heavy weight (40.2%). Other inconveniences were mentioned by less than 20% of firefighters. Polish firefighters expect the development of these devices mainly in terms of the above-mentioned features (noise reduction (81.7%) and reduction of the weight and size of the ventilators (about 50%)). Other expectations relate to the improvement of smoke removal in buildings: increasing the efficiency of smoke removal (46.4%) and efficiency regarding the rate of smoke removal in a building by increasing the size of the incoming airflow from the building’s surroundings (33.2%). About 15% of firefighters expect changes in the operation of the ventilator itself, that is, an increase in the effective operating time (electric ventilators) and an increase in the device’s uptime. The aim of the article is to identify the issues encountered during the operation and to indicate the expected direction of development for PPV by users. This information can be used by engineers to initiate new development work on these devices.

Nocardia pyomyositis in immunocompetent patients is a rare occurrence. The diagnosis may be missed or delayed with the risk of progressive infection and suboptimal or inappropriate treatment. We present the case of a 48-year-old immunocompetent firefighter diagnosed with pyomyositis caused by Nocardia brasiliensis acquired by direct skin inoculation from gardening activity. The patient developed a painful swelling on his right forearm that rapidly progressed proximally and deeper into the underlying muscle layer. Ultrasound imaging of his right forearm showed a 7-mm subcutaneous fluid collection with surrounding edema. Microbiologic analysis of the draining pus was confirmed to be N brasiliensis by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight (MALDI-TOF) Mass Spectrometry. After incision and drainage deep to the muscle layer to evacuate the abscess and a few ineffective antibiotic options, the patient was treated with intravenous ceftriaxone and oral linezolid for 6 weeks. He was then de-escalated to oral moxifloxacin for an additional 4 months to complete a total antibiotic treatment duration of 6 months. The wound healed satisfactorily and was completely closed by the fourth month of antibiotic therapy. Six months after discontinuation of antibiotics, the patient continued to do well with complete resolution of the infection. In this article, we discussed the risk factors for Nocardia in immunocompetent settings, the occupational risks for Nocardia in our index patient, and the challenges encountered with diagnosis and treatment. Nocardia should be included in the differential diagnosis of cutaneous infections, particularly if there is no improvement of "cellulitis" with traditional antimicrobial regimens and the infection extends into the deeper muscle tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies in management and leadership indicate that one's decision-making style is reflective of one's leadership style. In the context of civil protection and the fire service, the ability of the fire officers to adopt the best style of decision-making and leadership in each situation represents a critical factor of success. Therefore, the present study was designed to examine the relationship between decision-making and the leadership style of fire officers. For this study, a quantitative method was used, with the application of questionnaires with closed questions. A sample of 346 officers of Portuguese fire stations answered the questionnaire. Correlations between styles are consistent with findings from other studies. Decision-making styles directly influence the leadership styles adopted. Fire officers prioritize people and social concerns, involving teams in decision-making. Research shows positive correlations between participants' roles, conceptual decision-making, and relation-focused leadership. Higher academic degrees are associated with relationship-focused leadership. Behavioral decision-making mediates the impact of education on leadership styles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Positive pressure ventilators (PPV) used by 97.7% of officers of the National Fire Service in Poland, are characterized by work that is not in line with the expectations of the firefighters. In order to improve the technical and operational features of these devices, a survey was conducted among 25,000 eligible firefighters, identifying the application of these devices, problems in use and expected development directions. A total of 682 officers voluntarily completed the survey. Based on their findings, it was determined that ventilators are most often used to smoke out buildings after or during a fire. Mentioned problems when using these devices were mainly noise (78.2%), exhaust emissions (68.5%), and impediments to mobility through the device's relatively heavy weight (40.2%). Other inconveniences were mentioned by less than 20% of firefighters. Polish firefighters expect the development of these devices mainly in terms of the above-mentioned features (noise reduction (81.7%) and reduction of the weight and size of the ventilators (about 50%)). Other expectations relate to the improvement of smoke removal in buildings: increasing the efficiency of smoke removal (46.4%) and efficiency regarding the rate of smoke removal in a building by increasing the size of the incoming airflow from the building's surroundings (33.2%). About 15% of firefighters expect changes in the operation of the ventilator itself, that is, an increase in the effective operating time (electric ventilators) and an increase in the device's uptime. The aim of the article is to identify the issues encountered during the operation and to indicate the expected direction of development for PPV by users. This information can be used by engineers to initiate new development work on these devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildland fire dispatchers play a key role in wildland fire management and response organization; however, to date, wildland fire studies have largely focused on the physical hazards and, to a lesser extent, mental health hazards of wildland firefighting operational personnel, and dispatcher studies have primarily focused on 911 and police dispatchers. Studies of other dispatchers have provided some limited insight into potential strains impacting this workforce, including work-related fatigue, burnout, and traumatic exposure. However, the specific job hazards that are faced by wildland fire dispatchers are poorly understood. In 2023, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of 510 wildland fire dispatchers with questions about their occupational health, general health, and well-being. We used validated screening instruments to measure the rates of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts and ideation. Here, we also present the results of mental health and trauma exposure questions that were asked as part of a larger survey. We found that demographic factors were significant indicators of anxiety, depression, and binge/restrictive eating. Our data indicate that rates of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts and ideation are significantly higher for both the wildland fire dispatching workforce and other emergency responder populations than those of the general United States population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The firefighting protective suits (FPSs) of firefighters at fire scenes affect their health and safety. However, the association between firefighters' health awareness of occupational exposure risks and the FPS use, washing and management remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association between firefighters' health awareness of occupational exposure risks and their recognition, behaviors regarding the use, washing and management of FPSs. This study design is a cross-sectional study and used a web-based survey of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's electronic survey system. The survey was conducted on metropolitan firefighters performing shift work in charge of fire and rescue work for 21 days from 1 to 22 April 2019, with 1097 (40.3%) respondents. Characteristics of FPS use, washing and management and the association between thoughts and behaviors thereof and health awareness of occupational exposure risks were evaluated. Data of 1097 firefighters were analyzed using the SAS 9.4 statistical package, chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. Firefighters' fire scene awareness rate of possible carcinogens was 94.4%. There was an association between public health thinking of occupational exposure risks and the correct use of an FPS for one's own safety (AOR 1.97. 95% CI 1.02–3.80). However, no association was shown between correct FPS use (AOR 1.49, 95% CI 0.48–4.59), washing (AOR 2.50, 95% CI 0.93–6.68) and management (AOR 1.38, 95% CI 0.75–2.50) behaviors. This study analyzed the relationship between the use, washing and management of personal protective equipment called firefighting clothing and firefighters perceived occupational exposure risks. This study found an association between the health awareness of occupational exposure risks and recognition of the correct use of FPSs at fire scenes but not between using, washing and managing behaviors of FPSs. This study is the first to analyze the relationship between firefighting clothing and occupational health awareness level. The results confirm that future interventions are required to help firefighters practice desirable behaviors toward FPSs and provided evidenced data for preventing occupational diseases among firefighters. Therefore, this study can be used to develop a firefighter occupational health curriculum and establish health and safety plans from mid- to long-term perspectives for firefighters' safety against occupational exposure risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the kickback force (FK) experienced by firefighters during fire suppression using hoses of varying diameters and different nozzle sizes. Rigorous ground tests were conducted, where a fire engine was employed to propel water through a 200 ft hose line, simulating real-life firefighting scenarios while using the hip grip and clamp techniques for hose advancement. Two distinct hose sizes, 13/4 and 21/2 in., were employed with solid stream nozzles of varying diameters, facilitating the examination of kickback forces at different attacking angles. The findings substantiate that the FK exhibits variability in response to changes in the attacking angle when utilizing the clamp technique, which encompasses angles of 45°, 30°, and 15°. The 45° angle exhibits the lowest force, while the 30° angle manifests the highest force, demonstrating a notable discrepancy of up to 25% compared to the 45° scenario. The FK observed at the 15° angle for the clamp technique closely approximates the corresponding values derived from the hip grip hose advancement method. The results also underscore the necessity of regarding the NFPA nozzle reaction force as an integral component of the all-encompassing FK experienced by firefighters during hose line operations. The NFPA nozzle reaction force resulted significantly below the actual FK observed in all tested experiments, displaying the most substantial difference of 50% in the case of the 30° angle utilizing the clamp technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Evidence-based mental telehealth treatment for firefighters is effective. • Delivery of the unified protocol (UP) reduces posttraumatic stress disorder symptom severity in firefighters. • Delivery of the UP reduces alcohol use behaviors in firefighters. • The UP can be successfully applied to telehealth for firefighters. Firefighters protect the public despite significant risk to their health and well-being stemming from frequent trauma exposure and other occupational stressors. A minority of firefighters develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol use disorder (AUD), or related mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety. These problems frequently co-occur and are linked with high neuroticism and difficulties with emotion regulation. Thus, efficient treatment for this population should be transdiagnostic and target neuroticism. Moreover, logistical challenges and stigma represent barriers to care in firefighters. We addressed these challenges by culturally adapting the Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders and delivering it to 61 firefighters via videoconferencing, of whom 49 completed treatment. The adaptation process is described, and two case vignettes are presented. In the total sample, large effect size improvements were observed in symptoms of PTSD, depression, and psychological aspects of quality of life at posttreatment and 1-month follow-up. For anxiety, improvements were medium at posttreatment and large at follow-up. Medium effects were observed on reductions in AUD symptoms and in the other aspects of quality of life (physical health, social relationships, and environmental) at posttreatment and follow-up. Reductions in suicide risk were small in the total sample and moderate among those who screened positive for being at suicide risk at pretreatment. Similarly promising results were observed in the subsamples of participants who screened positive for PTSD, AUD, and co-occurring PTSD–AUD at pretreatment, with large improvements in AUD symptoms observed in those who screened positive for AUD at pretreatment. This is the first study to report on the unified protocol delivered via telehealth. The treatment completion rate was high (80.3%). The current study contributes to the emerging literature on the unified protocol for PTSD and AUD. The current findings support the utility of this treatment for PTSD and AUD, consistent with the underlying approach of targeting neuroticism across diagnostic categories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Firefighters stand as one of the most effective task forces, striving to minimize losses incurred during disasters. Clarifying the present status of disaster risk management for firefighters can offer insights into the factors influencing response during disasters and how preparedness for such events can be enhanced. The aim of this study is to assess the current status of fire and rescue services, actively engage in crisis management during disaster risk management, to identify areas for improvement that enhance their involvement in preparatory stages, and to bolster their effectiveness in crisis management. This descriptive, cross-sectional study involved 772 firefighters who had prior experience in disaster response. The findings of this study revealed that firefighters who had undergone first aid training demonstrated the ability to anticipate hazardous situations and behaviors, regularly inspected their equipment, showed awareness of work-related accidents and occupational diseases, and scored statistically higher on the scales. These findings are expected to assist fire departments in establishing a sustainable and comprehensive disaster management cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this review is to evaluate existing isokinetic testing protocols for the shoulder in tactical occupations, document their shoulder strength profiles, and determine any associations to shoulder injury. Four electronic databases were searched (Medline/Pubmed, Ovid/Emcare, CINAHL/Ebsco and Embase) using the keywords police OR law enforcement, firefighter, military, AND isokinetic. Articles were eligible if they had at least one cohort of a tactical population and included isokinetic testing of the glenohumeral joint. The search yielded 275 articles. After screening for duplicates and inclusion criteria, 19 articles remained for review, six of which assessed injury correlation. 17 articles evaluated military personnel and two examined firefighters. Articles were categorized by study design, population, isokinetic protocols, strength outcome measures and statistical measures. Concentric internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) strength at 60 degrees/second were reported most frequently (84% of cases). There was a paucity of testing speeds, repetition ranges and contraction types evaluated when compared to existing literature in other populations with high shoulder injury occurrence such as overhead and collision athletes. Outside of military cohorts, there is limited data available to characterise the isokinetic strength profile of the shoulder in tactical occupations. Meta-analysis for injury association was unable to be performed due to independent variable and statistical heterogeneity. However, a best evidence synthesis suggested conflicting evidence to support the association of injury with isokinetic strength testing in tactical populations. Future studies should prioritise prospective designs utilising variable speeds, repetition schemes and contraction types to better capture the dynamic occupational demands in tactical groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature on the appropriate education criteria for training young emergency responders in developing countries is scarce. A gap exists between general education and emergency responder education regarding the criteria used for designing education courses and evaluating students. This study reviewed the criteria used at the University of Fire Prevention and Fighting in Vietnam. Although the university had used Bloom's taxonomy, one of the well-known evaluation criteria for general education programs, in addition to the professional criteria for emergency management, only the bottom three levels of the taxonomy were considered. The authors designed a new training course to prepare and conduct landslide rescue exercises, and applied all six levels of Bloom's taxonomy to evaluate students' performance and responses. The course included lectures, an exercise, and a hot debriefing session for 52 third-year students. Consideration of all levels of Bloom's taxonomy enabled the identification of differences in learning performance between exercise participants and observers among the students. The evaluation results based on the general and professional education criteria differed regarding the performance of students with work experience. This study showed that the full use of Bloom's taxonomy could help improve firefighters' training courses. Assessing students from different perspectives using both general and professional education evaluation criteria is important for measuring students' diverse abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There have been concerns of an aging Australian volunteer firefighter workforce. Aims: To (1) determine the age distribution of Australian volunteer firefighters; (2) estimate the proportion of volunteer firefighters who met the Australian physical activity guidelines; (3) investigate the relationship between age and physical activity and exercise in volunteer firefighters. Methods: An online survey was electronically distributed to Rural Fire Service volunteers in Queensland, Australia. The survey included demographic and physical activity questions. National guidelines were used to determine whether respondents met the Australian physical activity recommendations. The relationships between age and weekly physical activity and weekly exercise minutes were modelled using Bayesian methods. Key results: The median age of responders (n = 480) was 54 years. Compared with Australian population data, volunteer firefighters were four times more likely to meet the physical activity guidelines and the exercise-only guidelines, but 1.4 times more likely to not meet the strength-based activity guidelines. Number of weekly physical activity minutes declined with age, by 61 min each decade. Conclusions: Volunteers were more likely to meet the national physical activity and exercise-only guidelines, but less likely to meet the strength-based activity guidelines. Implications: Volunteer firefighters could benefit from outreach programs that promote participation in strength-based training. This cross-sectional study investigated the age and physical activity status of Australian volunteer firefighters. The mean age was 51.4 years. We found that volunteer firefighters were more likely to meet the national physical activity and exercise-only guidelines, but less likely to meet the strength-based training guidelines compared with the general Australian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Emergency service workers face critical incidents causing psychological burden. This qualitative study investigates how attending a Post Critical Incident Seminar could affect the skills of emergency service workers to overcome incidents that can cause psychological burden at work and their consequences with the following research questions: (1) How did attending the Post Critical Incident Seminar impact the skills to overcome work incidents that can lead to psychological burden? and (2) How have these skills been manifested since attending the Post Critical Incident Seminar? Methods The data consists of individual interviews with fifteen emergency services workers who attended a Post Critical Incident Seminar in April 2021 in Finland. The interviews were conducted six months after the Post Critical Incident Seminar and analysed using inductive content analysis. Results The results of the first research question formed two main categories: improved performance abilities and improved self-regulation abilities. From the results of the second research question two main categories were created: new kind(s) of well-being and readiness to help. Several upper categories and sub-categories were discovered. Conclusions Based on the results, attending a Post Critical Incident Seminar may be effective in developing skills to overcome critical incidents that can lead to psychological burden. Further follow-up studies should investigate how acquired skills from the Post Critical Incident Seminar practically affect emergency service workers and their well-being in the longer term.

AbstractObjective: To examine the co-occurrence of alcohol misuse and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and potential sources of coping (e.g., spirituality/religion) and clinically relevant variables among first responders (e.g., firefighters, law enforcement corrections officers, paramedics). Method: We assessed rates of independent and co-occurring alcohol misuse and PTSD among a national online sample of 320 first responders as well as the prevalence and salience of S/R, guilt, shame, moral injury, aspects of S/R, and treatment interest. Results: In our sample, 46.88% (n = 150) met criteria for comorbid alcohol misuse and probable PTSD and individuals with these comorbid conditions reported significantly greater negative religious coping, moral injury, and shame than all other diagnostic groups (i.e., independent alcohol misuse, independent PTSD, and neither). Correlations also revealed significant relationships between alcohol misuse and PTSD symptomatology with positive and negative religious coping, moral injury, shame, guilt, interest in treatment, and interest in spiritually integrated treatment. Conclusions: Findings highlight the high rates of independent and co-occurring alcohol misuse and PTSD among first responders as well as the salience of S/R in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Firefighters are frequently exposed to trauma and may experience a unique symptom presentation of post-traumatic stress. Prior research has identified stronger associations between certain post-traumatic stress symptoms (e.g. detachment, intrusions, physiological reactivity) using network analysis. However, little is known about the effects of symptom severity and emergency work-related trauma on symptom networks. The present study probed the network structure of post-traumatic stress symptoms in trauma-exposed firefighters (N = 871) to model the dynamic interactions of psychological symptoms. We developed a network of post-traumatic stress symptoms and a network of post-traumatic stress with clinical covariates and used moderated network modelling to assess the effects of having PTSD and experiencing work-related trauma on the networks. We identified high edge correlations between several nodes (e.g. startle/hypervigilance, internal/external cue avoidance, detachment/lack of interest) and high centrality of detachment, external cue avoidance, and flashbacks. Additionally, having PTSD moderated positive network associations between risk-taking and suicidality and between distorted blame and post-traumatic cognitions. Work-related trauma moderated negative associations between appetite gain and loss and appetite loss and suicidality. Findings suggest that targeting specific symptoms of detachment, external cue avoidance, and flashbacks could allow for the development of effective trauma-informed interventions for these populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiovascular events are known to be the leading cause of death among on-duty firefighters. Implementing fitness standards may help reduce the incidence of cardiovascular deaths; however, standards vary between firefighter type and states. We aimed to investigate the rate of cardiovascular events among firefighters across states. Methods: Using publicly available data from the United States Fire Administration, we explored the rates of cardiovascular deaths between firefighter type (e.g., career, volunteer, and wildland) and state. Specifically, we examined rates of cardiovascular deaths between California and Tennessee, which have fitness standards for all firefighters, and New York, which does not have fitness standards for volunteer firefighters. We used descriptive statistics and trend analysis to examine the data. Findings: Most cardiovascular events occur among volunteer firefighters (60.6%, n = 877). Volunteer firefighters had 7.5 (95% CI = [4.8, 11.7], p <.001) greater odds of cardiovascular events compared to wildland firefighters, who had the lowest incidence of cardiovascular events (1.7%, n = 24). New York reported the most cardiovascular events (n = 161), primarily among volunteer firefighters (73.9%, n = 119). After the passage of legislation mandating fitness standards in California, a downtrend in the number of volunteer firefighter fatalities is observed. However, a null effect was observed in Tennessee after the passage of similar fitness standards as in California. Conclusions/Applications to Practice: Volunteer firefighters are significantly more likely to die of a cardiovascular event than career and wildland firefighters, both of which have stricter fitness standards. However, the effect of legislation mandating stricter fitness standards among volunteers did not produce a clear benefit for preventing fatalities. Nurses need to promote cardiovascular health among volunteer firefighters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fit of fire boots is a crucial factor in the safety and performance of firefighters on the hostile fireground. Firefighters have reported that ill-fitting fire boots restrict their lower body movement and sometimes cause very dangerous situations by falling off behind the wearer. By using computed tomography, this study demonstrates the potential to quantify and visualize the fit of fire boots, which previously relied on subjective feedback from the wearers. The high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) models of two fire boot products allowed a detailed observation and measurement of the internal space of the boots. Also, the boot's internal dimension was compared to the foot measurement of local firefighters, showing the significant differences between the two boots. Lastly, simulation wrapping the 3D scanned foot with the boot revealed large void spaces around the toe box and ankle, as well as the narrower ball width of the boot than the foot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study addresses declining physical fitness among Korean firefighters due to a low exercise participation rate caused by the absence of exercise instructors. The research explores Virtual Mate (VM), a Kinect-based mixed reality device, as a potential solution, but its capacity to replace training instructors in enhancing physical fitness remains uncertain. Methods: Twenty Korean male firefighters were divided into two groups: the exercise group received an 8-week intervention using VM, while the control group maintained regular physical activity. Cardiopulmonary function and muscle function were measured. Results: After 8 weeks, the exercise group demonstrated a significant improvement in VO2peak. Furthermore, there were notable enhancements in the strength and endurance of most knee, shoulder, and trunk flexors and extensors. Conclusions: Integrating VM into an exercise program can effectively improve cardiorespiratory and muscular function in Korean firefighters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Due to the nature of their job, firefighters face many ergonomic risk factors. • firefighters are exposed to several musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). • The prevalence of MSDs among firefighters was estimated 46.39%. • Providing training and implementation of ergonomic interventions is suggested. Introduction : Due to the nature of their job, firefighters face many ergonomic risk factors and are exposed to several musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The aim of this systematic review and meta -analysis was to investigate the prevalence of MSDs among firefighters. Materials and methods: This study was conducted based on preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta -analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The literature search was conducted in the databases of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, SID, ISC and Google Scholar without applying a time limitation until the end of July 2022. The random effects model was used for meta -analysis, and the I2 index was used to check heterogeneity among studies. The data were analyzed using STATA version 14 software. Results: The primary literature searches in the databases identified 1,291 articles, 26 of which were entered the meta -analysis stage after screening, study selection, and quality assessment, including 36,342 firefighters. Based on the results of a meta -analysis, the overall prevalence of MSDs among firefighters was 46.39% (95% CI: 32.45–60.32, I2 = 99.7%, P < 0.001). The prevalence of MSDs was also investigated at neck (18.36%), low back (34.32%), shoulder (18.68%), hands (7.43%), upper back (10.15%), knee (19.97%) and foot (6.66%). Conclusion: Considering the relatively high prevalence of MSDs among firefighters and their higher exposition to specific job-related risk factors of MSDs compared to other professions, it is suggested to provide firefighters with appropriate training, implement ergonomic interventions, and regularly screen them to reduce MSDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Emergency service workers have highly stressful occupations; the stressors encountered can contribute to the development of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). OBJECTIVE: The present study used a conceptual model and survey to identify variables influencing the association between probable PTSD and quality of life (QOL) in emergency service workers. METHOD: PTSD was assessed using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised. QOL was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey. Path analysis was used to determine whether stress-coping (Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced [Brief COPE] scores), social support (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support [MSPSS] scores), and resilience (Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale scores) explain the association between probable PTSD and QOL among 220 emergency service workers in Japan. RESULTS: Impact of Event Scale-Revised scores were significantly positively associated with Brief COPE Active coping scores and significantly negatively associated with MSPSS scores. Brief COPE Active coping and MSPSS scores were significantly positively associated with Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale scores, which were in turn significantly positively associated with Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey scores. CONCLUSION: Active coping in response to stressful situations is important for maintaining good mental health among emergency service workers. Active coping and social support may strengthen resilience, and resilience may improve QOL. Screening for mental health and QOL should include simultaneous assessment of stress-coping, social support, and resilience. Although the findings of this cross-sectional study are important, it could not confirm a causal relationship between PTSD and QOL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Emergency service workers face critical incidents causing psychological burden. This qualitative study investigates how attending a Post Critical Incident Seminar could affect the skills of emergency service workers to overcome incidents that can cause psychological burden at work and their consequences with the following research questions: (1) How did attending the Post Critical Incident Seminar impact the skills to overcome work incidents that can lead to psychological burden? and (2) How have these skills been manifested since attending the Post Critical Incident Seminar? Methods: The data consists of individual interviews with fifteen emergency services workers who attended a Post Critical Incident Seminar in April 2021 in Finland. The interviews were conducted six months after the Post Critical Incident Seminar and analysed using inductive content analysis. Results: The results of the first research question formed two main categories: improved performance abilities and improved self-regulation abilities. From the results of the second research question two main categories were created: new kind(s) of well-being and readiness to help. Several upper categories and sub-categories were discovered. Conclusions: Based on the results, attending a Post Critical Incident Seminar may be effective in developing skills to overcome critical incidents that can lead to psychological burden. Further follow-up studies should investigate how acquired skills from the Post Critical Incident Seminar practically affect emergency service workers and their well-being in the longer term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Firefighters are trained to respond to a wide range of emergencies, and over the course of responding to emergencies, are exposed to a variety of potentially traumatic events. Repeated exposure to traumatic events may adversely impact firefighters' mental health. Combined with stigma surrounding help-seeking, lack of systematic resources and referral programs, and other barriers to care, firefighters do not routinely receive a continuum of trauma informed, assessment and treatment services from trained professionals. The purpose of this paper is to describe an evidence-informed approach to a reciprocal, collaborative model among social work and public health practice, policy, and research; and to offer a framework for researchers, clinicians, and policy advocates to more effectively achieve goals of preventing and treating trauma exposure in firefighters. This paper provides a comprehensive literature review, as well as describes a case study of a successful public health intervention for mitigating exposure to trauma among a population of firefighters. The significant contribution of mental health issues to the burden of disease among our firefighters is a matter of considerable public health concern. Effective approaches to mitigating behavioral health needs must bridge both mental health disciplines and public health to minimally, include access to evidence-based assessment and treatment, peer support capacity building, widely available mental health education, and leadership development to promote culture change. When considering a model for services with firefighters, reciprocal collaboration among researchers, health care professionals, first responder organizations, families, and other relevant community stakeholders is essential for success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Firefighters have the challenging and stressful job of dealing with emergencies, saving lives and keeping the community safe. Therefore, job satisfaction and burnout levels can have significant impacts on employee well-being and performance. The purpose of the research is to determine the job satisfaction and burnout levels of firefighters. This study provides an overview of the basic concepts related to job satisfaction and burnout among firefighters and highlights the importance of conducting research in this area. The research was conducted on firefighters working in various fire departments across Turkey. The research also includes regional comparisons on firefighters' job satisfaction and burnout levels. The research method is quantitative method. The survey technique of the quantitative method was used in the data collection process. Upon conducting the analysis, findings indicate a significant relationship between burnout and job satisfaction among firefighters. Furthermore, differential tests revealed that burnout levels do not significantly vary based on factors such as gender, marital status, age, educational background, and geographical work regions. However, a notable distinction was observed concerning professional tenure. As for job satisfaction; It was found that there were significant differences according to gender, marital status and professional seniority. Research results show that fire departments should take measures to increase employee job satisfaction and reduce burnout levels. This results could be a fundamental step to improve working conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Road traffic accidents represent a significant global public health concern, and Malaysia is no exception. Within the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (FRDM), similar issues have had detrimental impacts on health, financial loss, and service disruptions from 2016 to 2021. These challenges were highlighted by a recent accident involving a water tanker during a road test, described in this study according to qualitative data from the FRDM accident investigation report. The investigation revealed that human factor, as the active failure, was the primary cause of the accident. Response errors stem from a cascade of latent conditions initiated by inadequate resource management (i.e. provision of training and budget allocation). To address these challenges, the FRDM should adopt a comprehensive approach to address both latent conditions and active failures. This comprehensive approach ensures that both immediate concerns and root causes are addressed, leading to sustained improvements in safety and operational performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exposures to polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contribute to cancer in the fire service. Fire investigators are involved in evaluations of post-fire scenes. In the US, it is estimated that there are up to 9000 fire investigators, compared to approximately 1.1 million total firefighting personnel. This exploratory study contributes initial evidence of PAH exposures sustained by this understudied group using worn silicone passive samplers. Objectives: Evaluate PAH exposures sustained by fire investigators at post-fire scenes using worn silicone passive samplers. Assess explanatory factors and health risks of PAH exposure at post-fire scenes. Methods: As part of a cross-sectional study design, silicone wristbands were distributed to 16 North Carolina fire investigators, including eight public, seven private, and one public and private. Wristbands were worn during 46 post-fire scene investigations. Fire investigators completed pre- and post-surveys providing sociodemographic, occupational, and post-fire scene characteristics. Solvent extracts from wristbands were analyzed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results were used to estimate vapor-phase PAH concentration in the air at post-fire scenes. Results: Fire investigations lasted an average of 148 minutes, standard deviation ± 93 minutes. A significant positive correlation (r=0.455, p

Road traffic accidents represent a significant global public health concern, and Malaysia is no exception. Within the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (FRDM), similar issues have had detrimental impacts on health, financial loss, and service disruptions from 2016 to 2021. These challenges were highlighted by a recent accident involving a water tanker during a road test, described in this study according to qualitative data from the FRDM accident investigation report. The investigation revealed that human factor, as the active failure, was the primary cause of the accident. Response errors stem from a cascade of latent conditions initiated by inadequate resource management (i.e. provision of training and budget allocation). To address these challenges, the FRDM should adopt a comprehensive approach to address both latent conditions and active failures. This comprehensive approach ensures that both immediate concerns and root causes are addressed, leading to sustained improvements in safety and operational performance.

INTRODUCTION: The effectiveness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation depends primarily on the actions taken at the scene. Firefighters are often the first ones to help the injured. The quality of their rescue efforts in such case determines the subsequent prognosis for the patient. Nevertheless, the tasks of firefighters also involve activities associated with a lot of physical activity, which can cause them to lose strength faster during CPR. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of fatigue on the quality of CPR performed by firefighters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 100 firefighters of volunteer firefighting units in the Siedlce poviat in Poland. The study was divided into three stages: I - performing chest compressions in a timed regime, II - subjecting the study group to uniform physical activity, III - reassessing the quality of chest compressions. The effectiveness of CPR was analyzed using a computer system and a professional training model. To analyze the variables, the normality of the distribution was determined using the Shapiro-Wilk test, and then the non-parametric test for uncorrelated variables Mann-Whitney U was used. Correlations were tested using the r-Pearson test at p53 age group had the best resuscitation scores in both during fatigue (90.78%) and before physical activity (90.83%). There was no significant correlation with rank or function of firefighters. Among the parameters of chest compressions evaluated in the third minute, the greatest effect of fatigue was shown in the aspect of the compression rate (59.42% vs. 49.20%) and depth (71.61% vs. 67.86%). CONCLUSIONS: Physical fatigue of firefighters results in moderate decrease in the effectiveness of chest compressions, especially in terms of the rate and depth of compressions. The overall quality of chest compressions is significantly higher in men than in women both before and after physical activity. The experience of firefighters can translate into the quality of resuscitation, regardless of their age.

Firefighters face significant risks of exposure to toxic chemicals, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), during fire suppression activities. PAHs have been found in the air, on the gear and equipment, and in biological samples such as the skin, breath, urine, and blood of firefighters after fire response. However, the extent to which exposure occurs via inhalation, dermal absorption, or ingestion is unclear. In this study, three PAHs, naphthalene, phenanthrene, and benzo[a]pyrene, were applied to porcine skin in vitro in an artificial sweat solution to better gauge firefighters’ dermal exposures while mimicking their sweaty skin conditions using an artificial sweat dosing vehicle. Multiple absorption characteristics were calculated, including cumulative absorption, percent dose absorbed, diffusivity, flux, lag time, and permeability. The absorption of the PAHs was greatly influenced by their molecular weight and solubility in the artificial sweat solution. Naphthalene had the greatest dose absorption efficiency (35.0 ± 4.6% dose), followed by phenanthrene (6.8 ± 3.2% dose), and lastly, benzo[a]pyrene, which had the lowest absorption (0.03 ± 0.04% dose). The lag times followed a similar trend. All chemicals had a lag time of approximately 60 min or longer, suggesting that chemical concentrations on the skin may be reduced by immediate skin cleansing practices after fire exposure.

The purpose of this study was to compare the workload of a maximal treadmill test (TREAD) and a fire suppression task (BURN) in firefighters and to examine their relationships to fitness as measured by body mass index (BMI), percent body fat (BF%), and peak aerobic capacity (VO2PEAK). The amount of time spent in the heart rate (HR) intensity ranges of 50–59% HRMAX (ZONE1), 60–69% HRMAX (ZONE2), 70–79% HRMAX (ZONE3), 80–89% HRMAX (ZONE4), and ≥90% HRMAX (ZONE5) quantified the workload as the Edward’s Training Impulse for TREAD (ETRIMPTREAD) and BURN (ETRIMPBURN). The ETRIMPTREAD was significantly less than ETRIMPBURN. For TREAD, ZONE5 > ZONE2 and ZONE3. For BURN, ZONE4 > ZONE1, ZONE2, and ZONE5 > ZONE1, ZONE2, and ZONE3. A lower BF% and greater VO2PEAK were related to a greater ETRIMPTREAD and unrelated to ETRIMPBURN. For BURN only, a lower BF% and greater VO2PEAK were related to less time in ZONE5. BMI was unrelated to all workload measures. Laboratory-based maximal exercise testing does not adequately reflect the workload of simulated fire suppression and therefore may not be indicative of firefighter readiness to meet job demands. Less-fit firefighters rely on higher cardiovascular intensities to complete the same workload, and practitioners should consider this when selecting strategies to reduce job-associated cardiovascular risk.

INTRODUCTION: The effectiveness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation depends primarily on the actions taken at the scene. Firefighters are often the first ones to help the injured. The quality of their rescue efforts in such case determines the subsequent prognosis for the patient. Nevertheless, the tasks of firefighters also involve activities associated with a lot of physical activity, which can cause them to lose strength faster during CPR. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of fatigue on the quality of CPR performed by firefighters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 100 firefighters of volunteer firefighting units in the Siedlce poviat in Poland. The study was divided into three stages: I - performing chest compressions in a timed regime, II - subjecting the study group to uniform physical activity, III - reassessing the quality of chest compressions. The effectiveness of CPR was analyzed using a computer system and a professional training model. To analyze the variables, the normality of the distribution was determined using the Shapiro-Wilk test, and then the non-parametric test for uncorrelated variables Mann-Whitney U was used. Correlations were tested using the r-Pearson test at p<0.05 significance. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 93 men and 7 women, with a mean age of M=30.84 (SD ± 10.95). The respondents mostly had secondary education (42%) and vocational education (24%), with the majority (54%) declaring their marital status as single. Firefighters with varying ranks, including commanders, chiefs and presidents, participated in the study. The overall quality of chest compressions was lower each time after physical activity, at each analyzed minute of stage I and stage III (minute 1: 84.56% vs. 81.68%, p=0.281; minute 2: 81.13% vs. 80,25%, p=0,558; minute 3: 81.91% vs. 77.78%; p=0.243). A significantly higher quality of chest compressions was observed among men compared to women, both before fatigue (p=0.019) and after physical activity (p=0.053). Participants in the >53 age group had the best resuscitation scores in both during fatigue (90.78%) and before physical activity (90.83%). There was no significant correlation with rank or function of firefighters. Among the parameters of chest compressions evaluated in the third minute, the greatest effect of fatigue was shown in the aspect of the compression rate (59.42% vs. 49.20%) and depth (71.61% vs. 67.86%). CONCLUSIONS: Physical fatigue of firefighters results in moderate decrease in the effectiveness of chest compressions, especially in terms of the rate and depth of compressions. The overall quality of chest compressions is significantly higher in men than in women both before and after physical activity. The experience of firefighters can translate into the quality of resuscitation, regardless of their age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social and economic changes in Southeast Asia have caused significant changes to Vietnam's national emergency management structure, including expanding the role of firefighters from firefighting to rescue activities in various situations. It is essential to develop methods for designing exercises to identify and address the gaps in competencies related to the new roles assigned to Vietnamese firefighters. This study aimed to develop a quantitative method to effectively arrange exercise injects. It applies the analytic hierarchy process to determine the weights of response actions in functional exercises and uses comparison methods to establish the relationship between the weights of the action types, players' capability targets, and disaster types. The results indicate that the action type weights change when the disaster type changes, whereas the capability weights within each action type remain constant. In this study, we developed a method to adjust the exercise structure based on response action weights and to optimize the number of injects that represent each action type. This innovative approach holds great significance in exercise design, increasing the likelihood of achieving the exercise capability targets, not only in Vietnam, but also in other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]