2007, Piran, Slovenia

Environmental Ergonomics XII
Igor B. Mekjavic, Stelios N. Kounalakis & Nigel A.S. Taylor (Eds.), © BIOMED, Ljubljana 2007
DISCUSSION
In conclusion, under the thermoneutral conditions studied, all participants successfully coped
with the physical demands imposed on them during the morning and afternoon bouts. The
thermal and cardiovascular responses to both bouts were moderate and unremarkable.
Performance on the afternoon bout was not substantially degraded, with a greater proportion
of successful casualties recovered compared to the morning bout. No differences in core or
skin temperatures, heart rate or fluid loss were reported between bouts. These data indicate
that the improved casualty recovery rate and faster split times in the afternoon bout were a
consequence of familiarisation from the morning bout. As a result of the physical exertion
experienced during the morning bout, participants reported greater subjective fatigue, thermal
sensation and body discomfort during the subsequent afternoon bout. It is suspected,
although not known, that this fatigue and discomfort would significantly impact on
performance on subsequent days. Further work is required to determine the physical demands
of multi-day USAR deployments, as degradation of performance is anticipated on subsequent
days, as well in conditions of high ambient temperatures (≥30°C).
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This project was funded by the Fire and Resilience Directorate, Communities and Local
Government (UK).
REFERENCES
Carter, J., Wilkinson, D., Richmond, V., et al 2006. Core temperature, recovery and
redeployment during a firefighting search and rescue scenario. Optimal Performance Ltd
report for the Fire Statistics and Research Group in the Department for Communities and
Local Government, 22nd September.
Howley, E., 2001. Type of activity: resistance, aerobic and leisure versus occupational
physical activity. Med. Sci. Sports. Exerc. 33, S364-S369.
Rayson, M., Wilkinson, D., Carter, J., et al 2005. Physiological assessment of firefighters
performing civil resilience scenarios. Optimal Performance Ltd report for the Fire
Statistics and Research Group in the Department for Communities and Local Government
30th June.
630