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Marvin G, Schram B, Orr R, Canetti EFD. Occupation-Induced Fatigue and Impacts on Emergency First Responders: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:7055. [PMID: 37998287 PMCID: PMC10671419 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20227055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Fatigue in emergency first responders (EFRs) is known to affect performance abilities and safety outcomes for both patients and EFRs. The primary aim of this review was to determine the main contributors to occupation-induced fatigue in EFRs and its subsequent impacts. Following the PRIMSA checklist, academic databases (Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus) were searched using key terms with results subjected to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Populations of interest were firefighters, paramedics, or emergency call centre personnel. Of the 5633 records identified, 43 studies, which reported on 186 unique measures from a total population of 6373 participants, informed the review. Synthesis revealed fatigue was caused by lack of sleep during the shift and consistent poor sleep quality which negatively impacted cognitive function, alertness, and physical and mental health while increasing safety-compromising behaviours and injuries. Both subjective and objective assessments of fatigue are necessary for effective risk management in EFRs. EFRs that are consistently fatigued are at a greater risk of poor physical and mental health, reduced cognitive function, and increased injuries. No studies reported on fatigue in emergency call centre personnel, highlighting a literature gap. Funding was provided by the Australian Capital Territory Emergency Services Agency. Preregistration was filed in OSF: osf.io/26f3s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham Marvin
- Tactical Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD 4226, Australia
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Mao T, Chai Y, Guo B, Quan P, Rao H. Sleep Architecture and Sleep EEG Alterations are Associated with Impaired Cognition Under Sleep Restriction. Nat Sci Sleep 2023; 15:823-838. [PMID: 37850195 PMCID: PMC10578164 DOI: 10.2147/nss.s420650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Many studies have investigated the cognitive, emotional, and other impairments caused by sleep restriction. However, few studies have explored the relationship between cognitive performance and changes in sleep structure and electroencephalography (EEG) during sleep. The present study aimed to examine whether changes in sleep structure and EEG can account for cognitive impairment caused by sleep restriction. Patients and Methods Sixteen young adults spent five consecutive nights (adaptation 9h, baseline 8h, 1st restriction 6h, 2nd restriction 6h, and recovery 10h) in a sleep laboratory, with polysomnography recordings taken during sleep. Throughout waking periods in each condition, participants completed the psychomotor vigilance test (PVT), which measures vigilant attention, and the Go/No-Go task, which measures inhibition control. Results The results showed that sleep restriction significantly decreased the proportion of N1 and N2 sleep, increased the proportion of N3 sleep, and reduced the time spent awake after sleep onset (WASO) and sleep onset latency. Poorer performance on the PVT and Go/No Go task was associated with longer WASO, a larger proportion of N3 sleep, and a smaller proportion of N2 sleep. Additionally, the power spectral density of delta waves significantly increased after sleep restriction, and this increase predicted a decrease in vigilance and inhibition control the next day. Conclusion These findings suggest that sleep architecture and EEG signatures may partially explain cognitive impairment caused by sleep restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianxin Mao
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Research & Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence for Information Behavior (Ministry of Education and Shanghai), School of Business and Management, Shanghai International Studies University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ya Chai
- Center for Functional Neuroimaging, Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Bowen Guo
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Research & Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence for Information Behavior (Ministry of Education and Shanghai), School of Business and Management, Shanghai International Studies University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Peng Quan
- Center for Functional Neuroimaging, Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Research Center for Quality of Life and Applied Psychology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hengyi Rao
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Research & Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence for Information Behavior (Ministry of Education and Shanghai), School of Business and Management, Shanghai International Studies University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Center for Functional Neuroimaging, Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Sleep and Chronobiology, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Khoshakhlagh AH, Al Sulaie S, Yazdanirad S, Orr RM, Dehdarirad H, Milajerdi A. Global prevalence and associated factors of sleep disorders and poor sleep quality among firefighters: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heliyon 2023; 9:e13250. [PMID: 36798763 PMCID: PMC9925976 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Lack of sleep can affect the health and performance of firefighters. This systematic review and meta-analysis estimated the global prevalence of sleep disorders and poor sleep quality among firefighters and reported associated factors. Four academic databases (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase) were systematically searched from January 1, 2000 to January 24, 2022. These databases were selected as they are known to index studies in this field. The search algorithm included two groups of keywords and all possible combinations of these words. The first group included keywords related to sleep and the second group keywords related to the firefighting profession. The relevant Joanna Briggs Institute checklist was used to evaluate study quality. Data from eligible studies were included in a meta-analysis. In total, 47 articles informed this review. The pooled prevalence of sleep disorders and poor sleep quality in firefighters were determined as 30.49% (95% CI [25.90, 35.06]) and 51.43% (95% CI [42.76, 60.10]), respectively. The results of a subgroup analysis showed that individuals in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) had a higher prevalence of sleep disorders than those in high-income countries (HICs) but HICs had a higher prevalence of poor sleep quality than LMICs. Various factors, including shift work, mental health, injuries and pain, and body mass index were associated with sleep health. The findings of this review highlight the need for sleep health promotion programs in firefighters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Hossein Khoshakhlagh
- Department of Occupational Health, School of Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Saleh Al Sulaie
- Department of Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering in Al-Qunfudah, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saeid Yazdanirad
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran,School of Health, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran,Corresponding author. Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Robin Marc Orr
- Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Hossein Dehdarirad
- Medical Library & Information Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Milajerdi
- Research Center of Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institude for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
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Allison P, Tiesman HM, Wong IS, Bernzweig D, James L, James SM, Navarro KM, Patterson PD. Working hours, sleep, and fatigue in the public safety sector: A scoping review of the research. Am J Ind Med 2022; 65:878-897. [PMID: 35711032 PMCID: PMC9851314 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The public safety sector includes law enforcement officers (LEO), corrections officers (CO), firefighter service (FF), wildland firefighting (WFF), and emergency medical services (EMS), as defined in the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Across these occupations, shiftwork, long-duration shifts, and excessive overtime are common. Our objective was to identify research gaps related to working hours, sleep, and fatigue among these workers. METHODS We used a scoping review study design that included searches of MEDLINE, Embase, CAB Abstracts, Global Health, PsychInfo, CINAHL, Scopus, Academic Search Complete, Agricultural and Environmental Science Collection, ProQuest Central, Cochrane Library, Safety Lit, Homeland Security Digital Library, and Sociological Abstracts using a range of occupational search terms and terms related to working hours, sleep, and fatigue. RESULTS Out of 3415 articles returned from our database search, 202 met all inclusion criteria. Six common outcomes related to working hours, sleep, and fatigue emerged: sleep, fatigue, work performance, injury, psychosocial stress, and chronic disease. Nearly two-thirds (59%, n = 120) of the studies were observational, of which 64% (n = 77) were cross sectional and 9% were (n = 11) longitudinal; 14% (n = 30) of the studies were reviews; and 19% (n = 39) were experimental or quasi-experimental studies. Only 25 of the 202 articles described mitigation strategies or interventions. FFs, LEOs, EMS, and WFFs were the most studied, followed by COs. CONCLUSIONS In general, more longitudinal and experimental studies are needed to enrich the knowledge base on the consequences of long working hours, poor sleep, and fatigue in the public safety sector. Few experimental studies have tested novel approaches to fatigue mitigation in diverse sectors of public safety. This gap in research limits the decisions that may be made by employers to address fatigue as a threat to public-safety worker health and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penelope Allison
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Hope M. Tiesman
- Division of Safety Research, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Imelda S. Wong
- Division of Science Integration, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - David Bernzweig
- Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Lois James
- Sleep and Performance Research Center, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington, USA
| | - Stephen M. James
- Sleep and Performance Research Center, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington, USA
| | - Kathleen M. Navarro
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - P. Daniel Patterson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Koopmans E, Cornish K, Fyfe TM, Bailey K, Pelletier CA. Health risks and mitigation strategies from occupational exposure to wildland fire: a scoping review. J Occup Med Toxicol 2022; 17:2. [PMID: 34983565 PMCID: PMC8725416 DOI: 10.1186/s12995-021-00328-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Due to accelerating wildland fire activity, there is mounting urgency to understand, prevent, and mitigate the occupational health impacts associated with wildland fire suppression. The objectives of this review of academic and grey literature were to: 1. Identify the impact of occupational exposure to wildland fires on physical, mental, and emotional health; and 2. Examine the characteristics and effectiveness of prevention, mitigation, or management strategies studied to reduce negative health outcomes associated with occupational exposure to wildland fire. METHODS Following established scoping review methods, academic literature as well as government and industry reports were identified by searching seven academic databases and through a targeted grey literature search. 4679 articles were screened using pre-determined eligibility criteria. Data on study characteristics, health outcomes assessed, prevention or mitigation strategies studied, and main findings were extracted from each included document. The results of this scoping review are presented using descriptive tables and a narrative summary to organize key findings. RESULTS The final sample was comprised of 100 articles: 76 research articles and 24 grey literature reports. Grey literature focused on acute injuries and fatalities. Health outcomes reported in academic studies focused on respiratory health (n = 14), mental health (n = 16), and inflammation and oxidative stress (n = 12). The identified studies evaluated short-term outcomes measuring changes across a single shift or wildland fire season. Most research was conducted with wildland firefighters and excluded personnel such as aviation crews, contract crews, and incident management teams. Five articles reported direct study of mitigation strategies, focusing on the potential usage of masks, advanced hygiene protocols to reduce exposure, fluid intake to manage hydration and core temperature, and glutamine supplementation to reduce fatigue. CONCLUSIONS While broad in scope, the evidence base linking wildland fire exposure to any one health outcome is limited. The lack of long-term evidence on changes in health status or morbidity is a clear evidence gap and there is a need to prioritize research on the mental and physical health impact of occupational exposure to wildland fire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Koopmans
- Health Research Institute, University of Northern British Columbia, 3333 University Way, Prince George, BC, V2N 4Z9, Canada
| | - Katie Cornish
- Health Research Institute, University of Northern British Columbia, 3333 University Way, Prince George, BC, V2N 4Z9, Canada
| | - Trina M Fyfe
- Northern Medical Program, University of Northern British Columbia, 3333 University Way, Prince George, BC, V2N 4Z9, Canada
| | - Katherine Bailey
- School of Health Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia, 3333 University Way, Prince George, BC, V2N 4Z9, Canada
| | - Chelsea A Pelletier
- School of Health Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia, 3333 University Way, Prince George, BC, V2N 4Z9, Canada.
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Hot, Tired and Hungry: The Snacking Behaviour and Food Cravings of Firefighters During Multi-Day Simulated Wildfire Suppression. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12041160. [PMID: 32326354 PMCID: PMC7230571 DOI: 10.3390/nu12041160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Firefighters are exposed to numerous stressors during wildfire suppression, including working in hot temperatures and sleep restricted conditions. Research has shown that when sleep restricted, individuals choose foods higher in carbohydrates, fat, and sugar, and have increased cravings for calorie dense foods. However, there is currently no research on the combined effect of heat and sleep restriction on snacking behaviour. Conducting secondary analyses from a larger study, the current study aimed to investigate the impact of heat and sleep restriction on snacking behaviour and food cravings. Sixty-six firefighters completed three days of simulated physically demanding firefighting work and were randomly allocated to either the control (n = 18, CON; 19 °C, 8 h sleep opportunity), sleep restricted (n = 16, SR; 19 °C, 4-h sleep opportunity), hot (n = 18, HOT; 33 °C, 8 h sleep opportunity), or hot and sleep restricted (n = 14 HOT + SR; 33 °C, 4-h sleep opportunity) condition. During rest periods firefighters were able to self-select sweet, savoury, or healthy snacks from a ration pack and were asked to rate their hunger, fullness, and cravings every two hours (eating block). Mixed model analyses revealed no difference in total energy intake between conditions, however there was a significant interaction between eating block and condition, with those in the CON, HOT, and HOT + SR condition consuming significantly more energy between 1230 and 1430 compared to the SR condition (p = 0.002). Sleep restriction and heat did not impact feelings of hunger and fullness across the day, and did not lead to greater cravings for snacks, with no differences between conditions. These findings suggest that under various simulated firefighting conditions, it is not the amount of food that differs but the timing of food intake, with those that are required to work in hot conditions while sleep restricted more likely to consume food between 1230 and 1430. This has potential implications for the time of day in which a greater amount of food should be available for firefighters.
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Vincent GE, Karan S, Paterson J, Reynolds AC, Dominiak M, Ferguson SA. Impacts of Australian Firefighters' On-Call Work Arrangements on the Sleep of Partners. Clocks Sleep 2020; 2:39-51. [PMID: 33089189 PMCID: PMC7445837 DOI: 10.3390/clockssleep2010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
On-call work arrangements are commonly utilised in the emergency services sector and are consistency associated with inadequate sleep. Despite sleep being a common shared behaviour, studies are yet to assess the impact of on-call work on the sleep of co-sleeping partners. This study aimed to investigate whether frequent 24/7 on-call work impacted the sleep and relationship happiness of firefighters' partners. Two key research questions were investigated: (1) Does the frequency of calls impact sleep and relationship happiness? and, (2) Does the (a) sleep quantity and (b) sleep quality of partners impact perceived relationship happiness? A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire completed by partners of on-call workers (n = 66; 93% female). The questionnaire included items on (i) sleep quantity and quality, (ii) on-call sleep disturbances and, (iii) relationship happiness. Responses were analysed using logistic regression models. Higher overnight call frequency was associated with greater self-reported levels of inadequate sleep (<7 h per night; p = 0.024). Support for continuance of a firefighter's role was less likely if the partner reported they regularly had trouble falling asleep within 30 min (p < 0.001). There were no other significant relationships between the frequency of calls or other sleep quantity or quality variables and relationship happiness. This study provides important first insights into how firefighters' on-call work arrangements impact partners' sleep. Future research is needed across periods of high and low call demand, using objective measures of sleep to further define the impacts of on-call work on partners' sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace E Vincent
- Central Queensland University, Appleton Institute of Behavioural Science, Adelaide, SA 5034, Australia; (S.K.); (J.P.); (A.C.R.); (M.D.); (S.A.F.)
| | - Simone Karan
- Central Queensland University, Appleton Institute of Behavioural Science, Adelaide, SA 5034, Australia; (S.K.); (J.P.); (A.C.R.); (M.D.); (S.A.F.)
| | - Jessica Paterson
- Central Queensland University, Appleton Institute of Behavioural Science, Adelaide, SA 5034, Australia; (S.K.); (J.P.); (A.C.R.); (M.D.); (S.A.F.)
| | - Amy C Reynolds
- Central Queensland University, Appleton Institute of Behavioural Science, Adelaide, SA 5034, Australia; (S.K.); (J.P.); (A.C.R.); (M.D.); (S.A.F.)
- Central Queensland University, School of Health, Medical, and Applied Sciences, Adelaide, SA 5034, Australia
| | - Michelle Dominiak
- Central Queensland University, Appleton Institute of Behavioural Science, Adelaide, SA 5034, Australia; (S.K.); (J.P.); (A.C.R.); (M.D.); (S.A.F.)
| | - Sally A Ferguson
- Central Queensland University, Appleton Institute of Behavioural Science, Adelaide, SA 5034, Australia; (S.K.); (J.P.); (A.C.R.); (M.D.); (S.A.F.)
- Central Queensland University, School of Health, Medical, and Applied Sciences, Adelaide, SA 5034, Australia
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Kovac K, Vincent GE, Jay SM, Sprajcer M, Aisbett B, Lack L, Ferguson SA. The impact of anticipating a stressful task on sleep inertia when on-call. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2020; 82:102942. [PMID: 31479838 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2019.102942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Sleep inertia, the state of reduced alertness upon waking, can negatively impact on-call workers. Anticipation of a stressful task on sleep inertia, while on-call was investigated. Young, healthy males (n = 23) spent an adaptation, control and two counterbalanced on-call nights in the laboratory. When on-call, participants were told they would be woken to a high or low stress task. Participants were not woken during the night, instead were given a 2300-0700 sleep opportunity. Participants slept ∼7.5-h in all conditions. Upon waking, sleep inertia was quantified using the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale and Psychomotor Vigilance and Spatial Configuration Tasks, administered at 15-min intervals. Compared to control, participants felt sleepier post waking when on-call and sleepiest in the low stress compared to the high stress condition (p < .001). Spatial performance was faster when on-call compared to control (p < .001). Findings suggest that anticipating a high-stress task when on-call, does not impact sleep inertia severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katya Kovac
- Central Queensland University, Appleton Institute, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Wayville, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Grace E Vincent
- Central Queensland University, Appleton Institute, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Wayville, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Sarah M Jay
- Central Queensland University, Appleton Institute, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Wayville, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Madeline Sprajcer
- Central Queensland University, Appleton Institute, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Wayville, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Brad Aisbett
- Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Geelong, Australia
| | - Leon Lack
- School of Psychology, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Sally A Ferguson
- Central Queensland University, Appleton Institute, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Wayville, Adelaide, Australia
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Riedel M, Smolensky MH, Reinberg A, Touitou Y, Riedel C, Le Floc'h N, Clarisse R. Twenty-four-hour pattern of operations-related injury occurrence and severity of off-site/on-call volunteer French firefighters. Chronobiol Int 2019; 36:979-992. [PMID: 31043081 DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2019.1604538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
We assessed the 24-h pattern of operations-related injuries (ORI) experienced by scheduled off-site/on-call French volunteer firefighters (VFF) through analysis of an archival database. Occurrence and severity - evaluated by number of lost work days (LWD) and total medical costs (TMC) - of ORI were explored in terms of risk ratios, respectively, number of ORI/number of service operations (RRORI), number of LWD/number of ORI (RSLWD,) and TMC/number of ORI (RSTMC). Additionally, the collective work performance of all involved VFF was measured in terms of the lag time (LT) between emergency call-center firefighter-answered communication for service of observer-presumed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and departure of vehicle from fire station to render aid, designated LTOHCA. Cosinor and cross-correlation statistical methods were applied. A total of 252 ORI occurred while performing 146,479 service operations. High-amplitude 24 h variation was detected in RRORI (p < .003), SRLWD (p < .001), SRTMC (p < .012), and LTOHCA (p < .001), all with nocturnal peak time. Coherence was found between the day/night variation of LTOHCA and RRORI (r = 0.7, p < .0002), SRLWD (r = 0.5, p < .02), and SRTMC (r = 0.4, p < .05). This investigation verifies the occurrence and severity of ORI of scheduled off-site/on-call VFF exhibit high-amplitude 24 h patterning with nocturnal excess that closely coincides with their day/night work performance measured by LTOHCA. These findings, which are essentially identical to ones of a previous study entailing on-site/on-call career firefighters, indicate the need for fatigue management and ORI prevention programs not yet available to VFF, who compose the majority of the field service workforce of French fire departments. Abbreviations:FF: firefighters; CFF: career firefighters; VFF: volunteer firefighters; FD: fire department; LTOHCA: lag time (LT) response in min:sec between fire department call-center-answered communication for service of presumed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and departure from fire station of vehicle to render aid; LWD: lost work days; ORI: operations-related injuries; SRLWD: severity ratio of operations-related injuries in terms of number of lost work days, calculated as number of lost work days/number of operations-related injuries; RRORI: risk ratio of operations-related injuries calculated as number of operations-related injuries/number of operations; SRTMC: severity ratio of operations-related injuries in terms of total medical costs, calculated as total medical costs/number of operations-related injuries; TMC: total medical costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Riedel
- a Unité de chronobiologie, Fondation Adolphe de Rothschild , Paris , France.,b Université de Tours, Psychologie des Âges de la Vie et Adaptation , Tours , France.,c IFRASEC, Institut Français de Sécurité Civile , Paris , France
| | - Michael H Smolensky
- d Department of Biomedical Engineering , Cockrell College of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin , Austin , USA
| | - Alain Reinberg
- a Unité de chronobiologie, Fondation Adolphe de Rothschild , Paris , France
| | - Yvan Touitou
- a Unité de chronobiologie, Fondation Adolphe de Rothschild , Paris , France
| | - Cedric Riedel
- e Université de Montpellier , Faculté de Médecine , Montpellier , France
| | - Nadine Le Floc'h
- b Université de Tours, Psychologie des Âges de la Vie et Adaptation , Tours , France
| | - René Clarisse
- b Université de Tours, Psychologie des Âges de la Vie et Adaptation , Tours , France
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10
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Vincent GE, Ferguson S, Larsen B, Ridgers ND, Snow R, Aisbett B. Adding sleep restriction to the equation: impact on wildland firefighters' work performance and physiology in hot conditions. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2018; 91:601-611. [PMID: 29623407 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-018-1304-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/25/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the effects of sleep restriction on firefighters' physical task performance, physical activity, and physiological and perceived exertion during simulated hot wildfire conditions. METHODS 31 firefighters were randomly allocated to either the hot (n = 18, HOT; 33 °C, 8-h sleep opportunity) or hot and sleep restricted (n = 13, HOT + SR; 33 °C, 4-h sleep opportunity) condition. Intermittent, self-paced work circuits of six firefighting tasks were performed for 3 days. Firefighters self-reported ratings of perceived exertion. Heart rate, core temperature, and physical activity were measured continuously. Fluids were consumed ad libitum, and all food and fluids consumed were recorded. Urine volume and urine specific gravity (USG) were analysed and sleep was assessed using polysomnography (PSG). RESULTS There were no differences between the HOT and HOT + SR groups in firefighters' physical task performance, heart rate, core temperature, USG, or fluid intake. Ratings of perceived exertion were higher (p < 0.05) in the HOT + SR group for two of the six firefighting tasks. The HOT group spent approximately 7 min more undertaking moderate physical activity throughout the 2-h work circuits compared to the HOT + SR group. CONCLUSION Two nights of sleep restriction did not influence firefighters' physical task performance or physiological responses during 3 days of simulated wildfire suppression. Further research is needed to explore firefighters' pacing strategies during real wildfire suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace E Vincent
- Appleton Institute, Central Queensland University, 44 Greenhill Road, Wayville, SA, 5034, Australia. .,Bushfire Co-Operative Research Centre, East Melbourne, 3002, Australia. .,School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.
| | - Sally Ferguson
- Appleton Institute, Central Queensland University, 44 Greenhill Road, Wayville, SA, 5034, Australia.,Bushfire Co-Operative Research Centre, East Melbourne, 3002, Australia.,School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Brianna Larsen
- Bushfire Co-Operative Research Centre, East Melbourne, 3002, Australia.,School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.,Griffith Sports Physiology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Nicola D Ridgers
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Rod Snow
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Brad Aisbett
- Bushfire Co-Operative Research Centre, East Melbourne, 3002, Australia.,School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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McGillis Z, Dorman SC, Robertson A, Larivière M, Leduc C, Eger T, Oddson BE, Larivière C. Sleep Quantity and Quality of Ontario Wildland Firefighters Across a Low-Hazard Fire Season. J Occup Environ Med 2017; 59:1188-1196. [PMID: 29216017 PMCID: PMC5732643 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to assess the sleep quality, quantity, and fatigue levels of Canadian wildland firefighters while on deployment. METHODS Objective and subjective sleep and fatigue measures were collected using actigraphy and questionnaires during non-fire (Base) and fire (Initial Attack and Project) deployments. RESULTS Suboptimal sleep quality and quantity were more frequently observed during high-intensity, Initial Attack fire deployments. Suboptimal sleep was also exhibited during non-fire (Base) work periods, which increases the risk of prefire deployment sleep debt. Self-reported, morning fatigue scores were low-to-moderate and highest for Initial Attack fire deployments. CONCLUSIONS The study highlights the incidence of suboptimal sleep patterns in wildland firefighters during non-fire and fire suppression work periods. These results have implications for the health and safety practices of firefighters given the link between sleep and fatigue, in a characteristically hazardous occupation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary McGillis
- Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH), Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada (Mr McGillis, Dr Dorman, Mr Robertson, Dr Larivière, Mr Leduc, Dr Eger, Dr Oddson, Dr Larivière); School of Human Kinetics, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada (Mr McGillis, Dr Dorman, Mr Robertson, Dr Larivière, Mr Leduc, Dr Eger, Dr Oddson, Dr Larivière); Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada (Dr Dorman, Dr Larivière, Dr Larivière)
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Roach GD, Roberts P, Dawson D, Ferguson S, Meuleners L, Brook L, Sargent C. Controlling fatigue risk in safety-critical workplaces: A summary of selected papers from the 9th International Conference on Managing Fatigue in Transportation, Resources and Health. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2017; 99:379-382. [PMID: 27555462 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2016.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory D Roach
- Appleton Institute for Behavioural Science, Central Queensland University, PO Box 42, Goodwood, SA 5034, Australia.
| | - Paul Roberts
- ARRB Group Ltd., 191 Carr Place, Leederville, WA 6007, Australia.
| | - Drew Dawson
- Appleton Institute for Behavioural Science, Central Queensland University, PO Box 42, Goodwood, SA 5034, Australia.
| | - Sally Ferguson
- Appleton Institute for Behavioural Science, Central Queensland University, PO Box 42, Goodwood, SA 5034, Australia.
| | - Lynn Meuleners
- Curtin Monash Accident Research Centre, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia.
| | - Libby Brook
- School of Psychology and Exercise Science, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia.
| | - Charli Sargent
- Appleton Institute for Behavioural Science, Central Queensland University, PO Box 42, Goodwood, SA 5034, Australia.
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