@article {BF-3488,
	title = {Muscle activation during the Pack Hike test and a critical wildfire fighting task},
	journal = {Applied Ergonomics},
	volume = {44},
	year = {2013},
	month = {2013},
	abstract = {The aim of this study was to examine the muscle activation of six global muscles during the successful completion of the Pack Hike test (PHT) and compare this to muscle activations during a critical wildfire fighting task. In-field surface electromyography was recorded from eight male wildfire fighters during the PHT and the rakehoe task {\textendash} a critical wildfire suppression activity. All participants successfully completed the PHT within the 45-min time limit. No significant changes in peak muscle activation levels as well as no significant shifts in median frequency in the six muscle analysed were recorded during the 4.83-km hike. Significantly different peak muscle activation levels were recorded in four of the six muscles tested when the PHT was compared to the rakehoe task. These results suggest the PHT should not be administered in isolation and other tests that specifically challenge upper body muscle endurance should be incorporated into a battery that accurately assesses the job-specific fitness of wildfire fighters.
Highlights

► Muscle activity during the Pack Hike test (PHT) and a critical wildfire suppression task were compared. ► No muscle fatigue was detected during the PHT. ► Different muscle activation patterns between the tasks were recorded. ► The PHT may not adequately challenge upper body muscular endurance.},
	issn = {00036870},
	doi = {10.1016/j.apergo.2012.08.003},
	author = {Kevin Netto and Cara Lord and Aaron Petersen and Spelt Janssen, James and Nichols, David and Brad Aisbett}
}
@article {BF-3623,
	title = {The effect of prescribed fluid consumption on physiology and work behavior of wildfire fighters},
	journal = {Applied Ergonomics},
	year = {2012},
	month = {11/2012},
	abstract = {The purpose of this study was to examine 1) wildfire fighters{\textquoteright} ability to consume the prescribed fluid volume (1200 mL h-1), 2) the effect of fluid intake on plasma sodium and hydration, and 3) the effect of fluid intake on firefighters{\textquoteright} heart rate, core temperature and activity during emergency suppression shifts. Methods Thirty-four firefighters were divided into ad libitum (AD, n = 17) and prescribed (PR, n = 17) drinking groups. Results PR drinkers did not meet the prescribed fluid target, yet consumed over double the volume of AD drinkers. No differences between groups in plasma sodium or hydration were noted. PR drinking resulted in lower core temperature between 2 and 6 h. This did not coincide with reduced cardiovascular strain, greater work activity or larger distances covered when compared to AD drinkers. Conclusion Extra fluid consumption (above AD) did not improve firefighter activity or physiological function (though PR firefighters core temperature was lower earlier in their shift). Firefighter can self-regulate their fluid consumption behavior and work rate to leave the fireground hydrated. },
	issn = {00036870},
	doi = {10.1016/j.apergo.2012.10.002},
	author = {Raines, Jenni and Rodney Snow and Aaron Petersen and Jack Harvey and Nichols, David and Brad Aisbett}
}
@article {BF-3101,
	title = {Pre-shift fluid intake: Effect on physiology, work and drinking during emergency wildfire fighting},
	journal = {Applied Ergonomics},
	volume = {43},
	year = {2012},
	month = {5/2012},
	pages = {532 - 540},
	abstract = {Abstract

Wildfire fighters are known to report to work in a hypohydrated state, which may compromise their work performance and health.
Purpose

To evaluate whether ingesting a bolus of fluid before the shift had any effect on firefighters{\textquoteright} fluid consumption, core temperature, or the time they spent in high heart rate and work activity zones when fighting emergency wildfires.
Methods

Thirty-two firefighters were divided into non-bolus (AD) and pre-shift drinking bolus (PS, 500 ml water) groups.
Results

Firefighters began work hypohydrated as indicated by urine colour, specific gravity and plasma osmolality (Posm) results. Post-shift, firefighters were classified as euhydrated according to Posm and hypohydrated by urinary markers. No significant differences existed between the drinking groups in pre- or post-shift hydration status, total fluid intake, activity, heart rate or core temperature.
Conclusion

Consuming a bolus of fluid, pre-shift provided no benefit over non-consumption as both groups had consumed equivalent ad libitum volumes of fluid, 2.5 h into the shift. No benefits of bolus consumption were observed in firefighter activity, heart rate response or core temperature response across the shift in the mild weather conditions experienced. Ad libitum drinking was adequate to facilitate rehydration in firefighters upon completion of their emergency firefighting work shift.},
	doi = {10.1016/j.apergo.2011.08.007},
	author = {Raines, Jenni and Rodney Snow and Aaron Petersen and Jack Harvey and Nichols, David and Brad Aisbett}
}
@article {BF-3143,
	title = {Validating {\textquoteleft}fit for duty{\textquoteright} tests for Australian volunteer fire fighters suppressing bushfires},
	journal = {Applied Ergonomics},
	volume = {43},
	year = {2012},
	month = {1/2012},
	pages = {191 - 197},
	abstract = {Introduction
This study compared fire fighter{\textquoteright}s work-rates and performance between the Pack Hike Test (PHT), Field Walk Test (FWT) and critical bushfire suppression tasks.
Methods
Nineteen volunteer fire fighters undertook the PHT, whilst a further 11 also performed the FWT. All 30 fire fighters completed four critical tasks. Physical, physiological and subjective ratings were measured during tasks and tests.
Results
Peak and mean heart rate during the Hose Drag was lower than during the FWT. Mean velocities for the PHT and FWT were higher than in all tasks except Hose Drag. Finishing times in the PHT and FWT were strongly correlated with finishing times for three and four of the critical tasks.
Conclusions
The PHT and FWT may be valid fit for duty tests for Australian rural fire fighters though the clear differences between the tests and some tasks may prompt fire agencies to consider other tests that more accurately simulate bushfire suppression work.},
	issn = {00036870},
	doi = {10.1016/j.apergo.2011.05.003},
	author = {Cara Lord and Kevin Netto and Aaron Petersen and Nichols, David and Drain, Jace and Phillips, Matthew and Brad Aisbett}
}
@article {BF-2494,
	title = {Pack Hike Test finishing time for Australian firefighters: Pass rates and correlates of performance},
	journal = {Applied Ergonomics},
	volume = {42},
	year = {2011},
	month = {03/2011},
	pages = {411 - 418},
	abstract = {The pack hike test (PHT, 4.83 km hike wearing a 20.4-kg load) was devised to determine the job readiness of USA wildland firefighters. This study measured PHT performance in a sample of Australian firefighters who currently perform the PHT (career land management firefighters, LMFF) and those who do not (suburban/regional volunteer firefighters, VFF). The study also investigated the relationships between firefighters{\textquoteright} PHT performance and their performance across a range of fitness tests for both groups. Twenty LMFF and eighteen age-, body mass-, and height-matched VFF attempted the PHT, and a series of muscular endurance, power, strength and cardiorespiratory fitness tests. Bivariate correlations between the participants{\textquoteright} PHT finishing time and their performance in a suite of different fitness tests were determined using Pearson{\textquoteright}s product moment correlation coefficient. The mean PHT finishing time for LMFF (42.2 {\textpm} 2.8 min) was 9 {\textpm} 14\% faster (p = 0.001) than for VFF (46.1 {\textpm} 3.6 min). The pass rate (the percentage of participants who completed the PHT in under 45 min) for LMFF (90\%) was greater than that of VFF (39\%, p = 0.001). For LMFF, VO2peak in L min-1(r = -0.66, p = 0.001) and the duration they could sustain a grip {\textquoteleft}force{\textquoteright} of 25 kg (r = -0.69, p = 0.001) were strongly correlated with PHT finishing time. For VFF, VO2peak in mL kg-1 min-1(r = -0.75, p = 0.002) and the duration they could hold a 1.2-m bar attached to 45.5 kg in a {\textquoteleft}hose spray position{\textquoteright} (r = -0.69, p = 0.004) were strongly correlated with PHT finishing time. This study shows that PHT fitness-screening could severely limit the number of VFF eligible for duty, compromising workforce numbers and highlights the need for specific and valid firefighter fitness standards. The results also demonstrate the strong relationships between PHT performance and firefighters{\textquoteright} cardiorespiratory fitness and local muscular endurance. Those preparing for the PHT should focus their training on these fitness components in the weeks and months prior to undertaking the PHT.},
	doi = {10.1016/j.apergo.2010.08.020 },
	author = {Phillips, Matthew and Aaron Petersen and Abbiss, C.R. and Kevin Netto and Payne, W and Nichols, David and Brad Aisbett}
}
@proceedings {BF-3053,
	title = {Prescribed fluid consumption and its effects on the physiology and work behaviour of Australian wildland firefighters},
	year = {2011},
	month = {2011},
	publisher = {Bushfire CRC},
	address = {Sydney, Australia},
	issn = {978-0-9806759-9-3},
	url = {http://www.bushfirecrc.com/resources/pages-248-257-prescribed-fluid-consumption-and-its-effects-physiology},
	author = {Raines, Jenni and Rodney Snow and Aaron Petersen and Jack Harvey and Katrina Onus and Sarah Jefferies and Nichols, David and Brad Aisbett}
}
@article {BF-1283,
	title = {Relationship between fitness components and pack hike test.},
	journal = {International Journal of Wildland Fire},
	number = {Apr-09},
	year = {2009},
	author = {Phillips, Matthew and Aaron Petersen and Abbiss, C.R. and Payne, W and Nichols, David and Brad Aisbett}
}
