Illinois Fire Service Institute, University of Illinois
Abstract
Here we presented a report for the Fire Service documenting
an examination of the effect of SCBA and firefighting induced
fatigue on firefighters’ gait, balance, and safety of movement.
More detailed, peer-reviewed scientific reports can be found in
academic literature and are available at the Illinois Fire Service
Institute.
Fireground operations are inherently dangerous, with overexertion/
strain and slips, trips, and falls being the two leading
causes of injury. 26.5% of fireground injuries are a result of
overexertion or strain, conditions which may be accelerated
by the fact that firefighting activities can induce near maximal
heart rates and elevated core temperatures. The high levels of
effort and exertion needed to complete such activities may be
made worse by the firefighter’s turnout gear and self-contained
breathing apparatus (SCBA).
Anecdotal evidence suggests a trend in the Fire Service toward
extended duration SCBA (greater than 30-min), which may
further increase the physical demand on the firefighter.
Further, nearly 23% of fireground injuries are the result of a
slip, trip, and/or fall. These injuries often occur while or following
firefighting activities, and may often be a result of the
fatigue those activities have induced in the firefighter. Extended
duration SCBA are typically heavier and may reduce the time
before the firefighter becomes fatigued.
Thirty firefighters were recruited to take part in repeated-measures
study to examine the effects of SCBAs and duration of
work cycle have on physiological strain, balance, gait, and safety
of movement. Firefighters completed seven different conditions
with various SCBA (30, 45, and 60-minute standard cylindrical
SCBA and a low-profile 45-min prototype) and durations
of simulated firefighting (one or two bouts) in a heated environmental
chamber (117°F (47°C)). Four activities were performed
(stair climb, hose advance, secondary search, and overhaul)
on two-minute work-rest cycles. Subjects also completed an
obstacle course designed to test their gait and functional balance
prior to, and immediately after the simulated firefighting
activities.
Following firefighting activity firefighters had elevated heart
rates and core temperatures. The firefighters also generally
performed worse in the obstacle course. The size of the SCBA
had a minimal impact on the firefighters, though it did decrease
the performance on a Functional Balance Test. The low-profile
prototype SCBA impacted the firefighters in a similar manner
as the traditional cylindrical SCBA, though firefighters generally
took longer to pass through a 16-inch on-center stud space.
When firefighters completed multiple bouts of simulated firefighting
activity heart rates and core temperatures were elevated
relative to a single bout while the number of repetitions performed
during each activity decreased. Performance during the
obstacle course was also more negatively impacted following a
second bout of activity than after a single bout.U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (Research and Development grant: EMW-2010-FP-01606)Ope
