The Effects of Simulated Wildland Firefighting Tasks on Core Temperature and Cognitive Function under Very Hot Conditions

• DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00815
• Publication Date: 2017-10-24T05:37:38Z
• Authors: F. Michael Willia...; Brad Aisbett; Bernadette A. Murphy; Brianna Larsen
• Keywords: Core temperature

Background: The severity of wildland fires is increasing due to continually hotter and drier summers. Firefighters are required make life altering decisions on the fireground, which requires analytical thinking, problem solving, situational awareness. This study aimed determine effects very hot (45°C; HOT) conditions cognitive function following periods simulated wildfire suppression work when compared a temperate environment (18°C; CON). Methods: Ten male volunteer firefighters intermittently performed fireground task for 3 h in both CON HOT environments, with tests (paired associates learning spatial span) assessed at baseline (cog 1) during final 20-min each hour 2, 3, 4). Reaction time was also cog 1 4. Pre- post- body mass were recorded, core skin temperature measured continuously throughout protocol. Results: There no differences between trials any assessments, regardless complexity. While reached 38.7°C (compared only 37.5°C CON; p < 0.01), declined assessments (at rate -0.15 ± 0.20 °C.hr-1 -0.63 0.12 trial respectively). maintained their pre-exercise conditions, indicating euhydration. Conclusions: It likely that this maintenance euhydration relative drop experienced physical bouts responsible preservation firefighters' present study.