Operational Physiological Capabilities of Firefighters: Literature Review and Research Recommendations

The findings and recommendations in this report are those of the consultant authors and do not necessarily represent the views or proposed policies of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. Copyright in the typographical arrangement and design rests with the Crown. This publication (excluding the Royal Arms and logos) may be reproduced free of charge in any format or medium provided that it is reproduced accurately and not used in a misleading context. The material must be acknowledged as Crown copyright with the title and source of the publication specified. This is a value added publication which falls outside the scope of the HMSO Class Licence. Printed in Great Britain on paper comprising 75% post-consumer waste and 25% ECF pulp (cover) and 100% post-consumer waste (text). Executive Summary The Project Team were commissioned by the Fire Research Division of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister to review the published literature on the physiological capability of firefighters to perform their wide-ranging operational duties, and to provide recommendations for further research to fill the knowledge gaps. The drivers for this project emanated from two firefighter special interest groups – the Building Disaster Assessment Group (BDAG) and the New Dimensions Group (NDG). The intended outcomes for this review and any subsequent research are to: • Reduce risk from work activity of firefighters • Improve guidance for firefighter operational practices and training • Improve planned and dynamic risk assessment • Modify procedures for building design, approval and use • Elicit improvements to the Building Regulations. The first phase of the project identified, obtained, analysed, interpreted and reviewed all relevant published literature in a systematic, comprehensive and unbiased manner. Over 1300 references were identified during this phase from both fire-related and other sources. Following several sifting processes, hard copies of the full reports of the remaining references were obtained and the relevant subject matter expert undertook a review of each paper. The final reference list included over 170 journal articles and technical reports. Modern firefighters constitute a highly skilled and professional service, with a wealth of experience and expertise in dealing with a wide range of incidents and hazardous situations. Firefighters and their Fire Officers have an understanding of what is feasible and safe, largely based on their experience. However, the role and function of the Fire Service is changing-the role is changing (to respond to terrorist threats); buildings and materials are changing …