Stevenson, Richard Daniel Mark; Warwick, Joseph; Bilzon, James Lee John; (2024) Physiological Responses and Performance of Simulated High-Rise Firefighting. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine , 66 (2) pp. 141-147. 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003010.

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Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To determine the physiological effects of breathing apparatus (BA) and ascent strategies during a simulated 120-m vertical high-rise firefighting ascent. METHODS: Twenty-eight firefighters completed four high-rise firefighting trials wearing standard- or extended-duration BA with continuous ascent (SDBA-C/EDBA-C) or with breaks (SDBA-B/EDBA-B). Task time (TT), heart rate (HR), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), core body temperature (CT) and thermal comfort (TC) were recorded at predetermined elevations. RESULTS: TT took significantly longer during the EDBA-C compared to SDBA-C trial. HR (at 40, 80 and 100-m) was significantly lower in trials following breaks compared to the continuous trials. CT rose by 0.11 °C every 10-m of ascent. During the SDBA trials, 89-96% of firefighters activated their low air alarm compared with only 7% in EDBA. CONCLUSIONS: Firefighters should wear EDBA beyond 80-m of ascent and are encouraged to take regular breaks.

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