Examination of a new functional firefighter fitness test

Abstract

Firefighters must meet certain physical requirements. This study compares the demands of a new firefighting-specific tasks test with an existing laboratory test. Thirty-five male subjects were tested. In both tests, the subjects wore a complete firefighting outfit including breathing apparatus, but not the usual facemask. Test durations were 8 min (existing test) vs ≈10 min (new test). Peak oxygen uptake was similar in the tests, ≈45 ml · kg⁻¹ min⁻¹. The time with an oxygen uptake above 35 ml kg⁻¹ min⁻¹ was longer in the new test, 6.4 vs 4.7 min. The results suggest that the new test is as demanding as the traditional test and offers the advantages of being more specific. The new test could therefore serve as an alternative to the existing test. Based on regression analysis of the two tests, a pass/fail time of 10 min 30 s is suggested.

Keywords:

• firefighting
• strenuous exercise
• lung ventilation
• oxygen uptake
• ratings of perceived exertion
• field-testing

Acknowledgements

Our sincere thanks to the staff at Fredrikstad Fire and Rescue Brigade for their efforts in developing the test and serving as test subjects.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.