Original scientific paper
Simulation of Working Conditions by Maximum Work Load on Firefighters
Hrvoje Lalić
Leonardo Bukmir
Mensur Ferhatović
Abstract
The aim of this research is to find out whether the firefighter manpower is adequate to the requirements in the field
under the most severe conditions. It also attempts to test whether firefighters´working ability corresponds to their age. To
that purpose 220 Croatian firefighters from the Littoral Mountainous county, 99 professional firefighters from the city of
Rijeka, 45 professional firefighters from its suburbs and 76 volunteer firefighters from the suburbs were submitted to
load test, fitness test – stepping on the bench for three minutes, repetitive power test – sit – ups lasting 1 minute, and a
leap – explosive power test. The fitness test was repeated carrying Dräger’s respiratory apparatus PSS 100 with compressed
air, so respiratory values were compared before and after the burden of the respiratory apparatus. The results
have shown that professional firefighters from the city have the mean increased body mass index (BMI) 26, and professionals
from the suburbs BMI 27. In spite of the increased body mass they showed good fitness, spirometric values before
and after the load showed neither restrictive nor obstructive ventilation difficulties, which indicates a good condition of
cardio respiratory system and also adequate protective equipment. The initial hypothesis has been confirmed: with age,
equipped with personnel does not necessarily mean operative equipment, because linear regressive analyses have shown
a negative correlation coefficient in relation to repetitive and explosive power. Also, on the average somewhat younger volunteer
firefighters are stronger in performing the repetitive power test (p<0.05) compared to professional firefighters. Occupational
medicine should suggest administrative health measures to improve the accelerated retirement plan and
shorten the shifts so that all available firefighters could instantaneously be included in the field intervention.
Keywords
firefighters; load tests; occupational medicine
Hrčak ID:
27306
URI
Publication date:
4.1.2007.
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