Novel Tools in Determining the Physiological Demands and Nutritional Practices of Ontario FireRangers during Fire Deployments

Abstract

IntroductionThe seasonal profession of wildland fire fighting in Canada requires individuals to work in harsh environmental conditions that are physically demanding. The purpose of this study was to use novel technologies to evaluate the physiological demands and nutritional practices of Canadian FireRangers during fire deployments.MethodsParticipants (n = 21) from a northern Ontario Fire Base volunteered for this study and data collection occurred during the 2014 fire season and included Initial Attack (IA), Project Fire (P), and Fire Base (B) deployments. Deployment-specific energy demands and physiological responses were measured using heart-rate variability (HRV) monitoring devices (Zephyr BioHarness3 units). Food consumption behaviour and nutrient quantity and quality were captured using audio-video food logs on iPod Touches and analyzed by NutriBase Pro 11 software.ResultsInsufficient kilocalories were consumed relative to expenditure for all deployment types. Average daily kilocalories consumed: IA: 3758 (80% consumption rate); P: 2945±888.8; B: 2433±570.8. Average daily kilocalorie expenditure: IA: 4538±106.3; P: 4012±1164.8; B: 2842±649.9. The Average Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) for protein was acceptable: 22–25% (across deployment types). Whereas the AMDR for fat and carbohydrates were high: 40–50%; and low: 27–37% respectively, across deployment types.ConclusionsThis study is the first to use the described methodology to simultaneously evaluate energy expenditures and nutritional practices in an occupational setting. The results support the use of HRV monitoring and video-food capture, in occupational field settings, to assess job demands. FireRangers expended the most energy during IA, and the least during B deployments. These results indicate the need to develop strategies centered on maintaining physical fitness and improving food practices.

Sleep Quantity and Quality of Ontario Wildland Firefighters Across a Low-Hazard Fire Season

“…The highest reaction times were noted for the Initial Attack deployments even though these were the shortest consecutive work periods in this study. This may suggest that acute periods of suboptimal sleep as observed for Initial Attack deployments in combination with the intensity of the work 4 and lengthy shifts (early start times and late shift end times for Initial Attack) may have a greater impact on reaction time performance.…”

“…Participants were provided with a personalized bag, identified with their participant number, for transporting study devices, which are detailed below. 4 During visit two, the study equipment was collected. It should be noted that researchers collected and returned the equipment periodically between deployments to extract data from the ActiSleep software, replace log booklets, and charge all electrical equipment.…”

“…The level of work intensity depends on the terrain and the area of Canada, but typically this work is less physically intense compared with Initial Attack fire deployments, which is due to more strategic and conservative fire suppression efforts. 4 When firefighters are not required on a fire line, they have scheduled work periods at their local Fire Management Headquarters (non-fire or Base deployment); here they engage in training, daily fitness, as well as rotating shifts “on alert” for fire line deployment.…”

Sleep in wildland firefighters: what do we know and why does it matter?

“…These differences may be due to (i) planned burn operations having more predictable rostering systems that are more easily adhered to, potentially minimising the number of extended shifts, and preserving night-time sleep opportunities; (ii) planned burn operations typically occurring before the fire season, and thus firefighters may feel less physically and mentally fatigued, compared with during the fire season; (iii) the sleeping locations during planned burn operations being either at homes or motels, whereas during wildfires, 22% of sleep periods occurred in temporary accommodation (e.g. tents, vehicles, cabins) (Vincent et al 2016b); (iv) although not all wildfires are physically demanding (Robertson et al 2017), the heightened physiological stress response caused by dangerous wildfire events or arduous fire seasons can influence sleep quantity and quality (Å kerstedt et al 2007;Petersen et al 2013).…”

“…The demands of wildland firefighting, containment and recovery work can vary between fire agencies, even within a state or region (Phillips et al 2012;Robertson et al 2017). Generally, the more intense work periods typically comprise carry, drag or raking movements (Dwyer and Brooker 2005;Phillips et al 2012), separated by periods of standing or walking.…”