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Evaluation of Air Consumption Efficiency in Structural Firefighters
Emily L Langford1, Haley C Bergstrom, Sarah N Lanham
1From the Waters College of Health Professions, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia (E.L.L.); First Responder Research Laboratory, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky (E.L.L., S.N.L., A.Q.E., M.G.A.); Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky (E.L.L., H.C.B., S.N.L., A.Q.E., S.B., M.G.A.); Neurotrauma Research Laboratory, Department of Veteran's Affairs, Minneapolis, Minnesota (A.Q.E.); and Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky (X.M.).
Firefighter air consumption efficiency (ACE) varies significantly, with higher internal strain leading to poorer ACE. Enhancing metabolic tolerance can improve the functional duration of breathing apparatus for firefighter safety and productivity.
Area of Science:
- Occupational physiology
- Firefighter safety research
Background:
- Firefighter performance relies heavily on efficient use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
- Variability in air consumption (AC) can impact operational duration and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine AC variability in firefighters (FF) at a standardized pace.
- To evaluate the relationship between air consumption efficiency (ACE) and work economy.
- To identify parameters associated with ACE and its relation to self-paced work.
Main Methods:
- FF performed randomized AC drills using SCBA with a gas analyzer at standardized and self-selected paces.
- Physiological and anthropometric data were collected.
Main Results:
- Average AC variability was approximately 3.1 minutes of cylinder usage (13.7%).
- AC showed positive associations with work economy and various physiological/anthropometric factors.
- No significant relationship was observed between ACE and self-paced drill performance.
Conclusions:
- Higher internal strain in FF is linked to reduced ACE.
- Interventions to improve metabolic tolerance may enhance SCBA functional duration, boosting FF productivity and safety.
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