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Validating ‘fit for duty’ tests for Australian volunteer fire fighters suppressing bushfires

TitleValidating ‘fit for duty’ tests for Australian volunteer fire fighters suppressing bushfires
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2012
AuthorsLord, C, Netto, K, Petersen, A, Nichols, D, Drain, J, Phillips, M, Aisbett, B
JournalApplied Ergonomics
Volume43
Issue1
Pagination191 - 197
Date Published1/2012
ISSN00036870
AbstractIntroduction This study compared fire fighter’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.
DOI10.1016/j.apergo.2011.05.003
Short TitleApplied Ergonomics
Refereed DesignationRefereed

Published Works

Publication Type

Journal Article

Journal Article

Publication Year

Year of Publication 2012