THE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT THERMAL ENVIRONMENTS ON THE PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF FIREFIGHTERS TO A TRAINING DRILL

Little is known about the impact of thermoregulatory demands on cardio vascular and psychological responses of firefighters during firefighti ng activities. This study examined selected responses to a training dr ill in different thermal environments. Male firefighters (n = 16) were randomly assigned to perform a simulated ceiling overhaul task for 16 min in either a neutral (13.7 degrees C) or hot (89.6 degrees C) cond ition while wearing standard firefighting turnout gear. Physiological and psychological measures were assessed before, after 8 min and 16 mi n of firefighting activity, and following a 10-min recovery period. Th e variables assessed included heart rate (HR), tympanic temperature (T -tymp), lactate level (LAC), blood glucose level, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), perceptions of respiration, thermal sensations (TS) a nd state anxiety (SA). Significant increases were seen for HR, T-tymp, LAC, RPE and SA, with the increases being much greater following the hot condition. Recovery was significantly slower following work in the hot condition. These findings suggest that the addition of a live fir e (a common situation for firefighters) contributes to increased cardi ovascular and psychological strain at a standardized workload.