The impact of deprivation on the psychological safety of firefighters: results of a preliminary study

Introduction. The readiness of firefighters to perform tasks is one of the main criteria that measure the effectiveness and timeliness of actions aimed at ensuring safety. Undoubtedly, safety is a top priority that requires the full commitment of specialists. A comprehensive study of possible obstacles hindering the implementation of measures in this area will allow you to respond promptly to any changes. As part of the study of the psychological safety of firefighters, a preliminary study of sensory deprivation and functional conditions when working in an inhospitable environment was, conducted. This area has not been, practically explored within the framework of psychological science. The purpose of the study is to study the current conditions of firefighters who are in conditions of deprivation when performing combat missions in an environment unsuitable for breathing. Presumably, "deprived" specialists are mainly under the influence of negative conditions: anger, fear, anxiety, fatigue, etc. Materials and methods. The sample was formed from employees of fire and rescue units: males aged 24 to 52 years (M=37.11, SD=6.1); service experience in the field of firefighting from 5 to 33 years (M=15.64, SD=6.63). The author's questionnaires were used in the study. The study and processing of the obtained data is implemented using content analysis, hierarchical cluster, and exploratory factor analysis, using IBM SPSS Statistics, version 23. Results. The conditions were studied in three directions (stages). The conditions accompanying sensory deprivation have been identified: mobilization; control; responsibility; attention; tension. And also successive changes of states in each of the stages are recorded, respectively. Conclusions. Sensory deprivation is defined as an integral component of working in an inhospitable environment. The conditions characteristic of sensory deprivation begin to be actualized even at the pre-work stage.