Evaluation of Air Consumption Efficiency in Structural Firefighters

Objective This study examines variability in air consumption (AC) between firefighters (FF) working at a standardized pace, evaluates the relationship between air consumption efficiency (ACE) and work economy, identifies parameters associated with ACE, and explores the relationship between ACE and self-paced work rate. Methods FF completed randomized trials of an air consumption drill at a standardized pace while breathing through a self-contained breathing apparatus and a gas analyzer. A subsample completed another trial at a self-selected pace. Results The average AC variability (±1 standard deviation) was ∼3.1 min of cylinder usage (13.7%). AC was positively associated with work economy and numerous physiological and anthropometric outcomes. No relationship was found between ACE and self-paced air consumption drill time. Conclusions FF working at higher internal strain demonstrated poorer ACE. Improving metabolic tolerance may extend the self-contained breathing apparatus' functional duration to enhance productivity and safety.