Psychological, cognitive, and physiological impact of hazards casualties' trainings on first responders: the example of a chemical and radiological training. An exploratory study

• DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1336701
• Publication Date: 2024-01-30T04:20:54Z
• Authors: Louise Giaume; Barbara Le Roy; Yann Daniel; Heloise Lauga Cami; Daniel Jost; Stéphane Travers; Marion Trousselard
• Keywords: Exploratory research

Background First responders are among the first to respond hazards casualties. They might operate in volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environments. While they have underlined need improve their knowledge training face these environments, there few data regarding stress induced by trainings. Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN) casualties' trainings seem be a good model of “ vivo ” stress. must hostile encountered environment with CBRN protective equipment that places demand on psychological, cognitive, physiological capacities. Current research recognizes activity parasympathetic system (PSS) can used as an objective marker adaptation, measured heart rate variability (HRV). Objectives To compare between baseline simulation evolution (primary outcome), anxiety, emotions, cognitive load, body posture awareness (secondary outcomes). Methods A total 28 attended three simulated scenarios requiring management One day before simulation, we collected HRV (baseline). The simulations' (pre-, post-simulation) anxiety score (STAI-Y B), emotions (SPANE), load (NASA TLX), (PAS) HRV. morning after PAS (recovery). We data' different times simulation. Results (i) high level at [ Median 51 (46; 56)] which decreased pre- post-simulation ( p = 0.04; F 2.93); (ii) decrease negative feelings 0.03); (iii) returned initial recovery 0.03; 3.48); (iv) mean RR baseline, 0.009; 5.11). There were no significant difference others analysis Conclusion Prior participants experienced anticipatory anxiety. Simulations practiced regularly could one way combat