Key result
SCBA confidence course training produced higher peak estimated core temperature and peak heart rate compared to circuit training.
Why the study?
Firefighting is dangerous and training carries substantial risks, prompting a comparison of the physiological strain of self-contained breathing apparatus confidence courses against live-fire and circuit training.
Does SCBACC produce greater physiological strain compared to circuit training and live-fire training in cadet firefighters?
Observational (n=52)
Does SCBACC produce greater physiological strain compared to circuit training and live-fire training in cadet firefighters?
SCBA confidence course training produces physiological strain (peak HR and core temperature) equivalent to live-fire training and greater than circuit training.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
SCBA course training may increase exertional heat illness risk versus circuit training; hypothesis-generating and requires prospective confirmation before practice change.
Firefighting is a dangerous occupation and even training carries substantial risks. Self-contained breathing apparatus confidence courses (SCBACC) are a common type of training. PURPOSE: Compare the physiological strain of SCBACC to live-fire training (LFT) and circuit training (CT) among academy cadets. METHODS: Cadets wore physiologic status monitors to assess heart rate (HR) and estimated core temperature (ECT) during CT, LFT, and SCBACC of similar duration (33-38 min). RESULTS: Data from 52 cadet firefighters (28 ± 4 yrs old) were analyzed. ECT (38.6 ± 0.4 vs 39.3 ± 0.7 vs. 39.3 ± 0.6ᵒC), peak HR (182.6 ± 9.1 vs. 192.7 ± 9.5 vs 195.9 ± 9.6 bpm), and age-predicted maximal HR (APMHR%; 94.6 ± 4.6 vs 99.9 ± 4.9 vs. 101.5 ± 4.8%) were significantly (p < 0.05) lower for CT than SCBACC and LFT, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: SCBACC produced physiological strain greater than CT and similar to LFT. SCBACC resulted in sustained HR at 100% of age-predicted maximal values, a peak ECT of 39.3 °C, and should be considered as physiologically stressful as LFT.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Wilkinson et al. (2019) conducted an observational in Healthy cadet firefighters (n=52). Self-contained breathing apparatus confidence course (SCBACC) vs. Circuit training (CT) and live-fire training (LFT) was evaluated on Estimated core temperature (ECT) (p=<0.05). SCBA confidence course training produced higher peak estimated core temperature and peak heart rate compared to circuit training.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: