Into the Fire

Rougeau, Kathryn

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/75869 Copy

Description

Title

Into the Fire

Author(s)

Rougeau, Kathryn

Contributor(s)

Exercise Psychophysiology Laboratory Illinois Fire Service Institue (IFSI)

Issue Date

2015-04

Keyword(s)

Kinesiology

Abstract

As the sun sets on a fall evening in Champaign, recruit firefighters at the Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) work toward the successful completion of essential firefighting skills. During this time, recruits are required to enter a burning structure to complete Night-burn tasks of forcible entry, fire attack as well as search-and-rescue. As first responders, firefighters put their lives on the line when responding to emergencies. Our research adds to existing data on the well-being of active duty firefighters. While the majority of fitness research in firefighters has examined the cardiorespiratory and cardiovascular health of this group of individuals, our emphasis is placed on cognitive changes seen following prolonged exposure to high heat, high stress environments. The image depicts silhouettes of a support team standing by while a tandem group exchanges oxygen tanks on a smoke-filled balcony. The Exercise Psychophysiology Laboratory collects self-reported data on measures of tolerance, exercise intensity, perceived fitness, and aerobic fitness throughout the 6-week fire training program as well as conducting cognitive tests assessing cognitive inhibition and working memory immediately pre and post Night-burn drills. The information we are collecting can be used to help aid in the safety of these and other first responders.

Type of Resource

• text
• image

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/75869

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