The Impact of Equipment Training on Firefighter Performance

By, Alima Mims – O2X Instructor

In 2001, I started training in my fire service gear during a time when training in firefighter gear was unheard of not only within my department but surrounding departments. When I began training in firefighter gear I was often laughed at and picked on as I’d frequently overhear others express “Why is he training in his gear, that doesn’t make him a better firefighter.” To a certain extent such individuals are right since physical training only makes up one aspect of being a firefighter, aside from the knowledge of building construction that is crucial to being a firefighter. Building construction training consists of textbook knowledge and analyzing various structures for an in-depth understanding of different types of construction. Therefore, training in gear does not enhance firefighters ability to master the art of reading smoke at structures. Firefighters are required to watch numerous videos educating on how to read smoke while also obtaining hands-on experience and practice observing conditions upon arrival to a scene. However, by training in firefighter gear it allows firefighters to perform foreground tasks without being exhausted within a short amount of time. Such training also equips firefighters with the ability to extend the life of their SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) enabling firefighters to increase stamina in order to better serve citizens in any capacity necessary.

In 2003, there was an article written on Trends and Hazards in Firefighter Training highlighting the various safety factors that prevented firefighters from dying during training activities. However, there was no mention of the importance of training in one’s personal protective gear within the 68-page article. My intent is not to criticize this article, but to highlight the absence of this valuable practice in prior years. Nevertheless, it should be noted that advocates of this practice surfaced in the 70’s and assisted with the evolution of a mainstream realization within the Fire Service of training in protective gear.

As of today, there are a multitude of firefighter survival programs that understand the importance of firefighters training in their gear and such programs put the individual to the maximum experience in order to test this. The Georgia Smoke Diver Program along with other Smoke Diver Programs are done in full turn-out gear, which can consist of being in gear for 10–12-hour days through the 6-day long course. There are many reasons why firefighters are not successful in these programs, however, failure is mainly due to their lack of acclimation to the turn-out gear (no gear training or minimum time training in their gear).

Strength and muscular endurance are also essential to being able to perform the task of firefighting efficiently. Being safe on the fireground and being physically conditioned coincide with one another. The SAID principle (Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demands) states that, “a person’s body adapts to the specific demands that are placed upon it.” As a result of the imposed demands of practicing in protective gear, the body becomes accustomed to the extra weight and restricted movements. Therefore, firefighters performing very strenuous tasks while training in their turnout gear can be an indicator of the likeliness of successful execution of tasks when on the actual fireground. As the saying goes: “Firefighters don’t fight fires in T-shirts and shorts.”

An Average firefighter gear weighs anywhere from 45-75 pounds. Therefore, if a firefighter weighs 200 pounds, and the weight of a firefighter’s personal protective equipment is added the firefighter’s total weight increases to over 245 pounds. Additional weight adds more stress and physical exertion which results in normal tasks becoming abnormal partly because firefighter gear keeps the heat out yet restricts the skin from being able to breathe. All these components, if not conditioned, can tax the firefighter mentally and physically.

The majority of individuals think that getting prepared to be more physically fit for the career of firefighting is difficult. I like to explain to firefighters that starting with baby steps such as doing fire related tasks with bunker pants on, and tennis shoes, is a great first step to getting legs conditioned to the movements of turn-out gear while performing those tasks. Once stamina has been increased, additional protective gear can slowly be added to the training routine. Before they know it, they’re training in Full PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and breathing air while doing a 12-15 station obstacle course!

I believe that if everyone in the fire service looked at themselves as tactical athletes, the mindset of training in gear to be able to perform better on the fire ground at an emergency scene would not seem so strenuous after all. I have seen firsthand the transition from people not training in their gear to the transformation of agencies mandating their personnel to train in firefighter gear.

I remember a young firefighter told me, “I don’t need to train in my gear, I’ll just go to the gym and lift heavy weights, and I should be fine.” Ten years later, I crossed paths with this same firefighter who had become a lieutenant in a large department. He explained that he participates in 5k races in his gear, does CrossFit in gear, and posts videos doing obstacle courses at his department, breathing air with full PPE on. I’m not certain the impact my conversation years before had on this young firefighter at the time, but I believe somewhere in the very back of his mind he’s said (at least once), “I remember Ali used to do this stuff.”

References:

1. Homeland Security Digital Library. (n.d.). Trends of hazards in firefighter training. Retrieved from https://www.hsdl.org/c/view?docid=441870

2. Tulleken, S. (2009, September 10). The SAID principle. Better Movement. Retrieved from https://www.bettermovement.org/blog/2009/0110111

3. Georgia Smoke Diver Association. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.georgiasmokediver.com/

About O2X Instructor Alima Mims:

Alima Mims is an O2X Assistant Instructor. In 2001 Alima began volunteering with a local fire department in South Georgia, his volunteer work would later lead him to relocate to Augusta, Georgia where in 2007 he would be hired as a fulltime firefighter. Alima currently has nearly two decades of fire service experience. He has a bachelor’s degree in public safety administration and is working on his Master’s in Homeland Security. He has his Health and Safety Program Manager and uses this to guide agencies on both injury prevention and fitness. Alima is a certified CPR instructor for The American Heart Association and an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with the State of Georgia. Ali obtained his nutritionist certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine to help others become more physically active within the different lines of work. Alima currently works for the Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security and has been with the agency for 4 years now. He is a liaison for the GSAR (Georgia Search and Rescue Teams) across Georgia and the regional Hazardous Material Teams, which includes the deployment and dispatch of these units in the event of a disaster throughout Georgia.

About O2X Human Performance:

O2X Human Performance provides comprehensive, science-backed programs to hundreds of public safety departments, federal agencies, and the military. O2X works with clients to elevate culture, improve mental and physical wellbeing, support healthy lifestyles, and reduce healthcare costs associated with injuries and illnesses. Driven by results and cutting edge research, O2X programs are designed and delivered by a team of Special Operations veterans, high level athletes, and hundreds of leading experts in their respective fields of human performance.