Evaluating cognitive skills and performance during multitasking in a real-life training scenario for first responders

This study investigates how multitasking affects the performance and cognitive load of First Responders (FRs) during a realistic training scenario. A total of 32 FRs, equipped with vital sign sensors and HoloLens2 glasses, were asked to navigate a dark, multi-level circuit while completing a primary and secondary task. Two types of secondary tasks were tested: a visual task engaging attentional control and an arithmetic task targeting working memory. Performance metrics, including the time invested to find the exit of the circuit, and physiological data: heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, and galvanic skin response were collected and analyzed. Results showed that the working memory task significantly increased the time needed to complete the primary task, whereas the attentional task did not negatively affect performance. Secondary task performance was also poorer in the working memory task, and physiological indicators confirmed an increase in cognitive load under both multitasking conditions, with heart rate and body temperature showing statistically significant changes. These findings suggest a trend toward improved performance under multitasking conditions when attention is required; however, this improvement did not reach statistical significance. In contrast, when working memory is engaged, multitasking appears to overload cognitive capacity, potentially compromising operational efficiency.