In the heat of the moment
The effects of extreme temperatures on firefighter cognition
This is a 12-month research project investigating the effects of acute heat stress on the cognitive functioning of firefighters. The research is funded by the Fire Service Research and Training Trust and the project began in January 2022.
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The aim of the project is to measure cognition and core body temperature of firefighters following a real live-fire training exercise. This will show whether exposure to extreme temperatures can influence cognitive processing of firefighters and if any impairments to cognition are linked to changes in core body temperature.
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The work will show how heat stress affects different aspects of cognition and decision-making and how long these effects last. The findings will inform firefighter safety with regards to cooling and re-entry judgements.
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