A physical demands analysis to identify and delineate critical physical tasks for physically demanding US air force occupations

BACKGROUND

Military physical fitness tests and standards often lack a scientific basis. Contrary to this traditional-historical precedent, US Air Force researchers use a "Two-Tier" health (Tier 1) and performance (Tier 2) approach to develop evidence-based criterion physical fitness tests, standards, and training. This study specifically and only addresses a physical demands analysis, the first step in a six-step process to develop Tier 2 occupationally specific, operationally relevant physical fitness tests and standards, and training guidance.

OBJECTIVE

This study conducted a physical demands analysis to identify and delineate occupationally specific, operationally relevant critical physical tasks for eight physically demanding US Air Force occupational specialties.

METHODS

A comprehensive five part physical demands analysis reviewed duty tasks, conducted focus groups, assessed incumbents, observed operational tasks, and interviewed senior leaders to detail critical physical tasks.

RESULTS

The physical demands analysis delineated duty tasks to critical physical tasks for Special Tactics (556 to 40), Pararescue (981 to 50), Tactical Air Control (415 to 44), Special Operations Weather (586 to 50), Explosive Ordnance Disposal (1107 to 39), Security Forces (1286 to 25), Fire and Emergency Services (802 to 39), and Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (1099 to 25).

CONCLUSIONS

The study approach proved efficacious for conducting a thorough physical demands analysis to identify and delineate occupationally specific, operationally relevant critical physical tasks for eight US Air Force physically demanding occupations. Critical physical tasks provide basis for the next overall research process step, developing physical task simulations to link to predictive physical fitness tests and training guidance.

Occupational Injuries of Spanish Wildland Firefighters: A Descriptive Analysis

The work of wildland firefighters, especially of the so-called 'Brigadas de Refuerzo contra Incendios Forestales', is characterised by high physical demands and extreme operating conditions. These professionals face long workdays (12 h), walking with heavy loads (~25 kg), being exposed to high temperatures (>30 °C), and handling specialised tools in high-risk environments. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of occupational injuries among members of the 'Brigadas de Refuerzo contra Incendios Forestales' and its relationship to variables such as age and work experience. A total of 217 wildland firefighters (18 female and 199 male) correctly answered a questionnaire developed on an ad hoc basis to meet the study's objectives. A high prevalence of occupational injuries was observed among them (~76%). Age and work experience were shown to be significantly associated with injuries. Individuals over 35 years of age with more than 10 years' experience had a higher probability of injury (OR = 2.14, CI = 1.12-4.06 and OR = 2.46, CI = 1.30-4.67, respectively). Injuries occurred mainly during physical training (~46%), followed by preventive work (~33%) and forest fires (~20%). The most common injuries were tendonitis and muscle pain (~44% and ~21% respectively), followed by sprains (~21%). The results underline the need for physical activity programmes adapted to help wildland firefighters, especially older and more experienced individuals. The identification of risk factors such as age and work experience can contribute to the prevention and management of occupational injuries among this group of highly specialised forestry workers. Specific preventative measures during training are required to mitigate the risk of injury among these crews, who play a crucial role in protecting the environment and public safety.

A comparison of historical versus proposed physical employment standards for flight paramedics performing helicopter winch rescue

BACKGROUND

Paramedics working in helicopter teams undertake water and land rescues. Historical assessments of role-related fitness were not developed using physical employment standards methodology.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the historical selection tests with new tests developed via contemporary scientific methodology.

METHODS

Candidates undergoing selection to the role of flight paramedic (n = 14; age 37±5 yrs, body mass index [BMI] 26±4 kg.m2) undertook existing paramedic selection tests on land and in water, measurements of task duration, maximum heart rate (HRmax), rate of perceived exertion (RPE6 - 20) and capillary blood lactate (Lacmax) were recorded. These results were compared to the same variables in experienced paramedics (n = 14; age 44±5 yrs, BMI 25±3 kg.m2) who undertook the new tests.

RESULTS

Land task duration (existing 17±2 min vs. proposed 7±2 min, p <  0.05) HRmax (existing 186±13 b.min-1 vs. proposed 173±11 b.min-1, p <  0.05), and Lacmax (existing 23±3 mmol.L-1 vs. proposed 8±2 mmol.L-1, p <  0.05) were higher in the existing test compared to the proposed tests. Water task duration (existing 12±2 min vs. proposed 10±1 min, p <  0.05) was longer in the existing test, but HRmax (existing 166±18 b.min-1 vs. proposed 167±15 b.min-1, p = 0.90), Lacmax (existing 11±4 mmol.L-1 vs. proposed 11±4 mmol.L-1, p = 0.90) did not differ. RPE6 - 20 did not differ between groups for water or land.

CONCLUSIONS

The historical land-based physical tests for paramedics differed from the proposed tests, however the water-based tests had similar duration and physiological demands. Use of tests not developed via established scientific methodologies risks eliminating candidates suitable to work in the role, or including candidates that are not.

Identifying the most important, frequent, and physically demanding tasks of Brazilian firefighters

This study aimed to identify the most important, frequently performed, and physically demanding tasks performed by Brazilian firefighters and to identify tasks that could be used to assess physical fitness. A subjective task analysis was conducted. Five hundred twenty-four firefighters (84% male; 16% females) responded to an online survey and rated 37 tasks across three domains (most important, most frequent, and most physically demanding). A dichotomous decision analysis was used to inform the proposed physical fitness tests. Wildland firefighting tasks presented the highest overall mean rate. Traffic control was considered the most important and frequently performed task. Lifeguard rescue was considered the most physically demanding task. The dichotomous analysis identified 14 essential tasks (seven structural firefighting and seven automobile accidents). The tasks identified may be helpful in developing criterion physical fitness tests and training programs related to firefighters' demands.Practitioner summary: The unpredictability, variability, and dangerousness of firefighting make it challenging to observe the physical demands imposed on firefighters. A subjective task analysis was conducted to identify essential tasks performed by Brazilian firefighters. Wildland firefighting, lifeguard rescue, automobile accidents, and structural firefighting tasks were the most important, frequent, and physically demanding.

Characterising the physical demands of critical tasks across the Royal Australian Air Force

BACKGROUND

Militaries have historically utilised generic physical fitness tests to assess physical readiness, but there has been a recent shift to develop physical employment standards (PES) based on actual job demands.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this investigation was to characterise the physical demands of critical tasks performed by Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) personnel to inform PES development.

METHODS

Job task analysis were performed for 27 RAAF trades. Criterion tasks were identified through a systematic approach involving workshops and field-observations. The identified tasks were assessed for dominant physical capacity and grouped into movement-based clusters. Psychophysiological measures were collected from personnel performing the tasks.

RESULTS

Of 87 criterion tasks, 92% were characterised as manual handling dominant. Across these 87 tasks the principal physical capacities were: muscular strength (59%), muscular endurance (52%) and cardiorespiratory endurance (39%). The most common movement clusters were Lift to Platform (44%) and Lift and Carry (38%). Lift to Platform tasks required lifting to a median height of 1.32 m (1.20 -1.65 m) and a median mass of 25.0 kg (21.0 -28.9 kg) per person. Median carry mass was 25.0 kg (22.4 -36.1 kg) per person and distance was 26.0 m (17.5 -50.0 m). Median task mean 'Vdot;O2, HR and RPE were 1.8 L.min- 1 (1.5-2.2 L.min- 1), 137 b.min- 1 (120-144) and 13 (12-14).

CONCLUSIONS

The high proportion of manual handling criterion tasks emphasises the importance of these activities and the underlying physical capacities for RAAF personnel. Current fitness assessments are unlikely to predict job task performance.

Protocol for identifying and characterising critical physical tasks in the military: Development and validation

BACKGROUND

When establishing Physical Employment Standards, validity is dependent on the correct identification and characterisation of critical job tasks.

OBJECTIVE

To develop and validate a standardised protocol for the identification, characterisation, and documentation of critical physical job tasks in military occupational specialities in the Swedish Armed Forces (SwAF), and propose a definition of critical physical job tasks for use in the SwAF.

METHODS

A protocol was drafted with three content domains, including a preliminary definition. Protocol content validity was iteratively assessed in two consecutive stages where ten subject experts rated relevance and simplicity. A consensus panel revised the protocol after each stage. Content validity index (CVI) was calculated as item-CVI (I-CVI) per each feature and as scale average (S-CVI/Ave) per content domain. Acceptable content validity thresholds were 0.78 and 0.90, respectively.

RESULTS

The validated protocol consisted of 35 items with an I-CVI≥0.90 and≥0.80 for relevance and simplicity, respectively. The S-CVI/Ave was 0.97 for relevance and 0.98 for simplicity. The protocol was language reviewed, reorganised for easy use, and approved by the consensus panel. The final protocol includes: background and aim of the protocol, the accepted generic and critical physical job task definitions, protocol instructions, subject expert-qualifications, job task source and characteristics.

CONCLUSION

A standardised protocol for identification and characterisation of critical job tasks in SwAF military occupational specialties was developed. The protocol content was rated relevant and simple by experts and will be of importance in future work establishing physical requirements in the SwAF.

Technical-tactical behavior analysis of general duty police officers during non-compliant suspect apprehensions: A novel approach to establish minimum force requirements

BACKGROUND

While effective apprehensions of non-compliant suspects are central to public safety, the minimal force needed to transition a suspect from standing to the ground, vital for apprehension success, has not been established.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the technical-tactical behaviors of general duty police officers during simulated apprehensions and quantify the minimum force required to destabilize non-compliant suspects.

METHODS

Task simulations conducted with 91 officers were analyzed to identify common grappling movements, strikes, control tactics, and changes in body posture. A separate assessment of 55 male officers aimed to determine the minimum force required for destabilization in five body regions (wrist, forearm, shoulder, mid-chest, and mid-back). Data are presented as mean±standard deviation.

RESULTS

On average, apprehensions took 7.3±3.2 seconds. While all officers used grappling movements (100%) and the majority employed control tactics (75%), strikes were seldom used (4%). Apprehensions typically began with a two-handed pull (97%; Contact Phase), 55% then attempted an arm bar takedown, followed by a two-handed cross-body pull (68%; Transition/Control Phase), and a two-handed push to the ground (19%; Ground Phase). All officers began in the upright posture, with most shifting to squat (75%), kneel (58%), or bent (45%) postures to complete the apprehension. The minimum force required to disrupt balance differed across body regions (wrist: 54±12 kg; forearm: 49±12 kg; shoulder: 42±10 kg; mid-chest: 44±11 kg; mid-back: 30±7 kg, all P < 0.05), except between the shoulder and chest (P = 0.19).

CONCLUSION

These findings provide insights that can enhance the design and accuracy of future apprehension evaluations and inform the optimization of law enforcement physical employment standards.

The ESA Parastronaut Feasibility Project: Investigating the Need and Contents of Physical Performance Tests for an Inclusive European Astronaut Corps

INTRODUCTION

In 2022, the European Space Agency (ESA) held the first astronaut selection since the beginning of space flight that allowed physically impaired astronaut candidates to be selected in an inclusive European astronaut corp. The main objective of the 'parastronaut feasibility project' is to investigate if physical performance tests (PPTs) should be part of future astronaut recruitments for an inclusive ESA astronaut corps to test their flight readiness. The objectives of this study are (1) to assess if future (para-)astronaut recruitment campaigns should include PPTs to ensure flight readiness, safety, and mission success; (2) if so, which areas of physical performance should be tested to mimic nominal and off-nominal crew activities during all phases of a space mission; and (3) to assess whether PPTs are compatible with the ethical principles of equal opportunity for an inclusive pool of astronaut candidates.

METHODS

58 subject matter experts with specialisations in space physiology, operational human space flight, space medicine, medical ethics or parasports were interviewed in two rounds using the Delphi method. Both qualitative and quantitative data were obtained, analysed, categorised, and visualised using the qualitative research tool NVivo and Excel.

RESULTS

Two thirds of the experts were in favour of adding PPTs to future astronaut selections and recommended to implement them for both physically unimpaired and physically impaired astronaut candidates. The main physical skills that should be examined are space-related, mission-specific coordination skills of the upper extremities, followed by endurance performance and stamina, dexterity of the upper extremities, motor learning ability and mobility.

CONCLUSION

Based on this study, it is clear that PPTs should be part of future astronaut selection campaigns. However, the content of these PPTs must be carefully evaluated and validated using existing data on crew activities before, during, and after space flight, while considering equal opportunities in the context of human space flight. Historical considerations have influenced current astronaut requirements, but this study's findings indicate a need to reassess these requirements for future inclusive selection campaigns, as their validity and necessity remain uncertain.

Physiological responses to treadmill exercise in size- and fitness-matched male and female firefighter applicants

Physiological responses during a standardised treadmill test for structural firefighting employment were compared in 41 pairs of size-matched, male and female applicants. Applicants wore personal exercise clothing, running shoes, and fire protective ensemble with self-contained breathing apparatus (added mass 21.2 ± 1.0 kg). Applicants walked at 1.56 m·s-1, completing a 5-min warm-up, 8-min at 10% grade, and then, progressive 1-min stages to exhaustion. The cut-score required completion of 13-min of exercise. Up to the cut-score, no differences in heart rate, oxygen uptake or minute ventilation were detected between sexes. At time 12:30-13:00 min, V̇O2 was 45.7 ± 0.6 vs. 44.2 ± 0.5 mL·kg-1·min-1 (body mass) for males and females, respectively. Despite similar physiological responses at minute 13, females worked at higher fractions of peak than males (p < 0.05). A second analysis compared a subset of 27 fitness-matched (V̇O2peak) male-female pairs. Fitness-matching further reduced or eliminated most observed differences in physiological responses, except small differences in breathing pattern. Practitioner Summary: Physiological responses during a standardised treadmill test for firefighter applicants were investigated in male and female applicants matched on size and fitness. Absolute responses to exercise were the same for both sexes when size-matched, but relative intensity was higher for females. Fitness-matching reduced or eliminated most previously observed differences. Abbreviations: NFPA: National Fire Protection Association; V̇O2: rate of oxygen consumption; V̇O2peak: rate of oxygen consumption at peak exercise; PAR-Q+: Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire Plus; SCBA: self-contained breathing apparatus; ANOVA: analysis of variance; V̇E: minute ventilation; V̇Epeak: minute ventilation at peak exercise; V̇E/V̇O2: ventilatory equivalent for oxygen.

Establishing Reference Data for Fitness Assessment of Law Enforcement Officers Using a Qualitative Systematic Review

Physical fitness tests are a standard means of evaluating the competence of police officers. This qualitative review aims (i) to document, compare, and examine the reference values available in the current literature regarding fitness tests for Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs), and (ii) to define reference values for the most used fitness tests to assess and predict police officer performance. A total of 1879 records were collected for review from two major literature databases, PubMed and ScienceDirect. After applying our exclusion criteria, a total of 19 studies were considered. All studies demonstrated acceptable methodological quality in fitness assessment, and the most used components were muscle strength, muscular endurance, muscle power, aerobic and anaerobic capacity, flexibility, and agility. This review provides (i) a methodological definition for the physical fitness assessment that helps select the most used fitness tests, (ii) a standardised methodology for establishing reference data for fitness tests appropriate for LEOs; and (iii) aggregate reference values for selected fitness tests. This may improve selection and retention procedures, considering that this group performs its duties in an environment and under conditions that differ from those of other occupational groups. Complementarily, this qualitative review also provides a foundation for developing effective interventions to improve each aspect of fitness testing for police officers.

The bookmark method to establish minimum performance standards for intensive care flight paramedics performing helicopter winch rescue

We aimed to use the bookmark method to establish minimum standards for selecting intensive care flight paramedics. Two subject matter expert (SME) focus groups reviewed nine videos of decreasing duration showing land and water helicopter rescue tasks. Focus Group 1 (FG1, n = 10) viewed videos individually off-site, whilst Focus Group 2 (FG2, n = 9) attended a face-to-face session. All SMEs selected the video they judged as the appropriate pace for the task then reviewed feedback. For both groups, the process was repeated until 80% agreement was achieved, or three rounds were completed (whichever occurred first). FG1 and FG2 achieved agreement after two rounds for the land task. For the water task, FG1 did not reach agreement. FG2 reached consensus after two rounds. The selected task durations were similar. The bookmark method is valuable to determine performance standards for performing winch rescue, and SMEs are more likely to reach consensus when face-to-face.

The Validity and Reliability of a Treadmill Test for Structural Firefighter Applicants

OBJECTIVE

This 2-part study evaluated validity and reliability of a treadmill test for structural firefighters.

METHODS

Wearing fire protective ensemble, 260 participants walked at 1.56 m·s-1, completing a 5-min warm-up, an 8-min stage at a 5.71° incline, then graded stages to exhaustion. In Part 2, 21 participants completed the test on 3 separate days under standardized conditions.

RESULTS

Average (±SD) oxygen uptake () during minutes 1-13 was similar to reported values for simulated fire-rescue work. During the 13th min, was consistent with recommendations for firefighters. in Part 2, exercise duration increased between trials 1 and 2 before stabilizing but was consistent.

CONCLUSIONS

Congruence with reported during simulated firefighting and recommendations for confirmed validity. Acceptable test-retest reliability was demonstrated. We conclude that the test is valid and reliable for evaluating cardiorespiratory endurance for firefighting.

Police Training in Practice: Organization and Delivery According to European Law Enforcement Agencies

Police training plays a crucial role in the development of police officers. Because the training of police officers combines various educational components and is governed by organizational guidelines, police training is a complex, multifaceted topic. The current study investigates training at six European law enforcement agencies and aims to identify strengths and challenges of current training organization and practice. We interviewed a total of 16 police instructors and seven police coordinators with conceptual training tasks. A thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke, 2006; Terry et al., 2017) was conducted and results organized in the two main themes evident across all six law enforcement agencies: organization of training and delivery of training. Results show that governmental structures and police executive boards are seen as the primary authorities that define the training framework in which police instructors operate. These administrative structures regulate distant and immediate resources, such as available training time, training facilities, equipment, and personnel. Within the confines of available resources and predetermined training frameworks, results indicate that police instructors thoroughly enjoy teaching, creating supportive and motivating learning environments, and applying their personal learning perspectives to training. Nonetheless, police instructors are critical of the level of training they are able to achieve with the available resources.

Evidence for Validity and Reliability, and Development of Performance Standards and Cut-Scores for Job-Related Tests of Physical Aptitude for Structural Firefighters

OBJECTIVE

This multi-part study aimed to revise an existing battery of physical aptitude tests for firefighter applicants. Test validity and reliability were evaluated and performance thresholds were determined.

METHODS

In Part I, 49 structural firefighters rated the similarity between the physical demands of the tests and corresponding work activities. In Part II, 23 participants completed the tests on 3 separate days. In Part III, cut-scores were determined using the Bookmark method by an expert panel of 25 firefighter supervisors.

RESULTS

Analysis revealed high levels of validity and reliability. The expert panel provided invaluable direction through a combination of independent and group work, leading to consensus on acceptable completion times.

CONCLUSION

Rigorous processes established scientific credibility for the revised battery of tests. Expert knowledge from firefighter supervisors contributed to determining cut-scores following established scientific methods.

Development of physical employment standards of specialist paramedic roles in the National Ambulance Resilience Unit (Naru)

AIM

To develop evidence-based role-specific physical employment standards and tests for National Ambulance Resilience Unit (NARU) specialist paramedics.

METHODS

Sixty-two (53 men, 9 women) paramedics performed an array of (1) realistic reconstructions of critical job-tasks (criterion job performance); (2) simplified, easily-replicable simulations of those reconstructions and; (3) fitness tests that are portable and/or practicable to administer with limited resources or specialist equipment. Pearson's correlations and ordinary least products regression were used to assess relationships between tasks and tests. Performance on reconstructions, subject-matter expert and participant ratings were combined to derive minimum acceptable job performance levels, which were used to determine cut-scores on appropriate correlated simulations and tests.

RESULTS

The majority of performance times were highly correlated with their respective simulations (range of r: 0.73-0.90), with the exception of those replicating water rescue (r range: 0.28-0.47). Regression compatibility intervals provided three cut-scores for each job-task on an appropriate simulation and fitness test.

CONCLUSION

This study provides a varied and easily-implementable physical capability assessment for NARU personnel, empirically linked to job performance, with flexible options depending on organisational requirements.

Identifying Physically Demanding Tasks Performed by the Royal Australian Navy for the Development of a Physical Employment Standard

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine an appropriate method to characterize Royal Australian Navy intermittent intensity tasks.

METHOD

Sixteen personnel performed four scenarios: (1) storing: repeatedly handle a 10 to 15 kg crate; (2) firefighting: walk 45 m wearing protective equipment and fighting a fire; (3) and (4) toxic hazard response: casualty evacuation tasks wearing protective equipment. Heart rate and oxygen consumption ((Equation is included in full-text article.)) were measured continuously. Mean and peak values and time spent in incremental zones were calculated.

RESULTS

Scenario 2 elicited the highest oxygen cost (18.1 L, mean (Equation is included in full-text article.)1.5 L.min, time >2.5 L.min: 0.8%), yet scenario 4 elicited the highest mean (Equation is included in full-text article.)(1.8 L.min, oxygen cost 14.4 L), and participants spent a greater duration >2.5 L.min(Equation is included in full-text article.)(23.3% or 1 minute 55 seconds).

CONCLUSIONS

A small difference (0.3 L.min) was observed between scenarios 2 and 4 for mean (Equation is included in full-text article.), yet (Equation is included in full-text article.)>2.5 L.min demonstrated scenario 4 had a higher metabolic demand.

The Ottawa Paramedic Physical Ability Test: test-retest reliability and analysis of sex-based performance differences

The Ottawa Paramedic Physical Ability Test (OPPAT) is a physical employment standard (PES) that candidates must pass as a pre-hire requirement and that incumbents may have to pass prior to returning to work after absence, to demonstrate their physical capabilities as required to safely meet the demands of paramedic work. Consistent with best practice guidelines for PES development, it is important to establish reliability and to investigate sex-based performance differences. Active duty paramedics completed the OPPAT twice while candidates completed the OPPAT six times. Across all participants, a median improvement of 76.0 s was observed in OPPAT performance (922.0-846.0 s) between trial 1 and trial 2. Among candidates, OPPAT performance stabilised by the fourth trial confirming reliability. Sex-based analyses revealed median differences in OPPAT performance time of 39.0 and 63.0 s between males and females during the first and second trials respectively. Practitioner summary: Active duty paramedics and candidates performed the Ottawa Paramedic Physical Ability Test (OPPAT) faster following familiarisation. Among candidates, performance time stabilised by the fourth trial. Performance time was slower among females, but this had less impact on females' ability to meet the OPPAT standard.

Evaluating the effect of a strength and conditioning program to improve paramedic candidates' physical readiness for duty

BACKGROUND

The Ottawa Paramedic Physical Ability Test (OPPAT™) is a physical employment standard for the paramedic sector. If a candidate is unsuccessful in meeting the OPPAT™ performance standard they should be provided with an appropriate accommodation, such as a strength and conditioning program, to improve performance.

OBJECTIVE

Develop, implement and evaluate the effectiveness of a 4-week strength and conditioning program on improving OPPAT™ performance and associated fitness measures in paramedic candidates.

METHODS

A 4-week strength and conditioning program was developed to focus on strength and power improvements. Based on initial OPPAT™ performance, participants were divided into high and low performing groups; only the low performing group received the training intervention. OPPAT™ completion times and relevant fitness measures were compared pre- to post- intervention and between groups.

RESULTS

Over the 4-weeks, peak lower body power and grip strength did not significantly improve in the intervention group, however OPPAT™ performance improved by 10%. The control group had significantly lower OPPAT™ completion times both pre- and post-intervention (19% and 11% lower respectively), as well as greater grip strength and peak lower body power.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of a targeted strength and conditioning program successfully improved OPPAT™ performance in low performing candidates.

Examining wildland fire fighter candidate pass rates over five years post-implementation on a newly-developed physical employment standard1

BACKGROUND

To assess the post-implementation impact of the Canadian Type 1 Wildland Fire Fighter (WFF) Fitness Test Circuit (WFX-FIT), a retrospective descriptive analysis of anonymized aggregate data collected between 2012-2016 was conducted.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives were to examine the pass rates of Type 1 WFF in each fire jurisdiction and on the standard for exchanging Type 1 WFF between agencies, the interagency exchange standard, by age group and sex and to propose what other information could be of value in assessing the effectiveness of implementing a physical employment standard.

METHODS

Frequencies and pass rate percentages were compared by sex and age groups (<40 years, ≥40 years).

RESULTS

Between 2012-2016, pass rates for all participants on the jurisdictional and interagency exchange performance standards improved from 93.2% to 95.6% and 79.1% to 87.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that since the WFX-FIT was implemented, there has been an increase in the number of exchange-eligible Type 1 WFF for suppression of wildfires in Canada.

Physical employment standard for Canadian wildland firefighters: examining test-retest reliability and the impact of familiarisation and physical fitness training

To assess the impact of repeat performances (familiarisation) plus exercise training on completion time for the Ontario Wildland Firefighter (WFF) Fitness Test circuit (WFX-FIT), normally active general population participants (n = 145) were familiarised to the protocol then randomised into (i) exercise training, (ii) circuit only weekly performances or (iii) controls. At Baseline, the WFX-FIT pass rate for all groups combined was 11% for females and 73% for males, indicating that the Ontario WFX-FIT standard had a possible adverse impact on females. Following test familiarisation, mean circuit completion times improved by 11.9% and 10.2% for females and males, respectively. There were significant improvements in completion time for females (19.8%) and males (16.9%) who trained, plus females (12.2%) and males (9.8%) who performed the circuit only, while control participants were unchanged. Post training, the pass rate of the training group was 80% for females and 100% for males. Practitioner Summary: This paper details the impact of familiarisation plus exercise training as accommodation to mitigate potential adverse impact on initial attack wildland firefighter test performance. The results underscore the importance of test familiarisation opportunities and physical fitness training programmes that are specific to the demands of the job.

Physical employment standard for Canadian wildland fire fighters; developing and validating the test protocol

Developing the Canadian initial attack (IA) wildland fire fighter (WFF) physical employment standard (WFX-FIT) began in a previous investigation with a physical demands analysis in which hand and back carrying a 28.5 kg pump, back carrying a 25 kg hose pack and advancing charged hose were identified as the critical IA emergency tasks. In the present study, a circuit was created incorporating simulations of the critical tasks with faster completion times required for provinces with more arduous terrains. The oxygen cost (mean ± SD VO₂ mL∙kg^-1∙min^-1) of performing IA WFF tasks sequentially on the job was 37 ± 6 compared to 37 ± 4 when performing the WFX-FIT, indicating strong construct validity. Content validation ratings comparing the likeness of on-the-job tasks to simulated tasks in the WFX-FIT provided strong agreement. These validations confirm that the physical demands involved in performing the WFX-FIT are the same as IA wildland fire fighting. Practitioner Summary: This paper details the process used to develop and validate the physical employment standard for jurisdictional employment and national exchange of IA WFF. The range of cut-scores reflects the differences in jurisdictional physical demands due to terrain difficulty, fire management policy on fire risk and forest value index.

Influence of work clothing on physiological responses and performance during treadmill exercise and the Wildland Firefighter Pack Test

This study investigated physiological responses and performance during three separate exercise challenges (Parts I, II, and III) with wildland firefighting work clothing ensemble (boots and coveralls) and a 20.4 kg backpack in four conditions: U-EX (no pack, exercise clothing); L-EX (pack, exercise clothing); U-W (no pack, work clothing); and, L-W (pack and work clothing). Part I consisted of randomly-ordered graded exercise tests, on separate days, in U-EX, L-EX and L-W conditions. Part II consisted of randomly-ordered bouts of sub-maximal treadmill exercise in the four conditions. In Part III, subjects completed, in random-order on separate days, 4.83 km Pack Tests in L-EX or L-W conditions. In Part I, peak oxygen uptake was reduced (p < .05) in L-W. In Part II, mass-specific oxygen uptake was significantly higher in both work clothing conditions. In Part III, Pack Test time was slower (p < .05) in L-W. These results demonstrate the negative impact of work clothing and load carriage on physiological responses to exercise and performance.

Job task characteristics of Australian emergency services volunteers during search and rescue operations

Search and rescue operations are necessary in locating, assisting and recovering individuals lost or in distress. In Australia, land-based search and rescue roles require a range of physically demanding tasks undertaken in dynamic and challenging environments. The aim of the current research was to identify and characterise the physically demanding tasks inherent to search and rescue operation personnel within Australia. These aims were met through a subjective job task analysis approach. In total, 11 criterion tasks were identified by personnel. These tasks were the most physically demanding, frequently occurring and operationally important tasks to these specialist roles. Muscular strength was the dominant fitness component for 7 of the 11 tasks. In addition to the discrete criterion tasks, an operational scenario was established. With the tasks and operational scenario identified, objective task analysis procedures can be undertaken so that practitioners can implement evidence-based strategies, such as physical selection procedures and task-based physical training programs, commensurate with the physical demands of search and rescue job roles. Practitioner Summary: The identification of physically demanding tasks amongst specialist emergency service roles predicates health and safety strategies which can be incorporated into organisations. Knowledge of physical task parameters allows employers to mitigate injury risk through the implementation of strategies modelled on the precise physical demands of the role.

The Influence of Body Mass on Physical Fitness Test Performance in Male Firefighter Applicants

OBJECTIVE

The influence of body mass on test performance was investigated in 414 male firefighter applicants who completed a maximal treadmill test and five task-simulation tests while dressed in fire protective ensemble.

METHODS

Subjects were assigned to six mass categories from less than 70 kg to more than 110 kg, in 10 kg increments (n = 69 in each).

RESULTS

Treadmill performance was lower (P < 0.05) in the two heaviest groups. Charged hose advance time was slower in the two lightest groups. The lightest group had slower times for weighted sled pull, forcible entry, and victim rescue tests. The heaviest group was slower on the ladder climb test.

CONCLUSION

Lighter subjects had a small advantage in endurance-oriented tests while higher mass appeared to improve performance slightly in strength-oriented tests. However, mass explained only 4% to 19% of the variance in performance.

Identifying the critical physical demanding tasks of paramedic work: Towards the development of a physical employment standard

Public safety related occupations including police, fire and military commonly apply physical employment standard (PES) to facilitate job matching, an approach to evaluate if candidates demonstrate acceptable physical capabilities as required to perform the job safely and effectively. In Canada, paramedics remain as one of the few public safety occupations without an evidence-based, validated PES. The purpose of this study was to document and describe the physical demands of paramedic work and to identify the most physically demanding tasks. These outcomes are essential to inform the design and development of an evidence-based PES for the paramedic sector. Physical demands of paramedic work were documented and described using a direct observation-based task analysis technique. Five paramedic's were trained to document the physical demands of their work, then applied their training to observe more than 90 calls over the course of 20 full 12-h work shifts. Physical demands data were then listed in a survey, administered service-wide, where 155 frontline paramedics identified critically demanding tasks and rank-ordered physical demands from not physically demanding to very strongly demanding. Critically important and physically demanding tasks were identified such as: transferring a patient; loading or unloading a stretcher in to or out of the ambulance; performing CPR; and, raising and lowering a stretcher. It is important that a paramedic-based PES evaluate a candidate's physical capabilities to perform the critical and physically demanding tasks identified in this study.