@article {bnh-5503, title = {Salivary cortisol profiles of on-call from home fire and emergency service personnel}, journal = {The International Journal on the Biology of Stress}, year = {2019}, month = {04/2019}, abstract = {

Working on-call with a night call resulted in a depressed (lower) cortisol awakening response (CAR) peak and post-awakening cortisol area under the curve with respect to ground (AUCG) the following day compared to when off-call. This may be due to exposure to noise, physical exertion, and stressful events during night callouts. There was no anticipatory effect to working on-call in any of the cortisol measures examined. This study, of male fire and emergency service workers who operate on-call from home, had two aims: (1) examine CAR and diurnal cortisol profile following a night on-call with a call, on-call without a call, and off-call; and, (2) explore whether there is an anticipatory effect of working on-call from home on diurnal cortisol profiles. Participants wore activity monitors, completed sleep and work diaries and collected seven saliva samples a day (0 min, 30 min, 60 min, 3 h, 6 h, 9 h, and 12 h after final awakening) for one week. CAR peak, reactivity and area under the curve with respect to increase (AUCI), post-awakening cortisol AUCG, diurnal cortisol slope and AUCG, and mean 12-h cortisol concentrations were calculated. The final analysis included 26 participants for Aim 1 (22 off-call nights, 68 nights on-call without a call, and 20 nights on-call with a call) and 14 participants for Aim 2 (25 days leading up to a night off-call and 92 days leading up to a night on-call). Generalized estimating equations models were constructed for each variable of interest. Aim 1: CAR peak and post-awakening cortisol AUCG\ were 8.2 {\textpm} 3.4 nmol/L and 5.7 {\textpm} 2.4 units lower, respectively, following a night on-call with a call compared to an off-call night. Aim 2: the day before a night on-call was not a significant predictor in any model. The lower CAR peak and post-awakening cortisol AUCG\ following a night on-call with a call compared to following an off-call night may be due to exposure to noise, physical exertion, and stressful events during night callouts. The lack of difference between the day before a night on-call and the day before an off-call night suggests there may not be an anticipatory effect on cortisol when on-call from home.

}, keywords = {Cortisol awakening response (CAR), distal on-call, diurnal cortisol profile, firefighters, home call, state emergency service workers}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1080/10253890.2019.1584178}, url = {https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/yDhRfifePuVq2Fxf8MCZ/full?target=10.1080\%2F10253890.2019.1584178\&}, author = {Sarah J Hall and Anne I. Turner and Sam J Robertson and Sally Ferguson and Brad Aisbett} } @article {bnh-4469, title = {Sleep in wildland firefighters: what do we know and why does it matter?}, journal = {International Journal of Wildland Fire}, volume = {27}, year = {2018}, month = {02/2018}, chapter = {73}, abstract = {

Wildland firefighters perform physical work while being subjected to multiple stressors and adverse, volatile working environments for extended periods. Recent research has highlighted sleep as a significant and potentially modifiable factor impacting operational performance. The aim of this review was to (1) examine the existing literature on firefighters{\textquoteright} sleep quantity and quality during wildland firefighting operations; (2) synthesise the operational and environmental factors that impact on sleep during wildland firefighting; and (3) assess how sleep impacts aspects of firefighters{\textquoteright} health and safety, including mental and physical health, physical task performance, physical activity and cognitive performance. Firefighters{\textquoteright} sleep is restricted during wildfire deployments, particularly when shifts have early start times, are of long duration and when sleeping in temporary accommodation. Shortened sleep impairs cognitive but not physical performance under simulated wildfire conditions. The longer-term impacts of sleep restriction on physiological and mental health require further research. Work shifts should be structured, wherever possible, to provide regular and sufficient recovery opportunities (rest during and sleep between shifts), especially in dangerous working environments where fatigue-related errors have severe consequences. Fire agencies should implement strategies to improve and manage firefighters{\textquoteright} sleep and reduce any adverse impacts on firefighters{\textquoteright} work.{\textquoteleft}

}, keywords = {Health, performance, physical activity, planned burn, safety, sleep restriction, wildfire.}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1071/WF17109}, url = {http://www.publish.csiro.au/wf/pdf/WF17109}, author = {Grace Vincent and Brad Aisbett and Alexander Wolkow and Sarah M Jay and Nicola D. Ridgers} } @article {bnh-4042, title = {The effect of working on-call from home on salivary cortisol in fire and emergency service personnel}, journal = {Psychoneuroendocrinology}, volume = {83}, year = {2017}, month = {11/2017}, abstract = {

On-call is an irregular work schedule allowing provision of 24-h services. Although it is purported that working on-call from home is stressful, little is known about impacts on stress physiology. This study aimed to (1) examine cortisol awakening response (CAR) and diurnal cortisol profile in fire and emergency service workers following a night on-call with a call (NIGHT), a night on-call without a call (NO) and an off-call night (OFF) and (2) explore whether there is an anticipatory effect of working on-call from home (ON) compared to off-call (OFF) on diurnal cortisol profiles.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.07.289}, url = {http://www.psyneuen-journal.com/article/S0306-4530(17)30934-4/abstract}, author = {Sarah J Hall and Brad Aisbett and Sam J Robertson and Sally Ferguson and Anne I. Turner} } @article {bnh-3230, title = {Psychophysiological relationships between a multi-component self-report measure of mood, stress and behavioural signs and symptoms, and physiological stress responses during a simulated firefighting deployment}, journal = {International Journal of Psychophysiology}, volume = {110}, year = {2016}, month = {12/2016}, abstract = {

Physical work and sleep loss are wildland firefighting demands that elicit psychological and physiological stress responses. Research shows that these responses are statistically related which presents an opportunity to use subjective psychological questionnaires to monitor physiological changes among firefighters; an approach used extensively in sport settings. The aim of the present study was to investigate if changes in self-reported psychological factors on the multi-component training distress scale (MTDS), relate to cytokines and cortisol levels among firefighters completing three days of simulated physical firefighting work separated by an 8-h or restricted 4-h sleep each night. Each day firefighters completed the MTDS in the morning and salivary cortisol and inflammatory cytokines were measured throughout the day. When sleep restricted, firefighters demonstrated increases in MTDS factors of general fatigue, perceived stress and depressed mood that were related to elevated cytokines (TNF-α, IL-8, IL-10, IL-6) and cortisol. Conversely, firefighters who had an 8-h sleep demonstrated a positive relationship between physical signs and symptoms and elevated IL-6, while depressed mood was inversely related to decreasing cortisol and cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10). Findings highlight the utility of the MTDS to detect psychological changes that reflect physiological responses among firefighters. Future research that establishes thresholds for specific factors which predict health-related physiological changes, will allow fire agencies implement multi-component measures to monitor and manage the health of personnel on the fire-ground.

}, doi = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2016.10.015}, url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167876016307681}, author = {Alexander Wolkow and Brad Aisbett and Sally Ferguson and John Reynolds and Luana Main} } @article {bnh-1736, title = {Sleep Restriction during Simulated Wildfire Suppression: Effect on Physical Task Performance}, journal = {PLOS ONE}, volume = {10}, year = {2015}, month = {01/2015}, abstract = {

Objectives

To examine the effects of sleep restriction on firefighters{\textquoteright} physical task performance during simulated wildfire suppression.

Methods

Thirty-five firefighters were matched and randomly allocated to either a control condition (8-hour sleep opportunity, n = 18) or a sleep restricted condition (4-hour sleep opportunity, n = 17). Performance on physical work tasks was evaluated across three days. In addition, heart rate, core temperature, and worker activity were measured continuously. Rate of perceived and exertion and effort sensation were evaluated during the physical work periods.

Results

There were no differences between the sleep-restricted and control groups in firefighters{\textquoteright} task performance, heart rate, core temperature, or perceptual responses during self-paced simulated firefighting work tasks. However, the sleep-restricted group were less active during periods of non-physical work compared to the control group.

Conclusions

Under self-paced work conditions, 4 h of sleep restriction did not adversely affect firefighters{\textquoteright} performance on physical work tasks. However, the sleep-restricted group were less physically active throughout the simulation. This may indicate that sleep-restricted participants adapted their behaviour to conserve effort during rest periods, to subsequently ensure they were able to maintain performance during the firefighter work tasks. This work contributes new knowledge to inform fire agencies of firefighters{\textquoteright} operational capabilities when their sleep is restricted during multi-day wildfire events. The work also highlights the need for further research to explore how sleep restriction affects physical performance during tasks of varying duration, intensity, and complexity.

}, keywords = {Firefighter fatigue, simulated wildfire suppression, sleep deprivation}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0115329}, url = {http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0115329}, author = {Grace Vincent and Sally Ferguson and Jacqueline Tran and Larsen, Brianna and Alexander Wolkow and Brad Aisbett} } @article {bnh-1836, title = {Sleeping at work: not all about location, location, location}, journal = {Sleep Medicine Reviews}, volume = {19}, year = {2014}, month = {05/2014}, pages = {59-66}, chapter = {59}, abstract = {

Working arrangements in industries that use non-standard hours sometimes necessitate an {\textquoteleft}onsite{\textquoteright} workforce where workers sleep in accommodation within or adjacent to the workplace. Of particular relevance to these workers is the widely held (and largely anecdotal) assumption that sleep at home is better than sleep away, particularly when away for work. This narrative review explores the idea that sleep outcomes in these unique work situations are the product of an interaction between numerous factors including timing and duration of breaks, commute length, sleeping environment (noise, movement, vibration, light), circadian phase, demographic factors and familiarity with the sleep location. Based on the data presented in this review, it is our contention that the location of sleep, whilst important, is secondary to other factors such as the timing and duration of sleep periods. We suggest that future research should include measures that allow conceptualisation of other critical factors such as familiarity with the sleeping environment.

}, keywords = {Mobile workplaces, Non-residential workforce, Shift work, Sleep, Sleep environment, Sleep loss, Work rest facilities}, doi = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2014.04.003}, url = {http://www.smrv-journal.com/article/S1087-0792(14)00044-6/abstract}, author = {Sarah M Jay and Brad Aisbett and Sprajcer, M. and Sally Ferguson} } @article {BF-3488, title = {Muscle activation during the Pack Hike test and a critical wildfire fighting task}, journal = {Applied Ergonomics}, volume = {44}, year = {2013}, month = {2013}, abstract = {The aim of this study was to examine the muscle activation of six global muscles during the successful completion of the Pack Hike test (PHT) and compare this to muscle activations during a critical wildfire fighting task. In-field surface electromyography was recorded from eight male wildfire fighters during the PHT and the rakehoe task {\textendash} a critical wildfire suppression activity. All participants successfully completed the PHT within the 45-min time limit. No significant changes in peak muscle activation levels as well as no significant shifts in median frequency in the six muscle analysed were recorded during the 4.83-km hike. Significantly different peak muscle activation levels were recorded in four of the six muscles tested when the PHT was compared to the rakehoe task. These results suggest the PHT should not be administered in isolation and other tests that specifically challenge upper body muscle endurance should be incorporated into a battery that accurately assesses the job-specific fitness of wildfire fighters. Highlights ► Muscle activity during the Pack Hike test (PHT) and a critical wildfire suppression task were compared. ► No muscle fatigue was detected during the PHT. ► Different muscle activation patterns between the tasks were recorded. ► The PHT may not adequately challenge upper body muscular endurance.}, issn = {00036870}, doi = {10.1016/j.apergo.2012.08.003}, author = {Kevin Netto and Cara Lord and Aaron Petersen and Spelt Janssen, James and Nichols, David and Brad Aisbett} } @article {BF-3487, title = {A survey to identify physically demanding tasks performed during storm damage operations by Australian State Emergency Services personnel}, journal = {Applied Ergonomics}, volume = {44}, year = {2013}, month = {1/2013}, pages = {128 - 133}, abstract = {Purpose To identify and characterize the physically demanding tasks performed by SES personnel during storm damage work. Methods Thirty-six tasks identified as the most operationally important to storm damage work were included in a survey which was available to all SES volunteers. The survey aimed to identify the physical demand, operational importance, frequency, duration, principal actions and fitness components of each task. Results Twelve tasks were identified as the most physically demanding. Of these, carrying sandbags, lifting sandbags and shoveling sand (with hands) rated highest. Covering roof damages with tarpaulin and erecting external weather proofing were ranked highest for operational importance. Box lifting (single-person) and erecting external weather proofing returned the highest mode values for frequency, whereas tasks involving handling sandbags returned the highest mean and median frequency values. Covering roof damages with tarpaulin was identified as the longest task. Bending, lifting, twisting and carrying were the most common actions identified for the physically demanding tasks. Muscular strength and muscular endurance were the primary fitness components identified for the twelve tasks. Conclusion SES personnel perform a variety of storm response tasks, many of which are physically demanding. All or most of the physically demanding tasks contain elements of bending, lifting, twisting and carrying, and call upon personnel{\textquoteright}s muscular strength and muscular endurance capabilities.}, issn = {00036870}, doi = {10.1016/j.apergo.2012.05.010}, author = {Larsen, Brianna and Graham, Tony and Brad Aisbett} } @article {bnh-1792, title = {Tympanic Temperature to Predict Core Temperatures of Firefighters Report}, year = {2013}, abstract = {

This study examined the validity of tympanic temperature measurements as a predictor of core temperature on the fireground in different environmental conditions. Fifty-one volunteer firefighters participated in the study across four different conditions, the conditions consisted of; 1) passive (i.e., no intervention) cooling in cold ambient temperatures (0-6{\textdegree}C); 2) cooling (through water immersion) in cool ambient temperatures (10-12{\textordmasculine}C); 3) cooling (through water immersion) in warm ambient temperatures (21.5{\textdegree}C); and, 4) passive cooling in warm ambient temperatures (22{\textdegree}C). Firefighters wore full structural personal protective clothing while performing common firefighting duties including search and rescue tasks for 20-40 minutes. There was no difference between core and tympanic temperature immediately post-exercise across any condition. However, for all conditions, tympanic temperature dropped significantly faster than core temperature from 0 minutes, and remained significantly lower (p \< 0.05) than core temperature from nine to 20 minutes post-training. The results show that there is no consistent difference between core and tympanic temperature during recovery from a simulated firefighting task across a range of different ambient conditions. Agencies should, accordingly, prioritize investigating other practical markers of core temperature as part of a broader heat stress management plan for firefighters.

}, isbn = {978-0-9806759-6-2}, author = {Larsen, Brianna and Peter Langridge and Anna Ruzic and Cara Lord and Brad Aisbett} } @article {BF-3099, title = {{\textquotedblleft}Awake, smoky, and hot{\textquotedblright}: Providing an evidence-base for managing the risks associated with occupational stressors encountered by wildland firefighters}, journal = {Applied Ergonomics}, volume = {43}, year = {2012}, month = {01/2012}, abstract = {

To curtail the spread of wildfire, firefighters are often required to work long hours in hot, smoky conditions with little rest between consecutive shifts. In isolation, heat, smoke, and sleep disruption can have a detrimental impact on cognitive and physical abilities. Far less is known, however, about the combined impact that heat, smoke, and sleep disruption can have on firefighters{\textquoteright} performance during wildfire suppression or on human performance in general. The available literature, though scant, suggests that audio and visual tracking may be degraded after sustained heat exposure following one night of sleep deprivation. Exposure to heat and carbon monoxide, in contrast, appears to have only limited impact on cognitive performance, even after physical exercise. Heat and carbon monoxide exposure does, however, increase physiological exertion to a given work or exercise bout. To the authors{\textquoteright} knowledge, there are no published studies that have explored the impacts of heat exposure following sleep disruption on physical work performance, sleep disruption and smoke exposure on physical or cognitive work, or the combined impacts of sleep disruption, smoke and heat exposure on cognitive or physical work. While more integrative research is needed, the current review provides a summary of the available evidence and an indication of the degree of confidence agencies can have in the research. This will allow both the scientific community and agencies to make informed recommendations regarding the management of wildland firefighters{\textquoteright} health and safety on the fireground.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.apergo.2011.12.013}, author = {Brad Aisbett and Alexander Wolkow and Sprajcer, M. and Susan Ferguson} } @article {bnh-1784, title = {Cardiovascular Risk Screening Volunteer Firefighters Report}, year = {2012}, month = {08/2012}, abstract = {

Background: The work demands involved in firefighting place significant stress on the cardiovascular system. This study investigated the application of the AHA/ACSM Health/Fitness Facility Preparticipation Screening Questionnaire in volunteer Country Fire Brigade (CFA) firefighters.

Methods: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors were measured in 3777 CFA firefighters and entered into a modified version of the American Heart Association (AHA)/ACSM Health/Fitness Facility Preparticipation Screening Questionnaire to stratify individuals as low, moderate or high risk.

Results: Just over half (50.8\%) of female and more than two thirds (68.2\%) of male CFA firefighters were classified as moderate risk. The questionnaire further stratified 2.6\% of female and 5.2\% of male CFA firefighters as high risk while the remaining 46.6\% and 26.6\% of female and male firefighters, respectively, were classified as low risk.

Conclusion: The majority of firefighters screened were at moderate risk and therefore, would be advised by AHA/ACSM guidelines to undertake and pass a detailed medical examination and a medically supervised exercise test prior to initiating vigorous intensity physical activity. However, considering the financial and practical implications (e.g., reduced emergency response capacity) the introduction of mandatory screening may cause, fire agencies should focus screening for high risk personnel only, while promoting agency wide CVD health education.

}, isbn = {978-0-9806759-6-2}, author = {Alexander Wolkow and Kevin Netto and Peter Langridge and Jeff Green and Nichols, David and Michael Sergeant and Brad Aisbett} } @article {BF-3623, title = {The effect of prescribed fluid consumption on physiology and work behavior of wildfire fighters}, journal = {Applied Ergonomics}, year = {2012}, month = {11/2012}, abstract = {The purpose of this study was to examine 1) wildfire fighters{\textquoteright} ability to consume the prescribed fluid volume (1200 mL h-1), 2) the effect of fluid intake on plasma sodium and hydration, and 3) the effect of fluid intake on firefighters{\textquoteright} heart rate, core temperature and activity during emergency suppression shifts. Methods Thirty-four firefighters were divided into ad libitum (AD, n = 17) and prescribed (PR, n = 17) drinking groups. Results PR drinkers did not meet the prescribed fluid target, yet consumed over double the volume of AD drinkers. No differences between groups in plasma sodium or hydration were noted. PR drinking resulted in lower core temperature between 2 and 6 h. This did not coincide with reduced cardiovascular strain, greater work activity or larger distances covered when compared to AD drinkers. Conclusion Extra fluid consumption (above AD) did not improve firefighter activity or physiological function (though PR firefighters core temperature was lower earlier in their shift). Firefighter can self-regulate their fluid consumption behavior and work rate to leave the fireground hydrated. }, issn = {00036870}, doi = {10.1016/j.apergo.2012.10.002}, author = {Raines, Jenni and Rodney Snow and Aaron Petersen and Jack Harvey and Nichols, David and Brad Aisbett} } @article {BF-3097, title = {Identification of physically demanding tasks performed during bushfire suppression by Australian rural firefighters}, journal = {Applied Ergonomics}, volume = {43}, year = {2012}, month = {3/2012}, pages = {435 - 441}, abstract = {Purpose To identify and characterize the physically demanding tasks undertaken during multi-day wildfire (known as bushfire in Australia) suppression by Australian rural firefighters. Methods During semi-structured group interviews, thirty-one experienced male firefighters reviewed 53 firefighting tasks that could be performed during tanker-based bushfire suppression. Participants were asked to nominate the most physically demanding tasks and then define their typical frequencies, durations, operational importance and the dominant actions and activity types in each task. Results Seven tasks were identified as physically demanding. They were further categorized into three hose and four handtool (e.g., rakehoe) related activities. These tasks were assessed as moderately important to critical and were thought to occur less than one up to 700 times in a four-month bushfire {\textquoteleft}season{\textquoteright}. Each task{\textquoteright}s duration was estimated to last approximately 2{\textendash}30 min depending on the task. Dominant actions were carry, drag, dig/rake actions in seven, three and four of the demanding tasks, respectively. {\textquoteleft}Strength-endurance{\textquoteright} was the dominant activity type for five of the seven tasks. Conclusion Seven fireground tasks, three using a hose and four using handtools were classified as physically demanding by incumbent firefighters. The combination of hose and handtool work indicates that the tanker-based bushfire suppression tactics used by Australian rural firefighters appears to be a hybrid of structural and wildfire firefighting techniques and may require a dedicated physiological analyses before the job demands for these firefighters can be quantified.}, doi = {10.1016/j.apergo.2011.06.018}, author = {Phillips, Matthew and Payne, W and Cara Lord and Kevin Netto and Nichols, David and Brad Aisbett} } @article {BF-3101, title = {Pre-shift fluid intake: Effect on physiology, work and drinking during emergency wildfire fighting}, journal = {Applied Ergonomics}, volume = {43}, year = {2012}, month = {5/2012}, pages = {532 - 540}, abstract = {Abstract Wildfire fighters are known to report to work in a hypohydrated state, which may compromise their work performance and health. Purpose To evaluate whether ingesting a bolus of fluid before the shift had any effect on firefighters{\textquoteright} fluid consumption, core temperature, or the time they spent in high heart rate and work activity zones when fighting emergency wildfires. Methods Thirty-two firefighters were divided into non-bolus (AD) and pre-shift drinking bolus (PS, 500 ml water) groups. Results Firefighters began work hypohydrated as indicated by urine colour, specific gravity and plasma osmolality (Posm) results. Post-shift, firefighters were classified as euhydrated according to Posm and hypohydrated by urinary markers. No significant differences existed between the drinking groups in pre- or post-shift hydration status, total fluid intake, activity, heart rate or core temperature. Conclusion Consuming a bolus of fluid, pre-shift provided no benefit over non-consumption as both groups had consumed equivalent ad libitum volumes of fluid, 2.5 h into the shift. No benefits of bolus consumption were observed in firefighter activity, heart rate response or core temperature response across the shift in the mild weather conditions experienced. Ad libitum drinking was adequate to facilitate rehydration in firefighters upon completion of their emergency firefighting work shift.}, doi = {10.1016/j.apergo.2011.08.007}, author = {Raines, Jenni and Rodney Snow and Aaron Petersen and Jack Harvey and Nichols, David and Brad Aisbett} } @article {bnh-1788, title = {The Stress of Firefighting Report}, year = {2012}, month = {08/2012}, abstract = {

Fire and rescue staff routinely endure significant psychological and environmental stress exposure on the job. While much has been done to improve understanding of the physiological effects of exposure to these conditions, little has been done to quantify the inflammatory stress response that firefighters are exposed to during wildfire suppression. Therefore the aim of the present study was to explore whether firefighters experienced a change in inflammatory markers following one day, and across two days of wildfire suppression tasks. Twelve male fire-fighters participated in two consecutive days of live-fire prescribed burn operations in Ngarkat National Park, South Australia. Typical work tasks included lighting burns, patrolling containment lines, supressing spot fires, and operating vehicles. A number of the inflammatory markers changed significantly across the course of a shift and several presented with an attenuated response across the second day. This finding implies that there was a compounding effect of repeated exposure to these stressors which could have considerable implications for managing fire-fighters health and wellbeing over a multi-day campaign. Further research is required to see which fire ground stressor, or combination of stressors is causing these changes in the inflammatory markers across consecutive work shifts.

}, isbn = {978-0-9806759-6-2}, author = {Alexander Wolkow and Luana Main and Raines, Jenni and Paul Della Gatta and Rodney Snow and Brad Aisbett} } @article {BF-3143, title = {Validating {\textquoteleft}fit for duty{\textquoteright} tests for Australian volunteer fire fighters suppressing bushfires}, journal = {Applied Ergonomics}, volume = {43}, year = {2012}, month = {1/2012}, pages = {191 - 197}, abstract = {Introduction This study compared fire fighter{\textquoteright}s work-rates and performance between the Pack Hike Test (PHT), Field Walk Test (FWT) and critical bushfire suppression tasks. Methods Nineteen volunteer fire fighters undertook the PHT, whilst a further 11 also performed the FWT. All 30 fire fighters completed four critical tasks. Physical, physiological and subjective ratings were measured during tasks and tests. Results Peak and mean heart rate during the Hose Drag was lower than during the FWT. Mean velocities for the PHT and FWT were higher than in all tasks except Hose Drag. Finishing times in the PHT and FWT were strongly correlated with finishing times for three and four of the critical tasks. Conclusions The PHT and FWT may be valid fit for duty tests for Australian rural fire fighters though the clear differences between the tests and some tasks may prompt fire agencies to consider other tests that more accurately simulate bushfire suppression work.}, issn = {00036870}, doi = {10.1016/j.apergo.2011.05.003}, author = {Cara Lord and Kevin Netto and Aaron Petersen and Nichols, David and Drain, Jace and Phillips, Matthew and Brad Aisbett} } @proceedings {BF-3049, title = {Design of a valid simulation for researching physical, physiological and cognitive performance in volunteer firefighters during bushfire deployment.}, year = {2011}, publisher = {R.P. Thornton (Ed) 2011, {\textquoteleft}Proceedings of Bushfire CRC \& AFAC 2010 Conference Science Day{\textquoteright} 1 September 2011, Sydney Australia, Bushfire CRC}, address = {Sydney, Australia}, issn = {978-0-9806759-9-3}, author = {Susan Ferguson and Brad Aisbett and Sarah M Jay and Katrina Onus and Cara Lord and Sprajcer, M. and Matthew JW Thomas} } @proceedings {BF-3050, title = {Frequency, intensity and duration of physical tasks performed by Australian rural firefighters during bushfire suppression}, year = {2011}, month = {2011}, publisher = {Bushfire CRC}, address = {Sydney, Australia}, issn = {978-0-9806759-9-3}, url = {http://www.bushfirecrc.com/resources/pages-205-213-quantitative-task-analyses-bushfire-suppression}, author = {Phillips, Matthew and Kevin Netto and Payne, W and Cara Lord and Neil Brooksbank and Katrina Onus and Sarah Jefferies and Brad Aisbett} } @article {BF-2494, title = {Pack Hike Test finishing time for Australian firefighters: Pass rates and correlates of performance}, journal = {Applied Ergonomics}, volume = {42}, year = {2011}, month = {03/2011}, pages = {411 - 418}, abstract = {The pack hike test (PHT, 4.83 km hike wearing a 20.4-kg load) was devised to determine the job readiness of USA wildland firefighters. This study measured PHT performance in a sample of Australian firefighters who currently perform the PHT (career land management firefighters, LMFF) and those who do not (suburban/regional volunteer firefighters, VFF). The study also investigated the relationships between firefighters{\textquoteright} PHT performance and their performance across a range of fitness tests for both groups. Twenty LMFF and eighteen age-, body mass-, and height-matched VFF attempted the PHT, and a series of muscular endurance, power, strength and cardiorespiratory fitness tests. Bivariate correlations between the participants{\textquoteright} PHT finishing time and their performance in a suite of different fitness tests were determined using Pearson{\textquoteright}s product moment correlation coefficient. The mean PHT finishing time for LMFF (42.2 {\textpm} 2.8 min) was 9 {\textpm} 14\% faster (p = 0.001) than for VFF (46.1 {\textpm} 3.6 min). The pass rate (the percentage of participants who completed the PHT in under 45 min) for LMFF (90\%) was greater than that of VFF (39\%, p = 0.001). For LMFF, VO2peak in L min-1(r = -0.66, p = 0.001) and the duration they could sustain a grip {\textquoteleft}force{\textquoteright} of 25 kg (r = -0.69, p = 0.001) were strongly correlated with PHT finishing time. For VFF, VO2peak in mL kg-1 min-1(r = -0.75, p = 0.002) and the duration they could hold a 1.2-m bar attached to 45.5 kg in a {\textquoteleft}hose spray position{\textquoteright} (r = -0.69, p = 0.004) were strongly correlated with PHT finishing time. This study shows that PHT fitness-screening could severely limit the number of VFF eligible for duty, compromising workforce numbers and highlights the need for specific and valid firefighter fitness standards. The results also demonstrate the strong relationships between PHT performance and firefighters{\textquoteright} cardiorespiratory fitness and local muscular endurance. Those preparing for the PHT should focus their training on these fitness components in the weeks and months prior to undertaking the PHT.}, doi = {10.1016/j.apergo.2010.08.020 }, author = {Phillips, Matthew and Aaron Petersen and Abbiss, C.R. and Kevin Netto and Payne, W and Nichols, David and Brad Aisbett} } @proceedings {BF-3053, title = {Prescribed fluid consumption and its effects on the physiology and work behaviour of Australian wildland firefighters}, year = {2011}, month = {2011}, publisher = {Bushfire CRC}, address = {Sydney, Australia}, issn = {978-0-9806759-9-3}, url = {http://www.bushfirecrc.com/resources/pages-248-257-prescribed-fluid-consumption-and-its-effects-physiology}, author = {Raines, Jenni and Rodney Snow and Aaron Petersen and Jack Harvey and Katrina Onus and Sarah Jefferies and Nichols, David and Brad Aisbett} } @article {BF-1283, title = {Relationship between fitness components and pack hike test.}, journal = {International Journal of Wildland Fire}, number = {Apr-09}, year = {2009}, author = {Phillips, Matthew and Aaron Petersen and Abbiss, C.R. and Payne, W and Nichols, David and Brad Aisbett} } @article {BF-1286, title = {Fighting fatigue whilst fighting bushfire}, journal = {Australian Journal of Emergency Management}, year = {2007}, month = {4/19/2007}, url = {http://www.ema.gov.au/agd/EMA/rwpattach.nsf/VAP/(1FEDA2C440E4190E0993A00B7C030CB7)~AJEM_Aug07_p31_Aisbett.pdf/$file/AJEM_Aug07_p31_Aisbett.pdf}, author = {Brad Aisbett and Nichols, David} } @article {BF-1285{\textquoteleft}, title = {FIGHTING WITH FIRE - HOW BUSHFIRE SUPPRESSION CAN IMPACT ON FIREFIGHTERS HEALTH}, journal = {Australian Family Physician}, year = {2007}, url = {http://www.bushfirecrc.com/sites/default/files/managed/resource/aisbett-et-al-2007-australian-family-physician.pdf}, author = {Brad Aisbett and Phillips, Matthew and Michael Sergeant and Gilbert, John and Nichols, David} } @article {BF-1288, title = {Firefighter health, safety, and wellbeing on the fireground}, volume = {4}, year = {2006}, institution = {Australasian Fire Authorities Council}, author = {Brad Aisbett and Nichols, David} }