Effect of strenuous live-fire drills on cardiovascular and psychological responses of recruit firefighters

The study examined the effects of repeated strenuous live-fire drills on ca rdiovascular and psychological responses of male recruit firefighters (n = 7). Participants performed three trials of a standardized set of tasks whil e inside a training structure containing several live fires. Measurements o f heart rate, aortic blood flow, perceived exertion, respiratory and therma l distress, reaction time, and error rate were obtained before testing, aft er each trial and during recovery. Heart rate increased significantly durin g each of the trials, reaching age-predicted maximal values. Stroke volume was significantly lower after trial 3 versus trial 1 and prevalues. Perceiv ed exertion, respiratory distress, and thermal distress all increased, indi cating greater stress following firefighting activities. Reaction time and error rate did not change significantly, but there was a tendency for more errors following trials 2 and 3 versus trial 1. The training drills resulte d in considerable physiological and psychological strain, which has the pot ential to impair cognitive function. Firefighters are encouraged to take al l possible steps to mitigate the extent of the cardiovascular strain.