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 AC 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 AC drill (ACD) at a standardized pace while breathing through a SCBA and a gas analyzer. A subsample completed another trial at a self-selected pace. RESULTS The average AC variability (±1 SD) 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 ACD time. CONCLUSIONS FF working at higher internal strain demonstrated poorer ACE. Improving metabolic tolerance may extend the SCBA's functional duration to enhance productivity and safety.