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Wayfinding of Firefighters in Dark and Complex Environments
Beckham Shih-Ming Lin1, Ching-Yuan Lin1, Chun-Wei Kung2
1Department of Architecture, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei City 106335, Taiwan.
Firefighter orientation in dark, complex environments is crucial for safety. Fear of confinement significantly impacts wayfinding time, suggesting targeted training strategies for enhanced firefighter safety.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Safety and Health
- Human Factors Engineering
- Emergency Response
Background:
- Firefighters face disorientation risks in dark and complex environments (DCEs).
- Effective wayfinding is critical for firefighter safety and operational success.
- Understanding individual factors influencing wayfinding is essential for risk mitigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze firefighter profiles and wayfinding performance in DCEs.
- To identify personal factors affecting disorientation and navigation time.
- To inform strategies for improving firefighter safety in hazardous conditions.
Main Methods:
- Conducted experiments at the New Taipei City Fire Department (NTFD) Training Facility.
- Administered a 13-factor self-report survey to assess firefighter characteristics.
- Measured wayfinding time for firefighters navigating DCEs.
Main Results:
- Age was found to be a marginally significant factor in wayfinding.
- Fear of confinement emerged as a significant factor influencing wayfinding time.
- Individual psychological factors demonstrably impact navigation capabilities in DCEs.
Conclusions:
- Fear of confinement is a key variable affecting firefighter wayfinding in DCEs.
- Findings suggest the need for psychological preparedness and targeted training.
- Strategies should be developed to enhance firefighter orientation and safety in challenging environments.
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