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OCCUPATIONAL FIREFIGHTERS’ READINESS: A BODY MASS INDEX AND AGE ASSOCIATION STUDY

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The National Fire Protection Association 1582 has recognized the pressing issue of obesity within firefighters. This recognition has led to the recommendation of using body mass index (BMI) for assessing obesity among firefighters. Astonishingly, despite a substantial 80% of firefighters falling within the overweight or obese categories, this concern has been largely overlooked in research, despite its potential to significantly impact their readiness for duty. Firefighters’ readiness is evaluated through the Physical Ability Test (PAT). However, as obesity rates increase with age, the utility of BMI as an indicator of firefighters' readiness remains uncertain. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between BMI and age on the PAT. METHODS: Sixty-two males underwent a PAT equipped with their personal protective equipment (PPE). BMI categories were established following the World Health Organization's classification. To discern potential differences, linear regression analysis was conducted using Jamovi version 2.4.8, with significance level at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The PAT assessments yielded no discernible age-related disparities (F2,57 = 0.8, p = 0.5). Intriguingly, the 30-39 yrs cohort, constituting 24% of the total, demonstrated the most efficient PAT performance, followed by the 40-49 yrs group, representing a mere 3% of the total participants. In contrast, the 20-29 yrs category, encompassing a substantial 73% of the participants, exhibited relatively slower PAT completion times. Furthermore, PAT scores exhibited no statistically significant discrepancies across the various BMI classifications (F2,57 = 2.8, p = 0.07). Surprisingly, the obese subgroup, constituting 24% of the participants, outperformed the overweight cohort (49% of the total), with the normal weight category (29% of the total) trailing closely behind. CONCLUSION: Contrary to expectations, increasing age and obesity did not appear to substantially influence the occupational readiness of firefighters when assessed through the PAT while wearing full PPE. This study challenges existing assumptions about the impact of age and obesity on firefighters' readiness, highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding of the factors influencing their performance in the demanding and critical field of firefighting.

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