A comparison of two physical ability tests for firefighters

Abstract

Smoke diving is physically demanding, and firefighters must therefore meet certain minimum physical requirements. The aim of this study was to compare the physiological demands of two fire fitness tests: a test of 8-min treadmill walking approved by the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority (NLIA) (a laboratory test) and a Canadian test consisting of 10 firefighting specific tasks carried out in sequence (an applied field test). If the Canadian field test is as physically demanding as the NLIA-approved laboratory test, it may be suitable for testing Norwegian firefighters. Twenty-two male professional firefighters were tested on separate days. In both tests, the subjects wore a complete firefighting outfit including a breathing apparatus. The test durations were 8 min (NLIA test) versus approximately 6 min (Canadian test). Neither the peak O₂ uptake (VO₂) of approximately 45 ml kg ^− 1 min ^− 1 nor the blood lactate concentration (BLC) at test termination ( ≈ 9 mmol L ^− 1) differed between the two tests. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE_CR-10) was lower for the Canadian test than for the Norwegian test (5.2  ±  1.5 vs. 7.0  ±  2.0, respectively), and the exercise time at a high VO₂ was also shorter. In conclusion, the Canadian test appeared to be almost as physically demanding as the NLIA-approved test, having equal peak VO₂ and BLC, but shorter time at a high VO₂ and shorter duration. It might thus be a suitable alternative to the NLIA test with some modifications. The advantage of the Canadian field test is the inclusion of specific firefighting-like tasks that are not part of the NLIA test.

Abstract

Practitioner summary: The physiological load from two firefighter fitness tests was compared. The demands were found to be similar, but the field test was of a shorter duration. With some modifications, the field test may be sufficiently demanding to be used as a fire fitness test for smoke divers in Norway.

Keywords::

• firefighting
• blood lactate concentration
• lung/pulmonary ventilation (V_E)
• oxygen uptake
• ratings of perceived exertion
• testing