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Jacques Francis - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Méthodologie expérimentale pour la détermination des limites d'emploi des équipements de protection individuelle des sapeurs-pompiers - Application à la lutte contre le feu par des essais sur l'Homme en conditions opérationnelles
    HAL CCSD, 2008
    Co-Authors: Jacques Francis
    Abstract:

    Changes in construction regulations and the widespread use of synthetic material in fittings for housing and professional premises have affected the experimental methods used to fight fire in enclosed and semi-enclosed spaces. Nowadays, firefighters constantly have to adapt their equipment and methods to remain effective. Consequently to dramatic accidents, the Paris Fire Brigade exploits feedback to redefine operational needs and provide fire-fighters with new protective equipment. The protective leather jacket and the two-cylinder, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus have been replaced by a protective textile jacket and a single-cylinder Breathing Apparatus. Nevertheless, the Brigade judged that compliance with relevant standards alone was insufficient in terms of guaranteeing the firefigther safety when fighting a fire and therefore carried out ergonomic tests to establish the limits of using this new equipment in comparison with the limits of the former equipment. In compliance with the bio-ethic Huriet law, the main stages of the test protocol covered the following steps. a] the comparison of important properties of clothing of both types of equipments (weight, permeability, ...) b] Numerical simulations based on physiological load for estimating recommended fire-fighting duration c] Tests on heat sensing manikins to assess the fire protection afforded by the different equipments d] Human subject's tests performed first in a laboratory then in real conditions in a specific facility designed for fire-fighting training. This research did reveal the new personal protective equipment increase the firefighter's general level of safety. However, the increased air capacity provided by the single air cylinder (about 1 hour) could lead to - if used to its full capacity - intense fatigue, considerable dehydration and even the risk of heat stroke, owing to longer working times and the heat constraints of fire environments. It is proposed to limit firefighting duration to 25 minutes for enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces followed by specific recuperative phase (including hydration, rest ...) if a second working time is necessary. Furthermore, this work proposes a methodology for the evaluation of personal protective equipments based also on firefigheters' physiology and not only based on technical equipment features.L'évolution des règles de construction et la généralisation des matériaux de synthèse dans les aménagements des locaux d'habitation ou professionnels ont modifié les méthodes empiriques de l'attaque du feu en espace clos ou semi-confiné. Aujourd'hui, le soldat du feu doit sans cesse adapter ses moyens et ses méthodes pour rester efficace. Durement touchée par de dramatiques accidents, la Brigade s'est appuyée sur le retour d'expérience pour redéfinir les besoins opérationnels et ainsi doter ses personnels de nouvelles protections. La veste d'intervention en cuir et l'appareil respiratoire isolant (ARI) bi-bouteilles sont remplacés par des tenues d'intervention en textile et un ARI mono bouteille. Estimant cependant que la conformité aux référentiels normatifs ne suffisait par à garantir la sécurité du porte lance lors de l'attaque du feu, la Brigade a réalisé des essais ergonomiques afin de définir les limites d'emploi des nouveaux équipements par comparaison avec celles des anciens. Les bilans comparatifs des caractéristiques intrinsèques de poids et de perméabilité des deux types d'équipement, les durées estimées d'engagement du sapeur-pompier lors de l'attaque du feu obtenues par la simulation numérique et les mesures de l'évolution des comportements physiologiques du porte lance relevées d'abord en laboratoire puis lors de manœuvres d'extinction à la " maison du feu ", dans le cadre de la loi " Huriet ", sont les principales étapes du protocole d'essais. Ces travaux ont montré que les évolutions et les caractéristiques techniques des protections individuelles de nouvelle génération augmentent le niveau général de sécurité du porte-lance, mais l'augmentation de l'autonomie respiratoire offerte par l'ARI mono bouteille (environ 1 heure) pourrait conduire à une fatigue intense, une déshydratation importante ou même un risque de coup de chaleur du porte-lance, dus à sa charge de travail et aux contraintes thermiques liées à l'ambiance d'un feu. Cette étude a permis de limiter à 25 minutes l'engagement du porte-lance à l'attaque du feu en espace clos ou semi-confiné et à proposer une phase de reconditionnement si un deuxième engagement s'avère nécessaire. Par ailleurs, elle a posé le cadre méthodologique de validation d'équipements de protection intégrant les caractéristiques physiologiques du sapeur-pompier et non pas seulement les possibilités techniques offertes par les équipements

  • Méthodologie expérimentale pour la détermination des limites d'emploi des équipements de protection individuelle des sapeurs-pompiers (application à la lutte contre le feu par des essais sur l'homme en conditions opérationnelles)
    2008
    Co-Authors: Jacques Francis, Dusserre Gilles
    Abstract:

    L évolution des règles de construction et la généralisation des matériaux de synthèse dans les aménagements des locaux d habitation ou professionnels ont modifié les méthodes empiriques de l attaque du feu en espace clos ou semi-confiné. Aujourd hui, le soldat du feu doit sans cesse adapter ses moyens et ses méthodes pour rester efficace. Durement touchée par de dramatiques accidents, la Brigade s est appuyée sur le retour d expérience pour redéfinir les besoins opérationnels et ainsi doter ses personnels de nouvelles protections. La veste d intervention en cuir et l appareil respiratoire isolant (ARI) bi-bouteilles sont remplacés par des tenues d intervention en textile et un ARI mono bouteille. Estimant cependant que la conformité aux référentiels normatifs ne suffisait par à garantir la sécurité du porte lance lors de l attaque du feu, la Brigade a réalisé des essais ergonomiques afin de définir les limites d'emploi des nouveaux équipements par comparaison avec celles des anciens. Les bilans comparatifs des caractéristiques intrinsèques de poids et de perméabilité des deux types d équipement, les durées estimées d engagement du sapeur-pompier lors de l attaque du feu obtenues par la simulation numérique et les mesures de l évolution des comportements physiologiques du porte lance relevées d abord en laboratoire puis lors de manœuvres d extinction à la maison du feu , dans le cadre de la loi Huriet , sont les principales étapes du protocole d essais. Ces travaux ont montré que les évolutions et les caractéristiques techniques des protections individuelles de nouvelle génération augmentent le niveau général de sécurité du porte-lance, mais l augmentation de l autonomie respiratoire offerte par l ARI mono bouteille (environ 1 heure) pourrait conduire à une fatigue intense, une déshydratation importante ou même un risque de coup de chaleur du porte-lance, dus à sa charge de travail et aux contraintes thermiques liées à l ambiance d un feu. Cette étude a permis de limiter à 25 minutes l engagement du porte-lance à l attaque du feu en espace clos ou semi-confiné et à proposer une phase de reconditionnement si un deuxième engagement s avère nécessaire. Par ailleurs, elle a posé le cadre méthodologique de validation d équipements de protection intégrant les caractéristiques physiologiques du sapeur-pompier et non pas seulement les possibilités techniques offertes par les équipements.Changes in construction regulations and the widespread use of synthetic material in fittings for housing and professional premises have affected the experimental methods used to fight fire in enclosed and semi-enclosed spaces. Nowadays, firefighters constantly have to adapt their equipment and methods to remain effective. Consequently to dramatic accidents, the Paris Fire Brigade exploits feedback to redefine operational needs and provide fire-fighters with new protective equipment. The protective leather jacket and the two-cylinder, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus have been replaced by a protective textile jacket and a single-cylinder Breathing Apparatus. Nevertheless, the Brigade judged that compliance with relevant standards alone was insufficient in terms of guaranteeing the firefigther safety when fighting a fire and therefore carried out ergonomic tests to establish the limits of using this new equipment in comparison with the limits of the former equipment. In compliance with the bio-ethic Huriet law, the main stages of the test protocol covered the following steps. a] the comparison of important properties of clothing of both types of equipments (weight, permeability, ...) b] Numerical simulations based on physiological load for estimating recommended fire-fighting duration c] Tests on heat sensing manikins to assess the fire protection afforded by the different equipments d] Human subject s tests performed first in a laboratory then in real conditions in a specific facility designed for fire-fighting training. This research did reveal the new personal protective equipment increase the firefighter s general level of safety. However, the increased air capacity provided by the single air cylinder (about 1 hour) could lead to if used to its full capacity intense fatigue, considerable dehydration and even the risk of heat stroke, owing to longer working times and the heat constraints of fire environments. It is proposed to limit firefighting duration to 25 minutes for enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces followed by specific recuperative phase (including hydration, rest ) if a second working time is necessary. Furthermore, this work proposes a methodology for the evaluation of personal protective equipments based also on firefigheters physiology and not only based on technical equipment features.ST ETIENNE-ENS des Mines (422182304) / SudocSudocFranceF

Stewart R Petersen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Impaired exercise ventilatory mechanics with the Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus are improved with heliox
    European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2007
    Co-Authors: Scott J Butcher, Richard L Jones, Jonathan R. Mayne, Timothy C. Hartley, Stewart R Petersen
    Abstract:

    The effect of the Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) with compressed air (BA-A) on ventilatory mechanics, work of Breathing (WOB), pulmonary function, and respiratory muscle fatigue, was compared with that of a low resistance Breathing valve (LRV). Further, the effect of unloading the respiratory muscles with heliox with the SCBA (BA-H) was compared with BA-A and LRV. Twelve men completed three randomized exercise trials on separate days, each consisting of three 10 min bouts of stepping exercise (Bouts 1, 2, and 3) separated by a 5 min recovery. Subjects wore firefighter protective equipment including the SCBA. At rest, FEV_1 and peak expiratory flow rates were lower with BA-A than with LRV, but were higher with BA-H than either with BA-A or LRV. After Bout 3, expiratory reserve volume, expiratory resistive WOB, and inspiratory elastic WOB were increased in BA-A compared to LRV but these were lower with BA-H compared to BA-A. After Bout 3, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures were reduced with BA-A, but not with LRV or BA-H. In summary, we found that the SCBA reduced resting pulmonary function, and increased expiratory reserve volume, work of Breathing, and respiratory muscle fatigue during stepping exercise, and these changes can be reduced with the use of heliox.

  • work of Breathing is increased during exercise with the self contained Breathing Apparatus regulator
    Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism, 2006
    Co-Authors: Scott J Butcher, Neil D Eves, Richard L Jones, Stewart R Petersen
    Abstract:

    The Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) increases the expiratory pressure required to maintain high rates of ventilation, suggesting that the expiratory work of Breathing (WOB) is increased; however, this has never been reported. The objective of this study, therefore, was to determine if the WOB is increased with the SCBA regulator (BA condition) compared with a low-resistance Breathing valve (RV condition) during exercise. Twelve healthy male subjects underwent two randomized exercise trials, consisting of cycling at 150, 180, 210, and 240 W. Inspired and expired tidal volumes were measured using a body plethysmograph, whereas esophageal pressures were measured with an esophageal balloon. Modified Campbell diagrams were created to calculate the resistive and elastic components of WOB during inspiration and expiration. There were no differences in WOB between BA and RV conditions at 150 W. End-inspiratory and -expiratory lung volumes were elevated (p < 0.05) in the BA condition at higher ventilatio...

  • effects of the self contained Breathing Apparatus and fire protective clothing on maximal oxygen uptake
    Ergonomics, 2006
    Co-Authors: Randy W Dreger, Richard L Jones, Stewart R Petersen
    Abstract:

    To examine the effects of firefighting personal protective ensemble (PPE) and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) on exercise performance, 12 males completed two randomly ordered, graded exercise treadmill tests (GXTPPE and GXTPT). Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) during GXTPPE was 17.3% lower than the GXTPT in regular exercise clothing (43.0 ± 5.7 vs. 52.4 ± 8.5 ml/kg per min, respectively). The lower VO2max during the PPE condition was significantly related (r = 0.81, p < 0.05) to attenuated peak ventilation (142.8 ± 18.0 vs. 167.1 ± 15.6 l/min), which was attributed to a significant reduction in tidal volume (2.6 ± 10.4 vs. 3.2 ± 0.4 l). Breathing frequency at peak exercise was unchanged (55 ± 7 vs. 53 ± 7 breaths/min). The results of this investigation demonstrate that PPE and the SCBA have a negative impact on VO2max. These factors must be considered when evaluating aerobic demands of fire suppression work and the fitness levels of firefighters.

  • the influence of the self contained Breathing Apparatus scba on ventilatory function and maximal exercise
    Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology-revue Canadienne De Physiologie Appliquee, 2005
    Co-Authors: Neil D Eves, Richard A L Jones, Stewart R Petersen
    Abstract:

    Our previous work showed that Breathing low density gases during exercise with the Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) improves maximal ventilation (VE) and maximal oxygen consumption This su...

Dusserre Gilles - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Méthodologie expérimentale pour la détermination des limites d'emploi des équipements de protection individuelle des sapeurs-pompiers (application à la lutte contre le feu par des essais sur l'homme en conditions opérationnelles)
    2008
    Co-Authors: Jacques Francis, Dusserre Gilles
    Abstract:

    L évolution des règles de construction et la généralisation des matériaux de synthèse dans les aménagements des locaux d habitation ou professionnels ont modifié les méthodes empiriques de l attaque du feu en espace clos ou semi-confiné. Aujourd hui, le soldat du feu doit sans cesse adapter ses moyens et ses méthodes pour rester efficace. Durement touchée par de dramatiques accidents, la Brigade s est appuyée sur le retour d expérience pour redéfinir les besoins opérationnels et ainsi doter ses personnels de nouvelles protections. La veste d intervention en cuir et l appareil respiratoire isolant (ARI) bi-bouteilles sont remplacés par des tenues d intervention en textile et un ARI mono bouteille. Estimant cependant que la conformité aux référentiels normatifs ne suffisait par à garantir la sécurité du porte lance lors de l attaque du feu, la Brigade a réalisé des essais ergonomiques afin de définir les limites d'emploi des nouveaux équipements par comparaison avec celles des anciens. Les bilans comparatifs des caractéristiques intrinsèques de poids et de perméabilité des deux types d équipement, les durées estimées d engagement du sapeur-pompier lors de l attaque du feu obtenues par la simulation numérique et les mesures de l évolution des comportements physiologiques du porte lance relevées d abord en laboratoire puis lors de manœuvres d extinction à la maison du feu , dans le cadre de la loi Huriet , sont les principales étapes du protocole d essais. Ces travaux ont montré que les évolutions et les caractéristiques techniques des protections individuelles de nouvelle génération augmentent le niveau général de sécurité du porte-lance, mais l augmentation de l autonomie respiratoire offerte par l ARI mono bouteille (environ 1 heure) pourrait conduire à une fatigue intense, une déshydratation importante ou même un risque de coup de chaleur du porte-lance, dus à sa charge de travail et aux contraintes thermiques liées à l ambiance d un feu. Cette étude a permis de limiter à 25 minutes l engagement du porte-lance à l attaque du feu en espace clos ou semi-confiné et à proposer une phase de reconditionnement si un deuxième engagement s avère nécessaire. Par ailleurs, elle a posé le cadre méthodologique de validation d équipements de protection intégrant les caractéristiques physiologiques du sapeur-pompier et non pas seulement les possibilités techniques offertes par les équipements.Changes in construction regulations and the widespread use of synthetic material in fittings for housing and professional premises have affected the experimental methods used to fight fire in enclosed and semi-enclosed spaces. Nowadays, firefighters constantly have to adapt their equipment and methods to remain effective. Consequently to dramatic accidents, the Paris Fire Brigade exploits feedback to redefine operational needs and provide fire-fighters with new protective equipment. The protective leather jacket and the two-cylinder, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus have been replaced by a protective textile jacket and a single-cylinder Breathing Apparatus. Nevertheless, the Brigade judged that compliance with relevant standards alone was insufficient in terms of guaranteeing the firefigther safety when fighting a fire and therefore carried out ergonomic tests to establish the limits of using this new equipment in comparison with the limits of the former equipment. In compliance with the bio-ethic Huriet law, the main stages of the test protocol covered the following steps. a] the comparison of important properties of clothing of both types of equipments (weight, permeability, ...) b] Numerical simulations based on physiological load for estimating recommended fire-fighting duration c] Tests on heat sensing manikins to assess the fire protection afforded by the different equipments d] Human subject s tests performed first in a laboratory then in real conditions in a specific facility designed for fire-fighting training. This research did reveal the new personal protective equipment increase the firefighter s general level of safety. However, the increased air capacity provided by the single air cylinder (about 1 hour) could lead to if used to its full capacity intense fatigue, considerable dehydration and even the risk of heat stroke, owing to longer working times and the heat constraints of fire environments. It is proposed to limit firefighting duration to 25 minutes for enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces followed by specific recuperative phase (including hydration, rest ) if a second working time is necessary. Furthermore, this work proposes a methodology for the evaluation of personal protective equipments based also on firefigheters physiology and not only based on technical equipment features.ST ETIENNE-ENS des Mines (422182304) / SudocSudocFranceF

Richard L Jones - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Impaired exercise ventilatory mechanics with the Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus are improved with heliox
    European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2007
    Co-Authors: Scott J Butcher, Richard L Jones, Jonathan R. Mayne, Timothy C. Hartley, Stewart R Petersen
    Abstract:

    The effect of the Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) with compressed air (BA-A) on ventilatory mechanics, work of Breathing (WOB), pulmonary function, and respiratory muscle fatigue, was compared with that of a low resistance Breathing valve (LRV). Further, the effect of unloading the respiratory muscles with heliox with the SCBA (BA-H) was compared with BA-A and LRV. Twelve men completed three randomized exercise trials on separate days, each consisting of three 10 min bouts of stepping exercise (Bouts 1, 2, and 3) separated by a 5 min recovery. Subjects wore firefighter protective equipment including the SCBA. At rest, FEV_1 and peak expiratory flow rates were lower with BA-A than with LRV, but were higher with BA-H than either with BA-A or LRV. After Bout 3, expiratory reserve volume, expiratory resistive WOB, and inspiratory elastic WOB were increased in BA-A compared to LRV but these were lower with BA-H compared to BA-A. After Bout 3, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures were reduced with BA-A, but not with LRV or BA-H. In summary, we found that the SCBA reduced resting pulmonary function, and increased expiratory reserve volume, work of Breathing, and respiratory muscle fatigue during stepping exercise, and these changes can be reduced with the use of heliox.

  • work of Breathing is increased during exercise with the self contained Breathing Apparatus regulator
    Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism, 2006
    Co-Authors: Scott J Butcher, Neil D Eves, Richard L Jones, Stewart R Petersen
    Abstract:

    The Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) increases the expiratory pressure required to maintain high rates of ventilation, suggesting that the expiratory work of Breathing (WOB) is increased; however, this has never been reported. The objective of this study, therefore, was to determine if the WOB is increased with the SCBA regulator (BA condition) compared with a low-resistance Breathing valve (RV condition) during exercise. Twelve healthy male subjects underwent two randomized exercise trials, consisting of cycling at 150, 180, 210, and 240 W. Inspired and expired tidal volumes were measured using a body plethysmograph, whereas esophageal pressures were measured with an esophageal balloon. Modified Campbell diagrams were created to calculate the resistive and elastic components of WOB during inspiration and expiration. There were no differences in WOB between BA and RV conditions at 150 W. End-inspiratory and -expiratory lung volumes were elevated (p < 0.05) in the BA condition at higher ventilatio...

  • effects of the self contained Breathing Apparatus and fire protective clothing on maximal oxygen uptake
    Ergonomics, 2006
    Co-Authors: Randy W Dreger, Richard L Jones, Stewart R Petersen
    Abstract:

    To examine the effects of firefighting personal protective ensemble (PPE) and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) on exercise performance, 12 males completed two randomly ordered, graded exercise treadmill tests (GXTPPE and GXTPT). Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) during GXTPPE was 17.3% lower than the GXTPT in regular exercise clothing (43.0 ± 5.7 vs. 52.4 ± 8.5 ml/kg per min, respectively). The lower VO2max during the PPE condition was significantly related (r = 0.81, p < 0.05) to attenuated peak ventilation (142.8 ± 18.0 vs. 167.1 ± 15.6 l/min), which was attributed to a significant reduction in tidal volume (2.6 ± 10.4 vs. 3.2 ± 0.4 l). Breathing frequency at peak exercise was unchanged (55 ± 7 vs. 53 ± 7 breaths/min). The results of this investigation demonstrate that PPE and the SCBA have a negative impact on VO2max. These factors must be considered when evaluating aerobic demands of fire suppression work and the fitness levels of firefighters.

Fabrizio Perroni - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • absolute vs weight related maximum oxygen uptake in firefighters fitness evaluation with and without protective clothing and self contained Breathing Apparatus among age group
    PLOS ONE, 2015
    Co-Authors: Fabrizio Perroni, L Cignitti, Laura Guidetti, Carlo Baldari
    Abstract:

    During fire emergencies, firefighters wear personal protective devices (PC) and a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (S.C.B.A.) to be protected from injuries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences of aerobic level in 197 firefighters (age: 34±7 yr; BMI: 24.4±2.3 kg.m-2), evaluated by a Queen’s College Step field Test (QCST), performed with and without fire protective garments, and to analyze the differences among age groups ( 40 yr). Variance analysis was applied to assess differences (p < 0.05) between tests and age groups observed in absolute and weight-related values, while a correlation was examined between QCST with and without PC+S.C.B.A. The results have shown that a 13% of firefighters failed to complete the test with PC+S.C.B.A. and significant differences between QCST performed with and without PC+S.C.B.A. in absolute (F(1,169) = 42.6, p < 0.0001) and weight-related (F(1,169) = 339.9, p < 0.0001) terms. A better correlation has been found in L•min-1 (r=0.67) than in ml•kg-1•min-1 (r=0.54). Moreover, we found significant differences among age groups both in absolute and weight-related values. The assessment of maximum oxygen uptake of firefighters in absolute term can be a useful tool to evaluate the firefighters' cardiovascular strain.

  • Psychophysiological Responses of Firefighters to Emergencies: A Review
    The Open Sports Sciences Journal, 2014
    Co-Authors: Fabrizio Perroni, L Cignitti, Laura Guidetti, Carlo Baldari
    Abstract:

    Firefighters perform strenuous muscular works in hazardous environments and chaotic conditions, under time pressure and psychological stress. Various studies have shown high values of oxygen uptake, heart rate, blood lactate concentrations and salivary cortisol and A-Amylase in laboratory test, in real-life and simulated interventions of firefighters. These high values have been attributed to the combined effect of the metabolically active muscle, thermoregulatory strain and fatigue resulting from the protective gear and a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus in addition to further supplementary overweight (i.e., lifting weights, rescuing victims). In order to protect health and safety of firefighters and victims during emergencies, high levels of cardiovascular endurance and strength in firefighters are strongly recommended. In fact, high levels of physical fitness showed to increase firefighters' work ability, safety and decreased risk of injury.

  • maximal oxygen uptake of italian firefighters laboratory vs field evaluations
    Sport Sciences for Health, 2013
    Co-Authors: Fabrizio Perroni, Cristina Cortis, Carlo Minganti, L Cignitti, Laura Capranica
    Abstract:

    The aim of this study was to compare the aerobic power of firefighters evaluated by means of laboratory and field tests. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) of 15 Italian male firefighters (age: 31 ± 6 years; BMI: 24.7 ± 2.1) was compared during a graded incremental treadmill test to exhaustion and an endurance field test (Queen’s College step test) performed with and without wearing the protective clothing and the Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) conditions. A 2 (conditions: with vs. without SCBA) × 2 (test setting: laboratory vs. field) ANOVA for repeated measures was used to verify significant differences (p < 0.05). Pearson correlation and 95 % confidence intervals were calculated. Despite differences (p < 0.01) emerged between Queen’s College step test with SCBA values and the other tests, no significant correlations were observed. The evaluation of fitness level is important to avoid the risks of job-related injuries, ensuring that physically capable personnel could perform this crucial public safety occupation. Thus, the present results demonstrate that specific fitness tests should be used for monitoring changes in firefighter’s health status and for guiding their training programme and that a periodic evaluation of firefighters can be performed in easy and accurate manner.

  • Do Italian fire fighting recruits have an adequate physical fitness profile for fire fighting?
    Sport Sciences for Health, 2008
    Co-Authors: Fabrizio Perroni, Cristina Cortis, L Cignitti, Antonio Tessitore, Corrado Lupo, Laura Capranica
    Abstract:

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the fitness level of Italian male recruits with (volunteers) and without (novices) previous fire-fighting experience. Strength (handgrip; 1RM bench-press), power (counter movement jump (CMJ)), velocity (20 m) and endurance (with and without Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)) performances of 29 volunteer (age: 22±3 years; BMI: 23±2) and 51 novice (age 30±5 years; BMI 25±2) fire-fighting recruits were compared ( p