Heart Rate Response of Firefighters to Actual Emergencies: Implications for Cardiorespiratory Fitness

Heart rate (HR) and oxygen consumption (Vo₂) responses during actual fire-suppression emergencies were monitored in 10 male firefighters. These firefighters worked at 157 ± 8 beats per minute (bpm) for 15 ± 7 minutes. This was 88 ± 6% of their previously determined HR max. Based on treadmill testing, the HR × Vo₂ relationship was established for each firefighter. The predicted Vo₂ derived from HR monitoring in actual emergencies was 25.6 ±8.7 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ or 63 ± 14% of Vo₂ max (40.0 ± 6.5 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹). These values on the cardiorespiratory response to actual emergencies are very similar to results derived from studies employing fire-suppression simulations. Recommendations for the Vo₂ max of firefighters ranging from 33.5 to 42.0 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ that have been generated from simulation testing appear appropriate given the cardiorespiratory responses to actual emergencies.