Dissertations / Theses: 'Firefighters’'

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Krause, Robert C. "What is Killing Firefighters? A Study of Volunteer Firefighter Fatalities." Bowling Green State University / OhioLINK, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1563365156751977.

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Lindberg, Ann-Sofie. "Firefighters' physical work capacity." Doctoral thesis, Umeå universitet, Idrottsmedicin, 2014. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-88729.

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The overall aim of this thesis was to identify valid, simple, and inexpensive physical tests that can be used for evaluation of firefighters’ physical work capacity. Paper I included fulltime- and part-time firefighters (n = 193), aged 20-60 years. Perceived physical demands of firefighting work tasks were ranked, and comparisons between subject groups rating were done with the Mann Whitney U-test and Binominal test. Papers II and III included male firefighters and civilian men and women (n = 38), aged 24-57 years. Laboratory and field tests of aerobic fitness, muscle strength and endurance, balance, and simulated firefighting work tasks were performed. Physical capacity comparisons between subject groups were done and bivariate correlations between physical tests and work capacity in the simulated firefighting work tasks analyzed. Paper IV included the same subjects as in Paper II-III (training-set), and additional 90 subjects (prediction-set), aged 20-50 years. Laboratory and field tests of aerobic fitness, muscle strength and endurance and balance, and simulated firefighting work tasks were included. Data from the training-set was used to build models for prediction of firefighters’ physical work capacity, using multivariate statistic. The prediction-set was used to externally validate the selected models. Several work tasks were rated as physically demanding and significant differences (p < 0.05) in ratings were found between full-time and part-time firefighters (Paper I). Significant differences were found between subject groups in physical capacity, and work capacity (p < 0.01) (Paper II-IV). Both laboratory and field tests were significantly (p < 0.01) correlated with work capacity time (Paper II-III). The prediction (R2) and predictive power (Q2) of firefighters’ work capacity (Carrying hose baskets upstairs, Hose pulling, Demolition at or after a fire, Victim rescue, and Carrying hose baskets over terrain) was R2 = 0.74 to 0.91, and Q2 = 0.65 to 0.85, and the external validation ranged between R2: 0.38 to 0.80 (Paper IV). In conclusion, rowing 500 m (s), maximal handgrip strength (kg), endurance bench press (n), running 3000 m (s and s scaled to body weight) upright barbell row (n) and standing broad jump (m) together provides valid information about firefighters’ physical work capacity.

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Duffus, LuAnn McClernan. "Exoskeleton Requirements for Firefighters." Ohio University / OhioLINK, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1574688158168652.

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Hill, Michael L. "Fitness of Firefighters as part of Administrative Practice." University of Akron / OhioLINK, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1460409122.

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Beddoe, Tiffany R. "Biomarkers of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) Exposure in Firefighters." University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1312294247.

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Thompson, Mary C. "Volunteer firefighters, our silent heroes." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1998. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk2/tape15/PQDD_0002/NQ31077.pdf.

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Uprety, Sandip, Joseph Caglio, Michelle Ho, Chi Hou Chio, Stephanie Mckeefery, and Jae Hyok Goh. "A Telemetry System for Firefighters." International Foundation for Telemetering, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/606108.

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ITC/USA 2009 Conference Proceedings / The Forty-Fifth Annual International Telemetering Conference and Technical Exhibition / October 26-29, 2009 / Riviera Hotel & Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
In this project, a telemetry system is implemented to save firefighters from potential danger in their working environment. Each Firefighter has a "node" or "unit" attached to them which contains temperature, oxygen, and carbon-monoxide sensors, and a transceiver. Each node constantly transmits data collected by the sensors to a central "base station." The base station consists of a laptop which is monitored by the Fire Chief at a safe distance from the scene, and it displays gas levels. The base station monitors the sensor readings, and sets off an alarm locally and also at the node if a reading has reached a predetermined critical value.

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Mead, Amanda M. "Proactive Stress Management for Firefighters." Antioch University / OhioLINK, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1544913796266512.

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Dowdall-Thomae, Cynthia Lea. "Outcome Coping Efficacy of Firefighters." Diss., The University of Arizona, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/195685.

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Firefighter coping strategies of Problem Focused Coping and Seeking Social Support were found to have positive significant relationships to Strategic Efficacy resulting in Outcome Coping Efficacy, after transitioning from one critical incident to a second. The coping strategies of Blamed Self, Wishful Thinking, and Avoidance appeared to have a negative significant relationship to Mobilization Efficacy in overall Outcome Coping Efficacy. Additionally, the Appraisals of Challenge and Positive Reappraisal to meet the Challenge appeared to have a positive significant relationship to Problem Focused Coping and Seeking Social Support. These findings of Outcome Coping Efficacy may be of help to firefighters for rehabilitative efforts after traumatic incidents.

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Genaidy, Ash M. "Cancer risk among firefighters epidemiological evidence /." Cincinnati, Ohio : University of Cincinnati, 2004. http://www.ohiolink.edu/etd/view.cgi?acc%5Fnum=ucin1100874132.

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GENAIDY, ASH M. "CANCER RISK AMONG FIREFIGHTERS: EPIDEMIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE." University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK, 2004. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1100874132.

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Drew-Nord, Dana C. "Cardiovascular risk factors in career firefighters." Diss., Search in ProQuest Dissertations & Theses. UC Only, 2009. http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&res_dat=xri:pqdiss&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:3359546.

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Martin, Andrew. "Measurement of heat strain in firefighters." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 1990. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/35956/1/35956_Martin_1990.pdf.

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A comparative study of six different fire-fighting clothing ensembles to determine the heat stress imposed on the wearer was conducted. Physiological indicators of heat strain were monitored while subjects performed set tasks for up to 30 minutes in controlled environments. The differences between ensembles was considered. For each ensemble, six subjects performed set tasks in two controlled environments for 30 minutes or until one of a set of termination criteria was met. In the first environment subjects stepped at a set rate in 40°C dry bulb and 60% humidity conditions. A number of weights, pre-determined to work the subject at a set level of the individual's Heart Rate Increase Capacity, were carried. In the second environment subjects lifted bricks at a set rate in front of two 1500 W radiators in 30°C and 60% conditions. Dry bulb temperature, Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, and humidity were monitored to ensure consistency of test conditions. A control test with light clothing was performed before the suit testing. Subjects were partially acclimatised prior to testing. Physiological indicators of strain (mean skin temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and body fluid loss) were monitored and differences between ensembles considered. Skin temperature was calculated from a weighted average of measurements at 6 sites (chest, back, cheek, thigh, calf, and upper arm). Thermocouples (#32 gauge T-type) were attached to the skin with Leukoplast adhesive tape and the temperatures were recorded using a Fluke digital thermometer (sensitivity of 0.1°C) after every minute of work. Heart rate was stored every 15 seconds with one monitor and a backup monitor stored the rate at every heart beat. Body fluid loss and amount of fluid absorbed by the clothing were found by weighing nude subjects and clothing before and after testing. Scales accurate to 1 O g were used. Final systolic and diastolic blood pressures were compared to resting values using an automatic monitor. Perceived views of the subjects were also obtained using a questionnaire. Heart rate showed a steady cyclic increase during each test. Skin temperature rose in the hot environment and partially recovered in the moderate environment also producing a cyclic increase. The subjects lost from 600 g to 1200 g of fluid in each test. Systolic B.P. consistently increased and diastolic B.P. on average decreased. The ranks of the suits obtained were similar for all the measured parameters and the questionnaire. Skin temperature and heart rate clearly showed differences between the ensembles.

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Bisnauth, Radha Devi. "Post-traumatic Growth and Coping in Firefighters." Thesis, University of Birmingham, 2007. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.486624.

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This thesis was submitted in partial fulfIlment of the requirements for the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, at the University of Birmingbam. The thesis is presented in two vol~es. Volume I of this thesis is split into three papers relating to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and post-traumatic growth (PTG) in firefighters. The first paper is a literature review that examines the evidence for the factors that influence the development of PTSD in firefighters. The paper reviews factors that are predictive ofPTSD development (aspects oftlle job, aspects related to the event and factors related to the individual) and factors that protect against PTSD development. The second paper is a research paper that looks at PTG in relation to work-related trauma and coping strategies in fuefighters. The results showed that use of certain coping strategies and not greater exposure to traumatic callouts at work predicted PTG. The third paper is t1le public domain briefing paper that summarises t1le main findings of t1le research paper. Volume II of this thesis consists of the five Clinical Practice Reports (CPRs) that were also submitted in partial fulfilment of the course requirements during t1le duration of the course.

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Hill, R. "Occupational related consequences for relatives of firefighters." Thesis, Nottingham Trent University, 2015. http://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/28278/.

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Firefighters are exposed to a high prevalence of both occupational and traumatic stress, consequently protective factors, such as social support, become highly relevant to the well-being of this population. Accordingly the psychological health of firefighters is maintained, in part, by their family (Regehr, Dimitropoulos, Bright, George, and Henderson, 2005; Beaton, Murphy, Johnson, Pike, and Corneil, 1999). This thesis aimed to inform the published literature by establishing a detailed model of occupational impacts of the firefighting occupation on relatives of firefighters and the resources they use to manage those impacts. This was undertaken using a sequential mixed methods approach through three empirical studies. Findings across the thesis include the development of the firefighter becoming a ‘satellite’ family member in order to protect against unusual working patterns, secondary traumatic reactions and relatives’ perception of danger and harm within the occupation. In addition to this, findings clearly highlight the need for firefighters to share their expertise and job content with their families; facilitating the relatives’ ability to protect their personal resilience and well-being and their firefighter. However if firefighters become disengaged, rather than a ‘satellite’ family member, then their reactions to their job content becomes decontextualised for their relatives. This in turn causes the well-being of relatives to decrease and an increase in secondary trauma of the relative related to their firefighter’s experiences. A prevalence rate of 12% was established for this population of secondary trauma for relatives of firefighters by this thesis. To establish the homogeneity of this population differences were explored based upon rank, length of service of the firefighters, and continent of service, all of which suggest the group is homogenous. Differences of length of time the relative has lived with the firefighter were significant providing further support to the finding that educating relatives about the role of the firefighter is an enabling and protective factor. Implications for theory are discussed, concluding with evidenced-based recommendations to effectively support both firefighters and their families. Practical methods are outlined to develop a positive resource ecology within the fire and rescue service community in order to build collective resilience and protect well-being amongst its membership.

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Docherty, Robert Walker. "Stress in firefighters : situations, reactions and interactions." Thesis, n.p, 1991. http://ethos.bl.uk/.

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Decremer, Jason. "Improving Recruitment and Retention of Volunteer Firefighters." ScholarWorks, 2018. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/5176.

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The number of active volunteer firefighters has been steadily dropping in the state of Connecticut for several years. At the same time, the number of public service calls for fire departments has been on the rise. This problem impacts fire protection and municipalities that rely on volunteer fire departments. The purpose of this narrative study was to explore why volunteer firefighter numbers have been declining, the extent to which recruitment and retention programs are used in volunteer fire departments, and how these programs contribute to a fire department's ability to recruit members. Perry's public service motivation model provided the theoretical framework for the study. Research questions focused on improving recruitment and retention programs. Data were collected from interviews with 5 current chief officers and 5 former firefighters in Connecticut and from organizational documents in local fire departments. Open, axial, and selective coding were used to identify 5 themes: lack of awareness of state policy on recruitment and retention, lack of recruitment, public service motivation, retention, and time. A key theme emerging from this study were that participating fire departments have limited effective recruitment and retention programs. The positive social change implications stemming from this study include recommendations to fire department leadership to consider a unified recruitment and retention strategy. This determination provides a foundation for volunteer fire departments to make informed decisions on how to increase recruitment and retention in their respective communities.

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Robinson, Teresa Michelle. "Predictive Factors of Compassion Fatigue Among Firefighters." ScholarWorks, 2016. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/2332.

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Few existing studies have examined compassion fatigue among emergency responders even though firefighters and emergency medical service (EMS) professionals have repetitive direct exposure to traumatic events. This study focused on identifying predictor variables for the development of compassion fatigue in firefighters. Karasek's demand-control model, a commonly used work stress model, was the study's theoretical framework as it focuses on specific construct interactions that predict employee well-being. Accordingly, this correlational study examined the predictive nature of EMS license level, years of service, and personality type on the development of compassion fatigue in career firefighters. Data collection occurred with surveys incorporating the Professional Quality of Life Scale and the Big Five Inventory. Mid-Michigan fire departments participated with 129 career firefighters returning completed surveys with results analyzed using logistic regression. Findings revealed a significant predictive relationship between personality traits and the development of compassion fatigue. These findings can inform preventative measures that protect the psychological well-being of these emergency responders by informing and educating the professionals and organizations as to who is at greatest risk and ultimately providing opportunity for risk mediation.

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19

Woltz, John W. "Cardiovascular Risk and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Firefighters." University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1367940479.

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20

Farnsworth, Jacob. "Benefits and Costs of Social Interactions Among Firefighters." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2010. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc33149/.

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Despite high levels of exposure, firefighter posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rates are unclear. Likewise, questions remain regarding how social interactions and beliefs about emotion might interact to influence PTSD in firefighters. In this study, U.S. urban firefighters (N = 225) completed measures of social support, negative social interactions, and fear of emotion which were then used via regression analyses to predict PTSD symptoms. Each independent variable predicted PTSD beyond variance accounted for by demographic variables. Additionally, fear of emotion emerged as the strongest individual predictor of PTSD and a moderator of the relation between social interactions and PTSD symptoms. These findings emphasize the importance of beliefs about emotion; both in how these beliefs might influence the expression of PTSD symptoms, and in how the social networks of trauma survivors might buffer distress.

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Loper, Sharon L. "Policy options analysis of assistance to firefighters grant program." Thesis, Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10945/41411.

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CHDS State/Local
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) is a direct federal grant program, administered by the Department of Homeland Security, for fire and emergency medical services to support firefighter safety and protect the public from fires and other hazards. Homeland security depends upon local fire services to be the first responders to all incidents. The AFG has experienced strong support largely due to the direct involvement of fire services in the grant process. The funding level, however, has been insufficient to address the unmet needs of fire services across the nation. The policy options analysis reviews four options for grant fund distribution, including the current approach, to maximize the contribution of fire services to homeland security goals. The analysis reviews the options based on the factors of improving baseline capability, building catastrophic incident capability, increasing regional capabilities and retaining local support for the AFG. The current approach to grant distribution was determined to provide the strongest contribution due to its broad eligibility of activities that encourage regional cooperation and enable fire services of diverse size and locations to have their applications reviewed on the merit of their identified need to support homeland security.

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Aquino, Theodore. "Comparison of Urinary PAHs among Firefighters and Asphalt Pavers." Thesis, University of South Florida, 2016. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10103851.

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Firefighters and asphalt pavers are exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during various work activities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate urinary PAH levels and compare these bio-monitoring levels among firefighters, asphalt pavers, and non-occupationally exposed individuals. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) urinary PAH levels were used for non-occupationally exposed controls. When compared to the NIST standard for smokers and non-smokers, firefighters demonstrated statistically significant differences in urinary concentration differences for the following metabolites: 2-OH-fluorene, 3-OH-fluorene and 1-OH-pyrene, which were lower in firefighters than the NIST mean for smokers. 1-OHphenanthrene, 2-OH-phenanthrene and 3-OH-phenanthrene were higher among world trade center exposed firefighters than the NIST mean for smokers. When firefighters were compared to the NIST non-smoker standard, firefighters demonstrated elevated levels in all tested PAH biomarkers due to a mixture of smokers and non-smokers in the firefighter cohort.

Asphalt workers had statistically significant higher urinary concentration elevations in 2OH-fluorene, 1-OH-phenanthrene and 3-OH-phenanthrene as compared to the NIST smoker mean. When asphalt pavers were compared to the NIST non-smoker mean, asphalt pavers had statistically significant increases in all tested PAH biomarkers, with the exception of 2-OHphenanthrene. While firefighters did not demonstrate a substantial change in urinary PAH metabolite levels compared to control populations of smokers and non-smokers, asphalt pavers experienced concentrations that were in some cases increased by orders of magnitude compare to NIST controls. Future research may be needed to evaluate any potential health risk posted to occupational exposed asphalt pavers.

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Hoffman, Joseph D. "Firefighters’ Exposure to Fine Particles and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons." University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1282061833.

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James, Kelley J. "Impact of Heat Exposure on Postural Balance of Firefighters." University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1397235487.

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Calvillo, Anthony. "Evaluation of Water-only Decontamination for Firefighters’ Turnout Gear." University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1530880114309489.

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Giovanetti, Matthew T. "Physiological Health Assessment and Hazard Monitoring Patch for Firefighters." University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1535467307291205.

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Alghamdi, Mohammed. "Developing effective narrative exposure therapy interventions for Saudi firefighters." Thesis, University of Nottingham, 2015. http://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/29634/.

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Firefighters have a high likelihood of being exposed to a variety of traumatic events. The psychological cost of this exposure may be an increased risk of long-term problems such as PTSD symptoms, depression and anxiety. Saudi firefighters in Makkah province are often exposed to elevated levels of potentially traumatising events through the course of their work which can affect them physically and psychologically. However, providing sufficient mental health professionals is difficult due to the absence of psychological trauma care in Saudi Arabia and Saudi culture associated with the psychological support. The aim of this thesis is to understanding the psychological impact of being a firefighter and seeing whether narrative exposure therapy (NET) is an effective treatment for traumatised Saudi firefighters. Three studies were conducted In order to achieve these aims. The first administered questionnaires to 200 Saudi firefighters; the second was a qualitative study comprising of semi-structure life story interviews with 9 traumatised Saudi firefighters, whilst the final randomized control trial (RCT) examined the effectiveness of NET with 34 Saudi firefighters with PTSD. A high prevalence rate of PTSD (57%), anxiety (44.4%), and depression (53.3%) symptoms with limited mental health support were reported. Single firefighters reported PTSD symptoms and the use of passive coping strategies more than the married firefighters. The results also revealed that marriage was associated with low levels of PTSD, while high levels of PTSD correlated with anxiety, depression, and with passive coping strategies. The qualitative study illustrated themes and subthemes reflected family life, education, experience of being firefighters, traumatic, coping strategies. Two narrative analysis cases presented with the life plot trend with the positive impact of the individual’s life story interview which inform the using of narrative technique in the intervention study. The RCT study demonstrated a significant reduction in PTSD, anxiety, and depression symptoms after 6 weeks, but this was not sustained at 3 and 6 months. The research provides evidence for the applicability and effectiveness of a narrative intervention for traumatised Saudi firefighters. It tried to facilitate the wider dissemination of psychological intervention to promote recovery from traumatic stress for the first responders. Four sessions might not give firefighters sufficient time to process all the relevant information, and they therefore reported an increase in PTSD symptoms in the follow-up time. It would be preferable for firefighters to receive two or three NET sessions after a 3 and/or 6-month follow-up. The findings help advance current knowledge in the management of PTSD among firefighters, in-depth understanding the psychological, coping, and cultural backgrounds, in developing countries, contribute to the validation of PTSD theories, and inform future research. The implications of developing a multi-factorial and holistic approach to the treatment of first responders’ traumas are presented and a case is made for the use of narrative methods in the treatment of complex trauma.

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Damrongsak, Mantana. "Occupational stressors, job satisfaction, and back pain in firefighters." Thesis, Birmingham, Ala. : University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2008. https://www.mhsl.uab.edu/dt/2008p/damrongsak.pdf.

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Smith, Melanie R. "Retention of firefighters in volunteer fire departments in suburban Nebraska." Thesis, Capella University, 2014. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3617383.

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Retaining experienced and qualified volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians is a concern throughout the volunteer fire service. Significant research has been conducted on the retention of volunteers in rural settings, but there has been limited research on retention of volunteers in suburban volunteer fire departments. In this case study of three suburban volunteer fire departments in Nebraska, 17 participants were interviewed about their reasons for joining and continuing to volunteer with their local fire departments. The participants also were asked about reasons they would consider resigning from their departments. The study found that the participants joined their departments and continued to volunteer because of a desire to serve their communities and help people and because they enjoyed the relationships on their departments. The participants considered resigning from their departments because of interpersonal conflicts within their departments and because of concerns about not meeting their departments' minimum response and training requirements. Although this study is not generalizable to all volunteer fire departments, the departments in this study can use the results to consider ways to improve retention of their volunteers. Activities which may improve retention include providing supportive and appreciative environments for the volunteers, limiting the conflict and disrespect on the departments, providing mentoring and leadership training, adapting the training and response requirement to reflect the availability of volunteers, and providing non-financial incentives to support the volunteers in their departmental activities.

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Hunter, Amanda Louise. "Firefighters and acute myocardial infarction : understanding mechanisms and reducing risk." Thesis, University of Edinburgh, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/1842/33254.

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Acute myocardial infarction is the commonest cause of death in firefighters, accounting for 45% of all deaths on duty. Compared with an average life expectancy of 77 years in the general population, the average age of cardiovascular death in firefighters is 50 years suggesting that occupational hazards are responsible for premature disease. The risk of acute myocardial infarction is increased 12- to 136-fold during rescue and firefighting duties, and is likely to reflect a combination of factors including strenuous physical exertion, mental stress, heat and pollutant exposure. Previous studies have established that the duties of a firefighter, in particular fire suppression, put inordinate strain on the cardiovascular system yet the exact mechanisms underlying the increased risk of myocardial infarction remain poorly defined. In a series of studies, I assessed the effect of occupation-specific risk factors on cardiovascular health in a combination of controlled and real-life studies in order to better define these mechanisms, hypothesising that exposure to high temperatures, strenuous physical exertion, psychological stress and air pollution either alone or in combination caused vascular dysfunction and thrombosis. In order to assess if firefighters had a greater cumulative risk of cardiovascular disease due to their occupation at baseline, I assessed the cardiovascular function of group of healthy, off-duty firefighters and compared this to a group of healthy age- and sex-matched off-duty police officers; an occupational group with similar responsibilities but a much lower risk of on-duty cardiovascular events. I was able to demonstrate that traditional cardiovascular risk factors, vascular endothelial function and thrombogenicity were similar in the two groups concluding that the excess of cardiovascular events and deaths in on-duty firefighters are due to the acute and transient effects of strenuous physical exertion, psychological stress, heat and exposure to air pollutants. Having established that off-duty firefighters had no apparent increased risk of cardiovascular events, I then went on to clarify the effects of combustion derived air pollution in the form of wood smoke on the cardiovascular system. The suppression of wildland or forest fires is globally the single most important duty of the fire service. Previous work within our institution has demonstrated the adverse effects of combustion derived air pollution, in the form of diesel exhaust, on the cardiovascular system. In a similar fashion, I assessed the effect of a wood smoke inhalation in a group of healthy off-duty firefighters by performing controlled exposures to wood smoke utilising a unique and well characterised facility. Interestingly, unlike diesel-exhaust, the exposure to wood smoke had no adverse effect on vascular endothelial function or thrombogenicity in this group concluding that cardiovascular events during wildland fire suppression may not be directly related to wood smoke inhalation but instead precipitated by other mechanisms such as strenuous physical exertion or dehydration. Latterly, I proceeded to evaluate the effects of strenuous physical exertion and heat exposure by comprehensively assessing a number of cardiovascular end points following controlled exposure to a fire simulation activity in a group of healthy, off-duty firefighters. I was able to demonstrate that exposure to extreme heat and physical exertion impaired vasomotor function and increased thrombus formation. Moreover, I demonstrated cardiac troponin concentrations increased suggesting that fire suppression activity may cause myocardial injury. These important findings suggest pathogenic mechanisms to explain the association between fire suppression activity and acute myocardial infarction. In the final phase of work, I endeavoured to assess the effects of real-life firefighter activities on the cardiovascular system. In an ambitious study, I attempted to undertake a comprehensive assessment of cardiovascular function in healthy firefighters following three periods of duty: fire suppression, alarm response and non-emergency activity. I was unable to complete enough studies to adequately power an analysis and draw any firm conclusions about the effect of these duties on cardiovascular health. Further work is required in a real-world setting to more clearly define the occupational risk factors underlying the increased risk of cardiovascular events associated with specific firefighter duties Understanding the biological mechanisms and environmental factors that predispose firefighters to cardiovascular events is essential if we are to develop effective methods for the prevention of acute myocardial infarction on-duty. This body of work has greatly improved the understanding of the mechanisms underlying the increased risk of cardiovascular events on duty and calls for the immediate evaluation of current practice in order to minimise risk to firefighters in the future. Examples of where improvements should be made include strategies to ensure adequate hydration and cooling following exposure to heat and physical exertion, change to working patterns to limit the duration of extreme exposures, and education, training and screening programmes to reduce the impact of traditional and occupational cardiovascular risk factors.

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Alexander, Lois Elizabeth. "When the bells go down : resilience and vulnerability in firefighters." Thesis, University of Hertfordshire, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/2299/17096.

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Firefighters respond to a wide range of critical incidents in which they face exposure to multiple stressors. Previous studies have reported prevalence rates of various symptomatology and identified some risk factors for firefighters, but accord has not been reached across studies on the extent of vulnerability or resilience and potential predictors of each have not all been identified. Studies with firefighters in the United Kingdom are comparatively rare. The purpose of this series of studies was, therefore, to investigate the prevalence of PTSD symptomatology and that of its associated comorbid conditions (depression, anxiety and alcohol misuse) in UK firefighters. On the basis of a literature review, the role of thought control, counterfactual thinking and humour style in predicting symptoms was examined. Study I examined this together with the demographic, occupational, event-specific and cognitive factors associated with these conditions in a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of multiple exposure in firefighters. Results indicated that these firefireghters demonstrated high levels of resilience, recording relatively low rates of PTSD, depression, anxiety and alcohol misuse symptomatology. No DSM-IV Criterion A1 exposure variable independently predicted symptomatology of PTSD, but A2 responses of fear and helplessness predicted PTSD symptomatology, and A2 fear predicted alcohol misuse. Individual aspects of A1 exposure did predict symptomatology of depression, anxiety and alcohol misuse; one operating schedule predicted symptomatology of depression and anxiety; and both previous divorce and previous psychiatric diagnosis predicted symptomatology of alcohol misuse. Of the three cognitive predictors, nonreferent counterfactual thinking and self-defeating humour independently predicted higher levels of PTSD symptomatology, whilst self-enhancing humour predicted lower symptomatology of depression. Results were essentially the same in both regression models, indicating no difference between the predictive power of these cognitive constructs between the models where humour was used at work and when used with the person closest to the participant. Study 2 evaluated the same symptomatology in a longitudinal investigation of firefighters exposed to a single critical incident in which the casualty's life could not be saved, again addressing the cognitive factors of thought control strategies, counterfactual thinking and humour style. Results showed high levels of resilience with firefighters recording relatively low rates of PTSD, depression, anxiety and alcohol misuse symptomatology, although symptomatology of depression, anxiety and alcohol misuse increased over time for a small number. Factors associated with development of symptomatology were firefighter type and rank, A2 horror, body recovery, and the use of thought suppression and 'if only' counterfactuals). However, these were not long-lasting. Similarly, associations between depression/anxiety symptomatology and A2 helplessness; anxiety and previous psychiatric diagnosis also had a short term effect on symptoms. Those who were younger and who had not been involved in body handling had higher depression scores at T2 although the sample size was small and these results may be anomalies. Study 3 explored the firefighters' responses to the same critical incident in greater depth in order to draw out any aspects of it which caused distress and any factors which were found to be helpful in coping with such distress. This qualitative exploration was designed to identify the meaning attached to aspects of critical incidents and how firefighters individually experienced such a critical incident response in comparison with other critical incidents. Results showed positive emotions, professional pride and a strong sense of duty were expressed far more than 'negative' emotions, suggesting a high degree of resilience. Identification with the dying or dead is a marker for distress because meaning has been attributed to the event through recognition of the deceased's humanity. Dissonance arose because of the struggle between this recognition and the desire to protect colleagues and it appears that it is this dissonance which adversely affects those with responsibility for making decisions. Feelings of helplessness arose through operational limitations and are also a marker for distress. Avoidance techniques were utilised, but thought suppression was not identified as such, although the transposition of distressing images through humour was reported. Downward counterfactuals were reported more frequently than upward, and the latter related to decision making and operational difficulties. The type of humour commonly used is banter which includes 'taking the piss' out of colleagues and situations although it was not experienced the same way by all firefighters. The purpose of banter is to cope with the stressors inherent in the job of firefighting and to facilitate bonding through its use as a private language. This study identified three 'rules of banter': it is reciprocal, the timing of it is critical, and it has contextual restrictions. Adaptive banter may be expressed as the self-enhancing or affiliative styles of humour and maladaptive as self-defeating, or banter may itself be a separate style of humour. Together, the studies' findings show that these firefighters were resilient to exposure to a range of stressors but that suffering may be seen on a spectrum. This has implications for theory and further research, and for the development of psychoeducational interventions to increase resilience in those first responders who may be at risk of developing symptoms.

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32

Heirston, Bryan. "Terrorism prevention and firefighters where are the information-sharing boundaries? /." Thesis, Monterey, Calif. : Naval Postgraduate School, 2009. http://edocs.nps.edu/npspubs/scholarly/theses/2009/Mar/09Mar%5FHeirston.pdf.

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Thesis (M.A. in Security Studies (Homeland Security and Defense))--Naval Postgraduate School, March 2009.
Thesis Advisor(s): Rollins, John. "March 2009." Description based on title screen as viewed on April 23, 2009. Author(s) subject terms: Firefighters, Terrorism, Prevention, Response, Information Sharing, U.S. Fire Service, Homeland Security, New York City Fire Department Terrorism and Disaster Preparedness Strategy, U.S. Fire Service Intelligence Enterprise, Civil Contingencies Act, Legal, Operations, Cost, Political. Includes bibliographical references (p.109-115). Also available in print.

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Mondragon-Gilmore, Joy. "Firefighters and the experience of increased intuitive awareness during emergency incidents." Thesis, Pacifica Graduate Institute, 2015. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3712711.

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This qualitative study uses phenomenology as its method of inquiry to examine increased intuitive capabilities experienced by firefighters during emergency incidents. Firefighters provide immediate crisis intervention and are often faced with exposure to traumatic incidents that demand rapid and spontaneous decisions. The emphasis of this investigation is placed on the phenomenological implications of unconscious motivations that target spontaneous tactical and strategic split-second decisions. Intuition is the basis from which implicit decision-making practices emerge during emergency-scene management. Increased intuitive awareness simultaneously arises from, and is a reaction to, the activation of rapid decision making when exposed to crisis situations. Through the oral documentation of the lived experiences of on-scene firefighter managers (battalion chiefs and captains), this investigation expands the literature concerning the activation of intuition.

Attempts to define intuition during critical incidents can often lead to a generalization that overlooks the importance of cultural implications of the diverse firefighter population. The findings in this study recognize commonly held interpersonal, group organizational, and sociocultural personality identities of the 21st-century American firefighter. Thematic constructs of firefighter personality formulations expand the multiple dimensions of explicit and implicit characteristics of firefighters’ occupational subjective and collective personality preferences that correlate with specific inherent tendencies toward intuitive decisions.

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Grundy, Susan Erin. "Perceived work-related stressors, personality, and degree of burnout in firefighters." Scholarly Commons, 2000. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/2436.

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Occupational burnout continues to be a topic of great interest to those individuals who are concerned with the influence of work stress on mental health. Although many workers from a variety of occupations have been the focus of studies of burnout, there are few studies of burnout in firefighters. In conjunction with studying the obvious factors which are believed to be related to burnout in workers, there has been a call for researchers to include personality variables in the study of work stress. Neuroticism has been found to be related to the identification of work-related stressors as well as to be related to the impact of the stressors on workers. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceived work-related stressors of firefighters and to determine the predictors of burnout after controlling for age and the personality variable of neuroticism. The research participants for this study included 142 firefighters from the Western U.S. Participants completed questionnaires that included demographic data, work-related background information, perceived work-related stressors, a measure of burnout, and a measure of neuroticism. Following an analysis of the quantitative data obtained from the questionnaires, ten firefighters were interviewed for the purpose of gaining in-depth information regarding the responses in the questionnaires. The findings of this study indicated that there was a great deal of variety in what each participant perceived to be a work-related stressor. A content analysis technique yielded 12 categories of stressors: coworker conflict, patient-related, general work duties, administration, sleep-related, budget-related, change in work station, personal, danger to self, 9-1-1 abuse, public-related, and child abuse. The results of the hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that after controlling for age (step 1), neuroticism (step 2) predicted approximately 21% of the variance in emotional exhaustion, 9% of the variance in depersonalization, and almost 7% of the variance in personal accomplishment. After controlling for age and neuroticism, objective and perceived work-related stressors accounted for an additional 14.6% of the variance in emotional exhaustion and for 13.9% of the variance in depersonalization. Only the objective work-related stressors accounted for an additional 8.9% of the variance in personal accomplishment.

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35

Barry, Allison Michelle. "An Investigation of Physical Activity and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Career Firefighters." Diss., North Dakota State University, 2018. https://hdl.handle.net/10365/29729.

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Firefighters are responsible for protecting citizens as well as the infrastructure of cities across the United States. In order to safely protect and perform on-duty tasks, firefighters must be capable of performing physiologically demanding skills. Emerging evidence has led to heightened concern for firefighters? increased obesity levels and decreased physical activity (PA). Formal exercise and PA research specific to firefighters is lacking. More specifically, there is a lack of literature using accelerometers to objectively measure PA. There is more evidence, however, to demonstrate firefighters have a high prevalence of obesity surpassing the general population. Not only are firefighters overweight and inactive, but also they are not aerobically fit to adequately perform their job-specific tasks. Purpose: To examine the relationship of PA and obesity to cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Methods: Firefighters (n=29) wore an accelerometer for eight consecutive on- and off-duty days. The accelerometer was worn on the right hip and tracked sedentary activity, light physical activity (LPA), moderate physical activity (MPA), vigorous physical activity (VPA), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MPVA). Additionally, each participant completed a stage-graded exercise test with submaximal square-wave verification bout to determine maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). A stepwise linear regression model was conducted using physical activity intensity, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC) as predictor variables for CRF. Results: According to the World Health Organization BMI categorization, none were normal weight, 20 were overweight, and 9 were obese. Firefighters spent roughly 61% of their waking hours in sedentary activity, 35.4% in LPA, and only 3.6% in MVPA. The two linear regression models were used to investigate whether PA intensity, step count, physical activity rating scale, BMI, or WC were more predictive of VO2max. VPA was predictive of VO2max (F(1,27) = 7.89, R2 = 0.23, p <0.01). Additionally, when BMI and WC were added, only WC was predictive of VO2max (F(1,27) = 11.76, R2 = 0.30, p<0.01). Conclusion: It is imperative fire departments emphasize the importance of cultivating an environment where improved health and wellness is essential for firefighters to adequately perform their physiologically demanding tasks.

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Kitchen, Elizabeth A. "An Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Dietary Intake in Firefighters." Kent State University / OhioLINK, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1323791298.

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Knipp, Michael J. "Assessment of Municipal Firefighters’ Dermal Occupational Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons." University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1282576940.

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38

Blatus, Richard J. "Altering the mission statement the training of firefighters as intelligence gatherers /." Thesis, Monterey, Calif. : Naval Postgraduate School, 2008. http://edocs.nps.edu/npspubs/scholarly/theses/2008/Sept/08Sep%5FBratus.pdf.

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Thesis (M.A. in Security Studies (Homeland Security and Defense))--Naval Postgraduate School, September 2008.
Thesis Advisor(s): Bach, Robert. "September 2008." Description based on title screen as viewed on November 03, 2008. Includes bibliographical references (p. 53-55). Also available in print.

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Muegge, Carolyn Marie. "Health of Indiana Firefighters." Diss., 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/1805/24791.

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Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
Background: Firefighters are exposed to carcinogens, toxic agents, and other risks for cancer and cardiovascular disease. Research shows that aero-digestive and genitourinary cancers are in excess among firefighters compared to the general population. Studies examining excess cardiovascular mortality are inconsistent. Limited data exist on chronic disease mortality, risk factor profiles, and barriers to a healthy lifestyle among firefighters at the local level. Purpose: This project examines the relationship between firefighting and chronic disease mortality, determines trajectories of cardiovascular risk factors in a cohort of new firefighters, and studies the relationship between barriers to weight management and firefighter health characteristics. Methods: This study used death certificate data from the Indiana State Department of Health and clinical data from a large occupational medical practice serving firefighters. Regression techniques were used to examine excess mortality among firefighters compared to non-firefighters, evaluate changes in cardiovascular disease risk factors among new firefighters over time, and explore correlates of risk factors and barriers to weight management among overweight and obese firefighters. Results: The odds of death due to malignant cancers were significantly higher among firefighters than non-firefighters (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.08-1.30). Body mass index, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels increased significantly (p<0.001) while HDL cholesterol levels decreased (p<0.001) from baseline during the first 10 years of the firefighter’s career. Overweight firefighters who were “ready to begin a weight management program” were more likely to identify ‘‘lack of knowledge about weight management,’’ ‘‘lack of access to exercise opportunities,’’ and ‘‘eating helps me cope with stress’’ as barriers, and report a greater number of barriers to weight management. Older firefighters were less likely to identify or report one or more barriers to weight management. Conclusion: These studies suggest the importance of early-career and targeted cardiometabolic health and cancer prevention strategies to reduce chronic disease morbidity and mortality among firefighters.
2021-06-28

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40

Chen, Wei-Ling, and 陳瑋齡. "Investigation of quality of life on firefighters-a case in Taichung City firefighters." Thesis, 2015. http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/q47xtp.

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碩士
亞洲大學
光電與通訊學系碩士在職專班
103
Today fire way to break ground field staff, the majority of counties are still a way off the ground two, namely continuous work 48 hours, and then leave for 24 hours, some counties are frequently compared to a break one, even abroad Qin A second way off, most of the domestic firefighters working longer length of time, and the content of the work on duty, ambulance service, disaster relief, fire security, water inspections, fire safety advocacy and a variety of serving the public, most are temporary and service Emergency, plus city and county fire generally insufficient manpower, the daily duty service time in general are more than a dozen hours, in case of larger disaster or fire, even when the night is not tossed heard. Firefighters bear the emotional stress from the workplace, the family and society of the masses, under long-term stress caused by emotional exhaustion and mental health problems are often less concern for firefighting job satisfaction is a direct impact on the merits of the relief performance and teamwork The important key. This study was designed to investigate the factors that affect the quality of life of firefighters, fire authorities provide future handling, Reference Business Planning. Research Project for the Fire Department in the Taichung City Government, Field Service, in order to scale SF-36 quality of life questionnaire to understand the above information. Field firefighters showed poor quality of life.

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Chen, Chi-Hsun, and 陳繼勛. "Theoretical turnout time of firefighters." Thesis, 2014. http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/67225508762753451657.

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碩士
國立交通大學
工學院產業安全與防災學程
102
The regulations of firefighters turnout time is 60 seconds in daily time, 90 seconds in night, the regulations is carried out for a long time. Turnout time is one of the key focus of the rescue achievements goal for fire department. Each fire department requires all fire branch should comply with the the regulations of turnout time, but with different conditions for each fire resident, the resident moving lines because each unit design, vehicle equipment, personnel training and other factors, may not have encountered when completed within the time limit, often cause conflicts when the public and the fire department and the fire department dispute. In this study, using observational techniques, field observation of the movement of firefighting , evaluate each segment of time, and then estimate the standard or the most appropriate turnout time at each fire branch. Offering fire authorities correction turnout time standards.

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Chakraborty, Supriyo. "Study on firefighters protective clothing." Thesis, 2016. http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/12345678/7168.

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43

LIOU, REN-HUAI, and 劉人槐. "The Impact of Tactical Physical Fitness on Firefighter Performance– A Case Study of Firefighters of Miaoli County." Thesis, 2019. http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/54bspw.

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碩士
育達科技大學
資訊管理所
107
Most firefighters used to improve their physical fitness without proper training methods, so they often exerted their strength with wrong postures or their physical fitness could not support them for the whole process of firefighting, resulting in physical injury or failed tasks. Currently as physical exercise becomes a popular trend, firefighters should also exercise their physical fitness in a proper way to complete different kinds of firefighting and rescue with sufficient physical strength. The National Fire Agency has a clear training standard for the physical fitness of firefighters, including firefighters' routine training and annual training, but such standard has been in practice for years without revision over time. It remains questionable whether firefighters trained under this standard can tackle the arduous and dangerous work. This study mainly explores the impact of tactical physical fitness on the performance of firefighters of Miaoli County. Firstly, by referring to relevant literature and applying the modified Delphi method, this study establishes the influencing factors for firefighters' tactical physical fitness and finds the items of tactical physical fitness training: muscle strength, muscle endurance and cardiopulmonary training. With such items, a hierarchical structure is established and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is used to obtain the impact of these three dimensions on the tactical physical fitness of firefighters of Miaoli County. Finally, a weighting system is established. Unlike other types of work, the demand for the tactical physical fitness of firefighters varies from one case to another. The final conclusion of this study is that the three training items for tactical physical fitness are indispensable. It is suggested that the researcher can increase the changes caused by various tactical physical fitness of firefighting work, understand the correlation of various firefighting work on tactical physical fitness, and enable follow-up firefighters to develop training and join tactical physical fitness, and train better firefighters.

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44

Oosthuizen, Rudolf M. "Job and family stress amongst firefighters." Thesis, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/1954.

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Firefighters providing emergency services to the public are involved with some of the most tragic aspects of the boundary between life and death, often in a context over which they have little or no control. The outcome of this may be that stress at work and at home are without doubt the reason that highly qualified and loyal firefighters give themselves over to alcohol or drug abuse, extramarital relationships and suicidal thoughts. The general aim of the research is to evaluate job and family stress amongst firefighters in the South African context, and to use the results in developing a developmental/counselling programme for firefighters and their families. The research is quantitative and qualitative, consisting of a survey design and a phenomenological design. Three measuring instruments were used, namely the Biographical questionnaire, the Experience of Work and Life Circumstances questionnaire, and the Stress questionnaire. Task characteristics, organisational functioning, physical working conditions and job equipment, career and social matters, remuneration, fringe benefits and personnel policy were identified as causes of job stress originating within the work situation. Interviews were conducted to determine how these firefighters experience job and family stress. Marital dysfunction and divorce, limited time with the family, problems with children, alcohol and drug abuse, lack of exercise, suicide, anger aimed at family members, physical and emotional exhaustion, lonely marital partners, unavailability to help the family when needed and depression were identified as causes of family stress arising outside the work situation. The main recommendation is to implement a developmental/counselling job and family stress programme. The programme can be instituted to enhance the wellness and psychological health of firefighters and their families, or for counselling of firefighters and their families who are experiencing job and/or family stress. The multi-dimensionality and flexibility make this programme unique and one of its kind in the South African context.
Indust & Org Psychology
DLITT ET PHIL (IND & ORG PS)

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45

Lin, Yung-Chun, and 林永濬. "Taichung City firefighters melancholy relevant factors." Thesis, 2015. http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/05594624178818124247.

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碩士
亞洲大學
光電與通訊學系碩士在職專班
103
The purpose of this study for the Department of the shift system for firefighters correlation with depression generated discussion, firemen hope to understand the current state in which the quality of life; shift system is implemented before; Firefighters different effects on the basic properties of the shift system. The results of this study can be expected to provide competent firefighters prepare future reference shift system of planning decisions, provide fire-fighters self-adjustment policy, and thus enhance the quality of life of each firefighter, and the shift system of self-adjustment and produce melancholy mediation. The results can be seen from ground level off mode and depression has obvious relevance, among which there is a way to work every day there are significant differences (p <0.05) with ground two days of a way, which can be observed , working in headquarters and in the Council's work for the system to work on the ground than in the squad and is one of the more there are two days of happiness, presumably the work of firefighters in the squad and press high off the ground the way has also been disputed, by rotation, bonuses or raises, and so encourage ways to reduce stress and reduce depression firefighters index.

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Chen, Jing-Shing, and 陳敬幸. "Happiness Shift the Correlation of Firefighters." Thesis, 2015. http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/88794449590660217701.

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碩士
亞洲大學
光電與通訊學系碩士在職專班
103
The main purpose of this study is to understand the shift of firefighters different personal background variables and correlation of feelings of happiness and provide improvements. In this study, the Taichung City Government Fire Department 421 men and women 73 total 496 firefighters for the study, using questionnaires. Tools are divided into "basic personal information questionnaire" and the second part is "Chinese people happiness scale", information descriptive statistical analysis, independent sample t test, one-way analysis of variance and chi-square test and other statistics Methods for analysis. Happiness is an important indicator of mental health, well-being preferably those with higher independence and adaptability, mental health will have relatively mature and complete personality. Study found that change according to firefighters personal background items for the education level of women, high school recruits, aged 40 years of age, work seniority over 15 years -20 years, place of work for the Bureau headquarters, break ground on the way to work every day , marital status and happiness for singles with children's feelings of higher satisfaction, and one of the better, the higher seniority firefighters again work their happiness.

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Hsiao, Li-Kai, and 蕭力愷. "Wayfinding of Firefighters in Dark Environments." Thesis, 2015. http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/00264979008754869457.

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博士
國立臺灣科技大學
建築系
103
A building on fire is smoky and dark for both firefighters and the civilians trapped inside. The faster the firefighters find a way to search for and rescue the civilians at a fire scene, the higher the rate of survival is for the people trapped inside. This study presents a discussion on the characteristics of firefighters’ wayfinding under low visibility. The firefighters who participated in this study underwent testing at a training ground. The participants’ search and wayfinding paths were recorded using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. The results revealed that the mean of searching time in each room decreased from 135.3 to 19.4 s in general as the firefighters became increasingly familiarized with the task. In addition, smaller rooms contributed to shorter searching time. Most participants could manage a maximum of 3 rooms; hence, wayfinding disorientation manifested among the participants after they searched through the third room. These findings are crucial for the design of fireground strategies and training.

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48

Freaney, Christine. "Safety Culture and Safety Behaviors Among Firefighters." 2011. http://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_graddiss/969.

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The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety culture and safety behaviors of metropolitan professional firefighters. A validated and reliable safety culture survey was used to assess the safety culture of a metropolitan fire department. A safety behavioral checklist was created and used to assess the safety behaviors of professional fire fighters. The sample for the study included 156 firefighters from a metropolitan fire department in North Carolina. A Pearson correlation was used to determine if there was a significant relationship between safety culture and safety behaviors. ANOVA and t-tests were used to determine if significant differences existed in safety culture and/or safety behavior on selected demographic factors. Data analysis revealed a significant correlation between safety culture and safety behavior. Results indicated the more positive safety culture is viewed, the more likely the firefighter is to practice safe behaviors. Findings also indicate that demographic factors such as education, marital status, work experience, and dependent status have no significance on how firefighters view safety culture and on the safety behaviors of firefighters. Data analysis did indicate a marginal significance in safety culture by participants who reported being moderately or severely injured ‘on the job’.

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49

Nkomo, Neo. "Predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder among firefighters." Thesis, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/20742.

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A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Humanities in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Arts Organisational Psychology University of the Witwatersrand March 2016
Emergency first responders such as firefighters are exposed to higher levels of traumatic events through the course of their work. Accordingly, chances of such exposure resulting in negative psychological consequences are elevated. Previous research implicates the experience of trauma incident(s) and other organisational factors, among other factors, as causes of the development of consequences such as posttraumatic stress disorder and the variance thereof. However, research exploring these implications is limited. As a result, firefighters in the Emergency Medical Services were surveyed in the attempt to identify experiences of posttraumatic stress symptoms resulting from history of exposure to work-related traumatic events, perceived life threat during those incidents, general work-related stress and their perceived organisational support. The purpose of this study was to explore the predictive relationship PTSD symptoms and four predictors namely; perceived life threat, perceived organisational support, history of trauma and job-related stress, among Johannesburg firefighters. The sample was drawn from the City of Johannesburg Emergency Medical Services. A sample (N=100) of trauma-exposed firefighters was recruited for the study. Participants were recruited using a non-probability, convenience sampling strategy in which participation in the study was voluntary. The sample was made of 89 male participants and 11 female participants. All variables included in the study were measured using self-report instruments. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire to gather information pertaining to gender, age, organisational tenure and race. The following questionnaires were used to ascertain scores for the predictor variables: Survey of perceived Organisational Support, General Work Stress scale, Life Threat scale and a self-developed history of trauma scale. The Revised Impact of Event scale was used to measure the firefighters’ experience of PTSD related symptoms. Participants reported an average score of 29 on the IES-R scale indicating a stress reaction with the possibility of posttraumatic stress disorder. However, using a multiple regression analysis, this present study found that the four predictor variables explored did not have a substantial impact on the development of PTSD among firefighters. Secondary analyses were conducted to explore the individual association between each independent variable and PTSD. The results are reported. Overall, the results yielded suggest that there are other factors that exert a greater impact on the development of PTSD among firefighters. Future research among firefighters could focus on exploring other risk and protective factors associated with the development of PTSD. Alternatively, if this study is to be replicated, the researcher could employ a longitudinal, qualitative approach to explore the predictive relationship between history of trauma, perceived life threat, perceived organisational support, work-related stress and PTSD related symptoms. KEYWORDS: Post-traumatic stress disorder, perceived life threat, perceived organisational support, job-related stress, history of trauma

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Cheng, Ya-Ling, and 鄭雅菱. "Rationalization, Gender and Labor Process of Firefighters." Thesis, 2013. http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/57461656505575678313.

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碩士
國立臺灣大學
社會學研究所
101
This research aims to examine the labor process of firefighters and indicates the mechanism of turning labor power into labor in Taiwan. I conduct fieldwork, interviews, and data analysis to explore why and how firefighters handle manifold duties, which include dangerous as well as tedious ones. My research shows that the rational management, the seniority, and gender division of labor are three integral and inter-related mechanisms, which essentially operate the labor process among firefighters. In order to increase efficiency, calculability and predictability, they form two ways of rational management. The higher authorities control over the fire brigade through the hierarchical organization, technology and the rating system. On the other hand, they build Standard Operating Procedure and training system to minimize the potential danger and uncertainty in the labor process. However, the rational management does not always work perfectly. On the one hand, the rational management cannot erase all the danger and uncertainty in the process of the firefighting and Emergency Medical Service. Therefore, the managers in fire brigade assign the senior to do the key job in flames, and to teach the junior how to fight, too. On the other hand, rational management also makes firefighters struggle in the boring and routine work. Therefore, the seniority and gender division of labor are to solve the outcome from over-rationalization. That is, the mangers assign the junior and the women, who do less rescue work, do more routine work. Interestingly, the seniority divides people by individual working experience, while the gender division of labor divides people by sex. Therefore, the male-junior can become the senior someday by learning the knowledge of firefighting, and then they will be free from the routine work; while the female-junior may struggle in the routine work, since they do not have the opportunity to prove their ability of firefighting. Max Weber said when the rationalization starts to run, no one can escape from it. But I found the power relationship decide who stay in the iron cage. In this case, iron cage is gendered.

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Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Firefighters’'

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