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1 – 10 of over 1000Saloni Purandare and Chunhui Xiang
Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the only barrier between the firefighter and hazardous environment. Gloves are a crucial component of the multi-component PPE…
Abstract
Purpose
Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the only barrier between the firefighter and hazardous environment. Gloves are a crucial component of the multi-component PPE. Over time the gloves have reduced the intensity of hand injuries, yet further improvement in terms of material selection and glove design is required to strike the balance between protection and comfort. Focusing on the material aspect, the purpose of this study is to present literature analysis on material selection and testing for firefighter gloves.
Design/methodology/approach
The study conducted a literature analysis on material selection and characterization of firefighter PPE. The review summarizes and evaluates past work addressing the characterization of firefighter gloves in accordance with NFPA 1971 requirements and points out found research gaps to aid with foundation of future research.
Findings
The study summarizes several research works to inform readers about the material selection and characterization of firefighter gloves. Based on the analyzed literature, the study resulted in material specification sheets for firefighter gloves. The developed material specification sheets provide information in terms of crucial material properties to be incorporated for accurate functioning of firefighter gloves, testing methods to validate those material properties and materials from analyzed literature exhibiting desired properties.
Originality/value
With large research addressing firefighter PPE, only limited studies focus specifically on gloves. Thus, this study provides a literature analysis covering material selection and testing for gloves. A consolidated firefighter gloves material specification document, which does not appear to be available in the literature, will provide a foundation for the development and characterization of firefighter gloves to better serve the functions along with ensuring user comfort.
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Claudia Grisales Bohorquez, Lian Ruan and Kate Williams
This paper aims to understand how a special library helped firefighters in Illinois navigate the digital revolution by evidencing the elements and forms of work that made its…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to understand how a special library helped firefighters in Illinois navigate the digital revolution by evidencing the elements and forms of work that made its innovative services possible.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors examine the history of a special library through a community informatics lens, drawing from sociomaterial perspectives to highlight forms of work often invisible in digital innovation. Data was collected through documentary revision, oral histories and semi-structured interviews. Deductive-inductive coding and constant comparative analysis was used in the analysis.
Findings
A historical narrative of the library between 1990 and 2021 highlights three sociotechnical innovations that assisted firefighters through the digital revolution: the facilitated collection, the co-created collection and the inside-out library. To develop these innovations the library drew from institutional relations, personal relations, grants, labor, knowledge of firefighters and technology. Various forms of articulation work brought these elements together to create innovative services.
Originality/value
The role of special libraries in addressing the digital divide has not been sufficiently detailed so far; this paper is a contribution in that direction. It also has practical value for professionals working in specialized libraries and information centers.
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Javad Hashempour, Zubaida Shebani and Jeffrey Kimble
Firefighting can pose a number of psychological health risks due to the nature of the job. Previous studies have examined the relationship between distress symptoms in firefighters…
Abstract
Purpose
Firefighting can pose a number of psychological health risks due to the nature of the job. Previous studies have examined the relationship between distress symptoms in firefighters and factors such as age, experience in the service, workload, sleep and alcohol use. However, the relationship between risk factors and mental health problems in firefighters remains unclear. In the present study, the authors aim to assess mental distress among Muscat firefighters using the Brief Symptom Inventory-18. The authors expected that this research will allow researchers to determine the prevalence of mental distress among Muscat firefighters and assess the role of the above risk factors on the ratio.
Design/methodology/approach
The assessment includes the prevalence of anxiety, somatization and depression symptoms among firefighters. The impact of sociodemographic factors, sleep problems and smoking on symptomatic cases was also evaluated. Data was collected from 110 firefighters then processed as per instructions in the BSI-18 manual to identify clinical cases in each of the three scales of the assessment.
Findings
Results show that all factors influence the number of cases to different extents. Young, single firefighters with high school level education were found to have the highest number of extreme cases followed by those who are non-smokers and satisfied with their job. This study did not find a relationship between sleep disorder and job dissatisfaction with regard to the number of critical cases. The prevalence of anxiety, somatic and depression cases among firefighters was found to be 11.8%, 10.9% and 10%, respectively. These findings have implications for fire service work-organization policies and for the development and monitoring of treatment programs for firefighters.
Originality/value
This work presents a comprehensive assessment on common factors that may impact prevalence of mental distress among an underrepresented firefighter community. These findings have implications for fire service work-organization policies and for updating current monitoring programs or updating new programs for firefighters.
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Emelie Lantz and Marcus Runefors
The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of literature about recruitment, retention and resignation among non-career firefighters.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of literature about recruitment, retention and resignation among non-career firefighters.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic review was conducted to identify factors associated with the recruitment, retention and resignation of non-career firefighters. The authors divided the results into three topics and four levels for further analysis.
Findings
27 articles are included in the review. Most research addresses retention at an organizational level and indicates a link between job satisfaction and factors such as supervisor support, recognition and close relationships within the workgroup. Further, a recurring reason that contributes to resignations seems to be family related (e.g. partner disapproval).
Research limitations/implications
There is a lack of European and Asian research into non-career firefighters. The included research papers generally have low response rates and the sample is often mostly male and Caucasians from a limited area.
Practical implications
The identified factors offer deeper understanding and can help practitioners in their pursuit of the sustainable retention of non-career firefighters.
Originality/value
Because securing adequate numbers of non-career firefighters is important, there is a need to synthesize current evidence to identify and further understand which factors contribute to retention. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first systematic review to synthesize such evidence about non-career firefighters.
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Karin Dangermond, Ricardo Weewer, Joachim Duyndam and Anja Machielse
How firefighters cope with critical incidents is partly influenced by the culture of the fire brigade. The purpose of this study is to better understand how informal peer support…
Abstract
Purpose
How firefighters cope with critical incidents is partly influenced by the culture of the fire brigade. The purpose of this study is to better understand how informal peer support helps firefighters cope with critical incidents.
Design/methodology/approach
An ethnographic field study of explorative nature was conducted. Data were collected by means of 20 participating observations and 72 interviews with Dutch firefighters from 37 different fire brigades. The analysis was an iterative process alternating data collection, analysis and theory formation processes.
Findings
Firefighters will turn to informal peer support to cope with critical incidents provided that facilitating circumstances are present and there is adherence to certain implicit rules. The collective sharing of memories, whether immediately post-incident or after the passage of time, helps firefighters process critical incidents and serves to promote unit cohesion. Most firefighters reported these informal debriefings to be preferable to the formal sessions. By comparison, a minority of firefighters reported that they did not benefit at all from the informal interactions.
Research limitations/implications
This study only focused on the informal peer support given by colleagues. Future research should focus on: (1) The possible differences between men and women as to what extent informal peer support is experienced after critical incidents, (2) Commanding officers: how do they, given their hierarchical position, experience coming to terms with critical incidents, (3) Premeditated critical incidents and the role of informal peer support, (4) Similarities and differences between career and non-career firefighters in experiencing and coping critical incidents.
Practical implications
Firefighters are an under-researched group in academic literature, that would benefit from mental health counsellors having a better understanding of their unique work culture and the complexity of the firefighting profession. More knowledge about the role of informal peer support is necessary to tailor help and aftercare more effectively to their needs.
Originality/value
Most studies confirm the importance of informal peer support when coping with critical incidents. This study provides initial, in-depth evidence of the role of informal peer support in helping firefighters cope with critical incidents.
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Huiju Park, Helen Trejo, Madeline Miles, Allison Bauer, Seonyoung Kim and Jeffrey Stull
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the incremental impact of firefighter’s personal protective equipment (PPE) on lower body range of motion (ROM) while walking to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the incremental impact of firefighter’s personal protective equipment (PPE) on lower body range of motion (ROM) while walking to suggest areas of design improvement for enhanced mobility and safety.
Design/methodology/approach
Eight male and four female firefighters participated in the study. Lower body ROM was assessed while they walked in four different configurations of PPE, including turnout ensemble, a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and boots. The impact of each added PPE item, and gender differences were statistically analyzed.
Findings
Wearing firefighter turnout ensemble and SCBA reduced ROM in the lower body in the sagittal and transverse planes. A significant reduction in ROM for anterior-posterior movement at the ankle and the ball of the foot was found while wearing rubber boots with turnout ensemble and SCBA. This puts firefighters at higher risk of experiencing foot injuries and physical strains. A significant increase in medial-lateral movement of the foot while wearing rubber boots may increase risk of ankle sprains. A greater reduction in ROM at the ankle and the ball of the foot for female firefighters may imply greater risk for women compared to men, while wearing boots.
Practical implications
Reducing the inflexibility and bulkiness of boots is critical to improve firefighter’s lower body mobility and safety.
Originality/value
This study implemented 3-D motion capture technology to analyze how wearing firefighting gear impacted lower body motion. It provides quantitative evidence to recommend ergonomic boot re-design.
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The purpose of this paper is to describe firefighters’ experiences of first response emergency care.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe firefighters’ experiences of first response emergency care.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses an explorative descriptive design with a qualitative approach. Data were collected through group interviews of 35 firefighters and subjected to qualitative content analysis.
Findings
The results showed that the professional role and the firemen’s uniform serve as a protection against psychologically strenuous situations. To protect the dignity of the injured or dead is important as well as protecting and safeguarding each other from the experience of the tragedy of an accident. Having a solid, sterling medical education provides a sense of security in the emergency care, as well as when caring for the relatives. Debriefing brings thoughts and feelings to the surface for processing and closure. The feeling of sadness lingers for the people not being saveable, that had been dead on arrival or the ones forgotten.
Originality/value
A firefighter’s work situation is exposed and stressful. The firemen’s uniform as a mental barrier, colleagues, time to mentally prepare and to be allowed to show feelings are all needed to cope. It is, therefore, important to encourage, promote and strengthen the protective role of camaraderie for the firefighter, which probably can be emphasized in other uniform-wearing professions such as police, military and ambulance. Being acknowledged for their contribution to other peoples’ lives and well-being can acknowledge the firefighters’ importance.
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Juan Pablo Leiva Santos, Helena García-Llana, Victor Pablo, Maya Liébana and Allan Kellehear
The purpose of this paper is to understand the need and resources firefighters have to deal with death and dying (D&D) that they encounter whilst on duty and to present a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand the need and resources firefighters have to deal with death and dying (D&D) that they encounter whilst on duty and to present a curriculum to support D&D issues for firefighters.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative methodology involving focus groups was conducted in two fire stations in Spain. The sample was 38 male participants with a mean age of 46 y/o (range: 30-59 years) and an average tenure of employment of 18 years (range: 6-35 years). Data were subjected to a thematic analysis. Dual coding of the transcripts in addition to member checking enhanced analysis.
Findings
Nine themes emerged: witnessing D&D during rescue operations; memories about D&D and trauma; impact on firefighter’s families; decision-making process under stress; teamwork: protective and self-support; inadequate D&D preparation and training; adequate technical and physical training preparation; relationship between equipment, legal-moral obligation, and victims’ outcomes; communication issues: toward the victim and/or their relatives. These themes were subsequently framed into three basic domains: personal impact of D&D, team impact of D&D, and victim impact. Each domain, in its turn, is covered by three curriculum topics. The curriculum’s pedagogy is primarily based on experimental-reflective activities during 16 study-hours.
Research limitations/implications
The absence of female participants. All fire stations were in cities with no more than 150,000 inhabitants.
Practical implications
Individuals who take this curriculum will: increase their ability for self-care and resilience; improve teamwork, leadership skills, and to decrease burnout; provide more effective care for victims; provide skills to cope with compassion fatigue; reduced the levels of post-traumatic stress disorders.
Originality/value
Understanding firefighters’ needs with relation to D&D, and assessing the resources available to mitigate these issues will provide a comprehensive approach to their education and promote health both personally and professionally. A comparable curriculum or proposal has not been previously identified.
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Meredith McQuerry, Cassandra Kwon and Heather Johnson
The purpose of this paper is to identify the challenging barriers faced by female firefighters, which limit workplace entrance and performance.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the challenging barriers faced by female firefighters, which limit workplace entrance and performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Occupational barriers from both psychological and physiological viewpoints were explored based on previous literature and the reported experiences of female firefighters.
Findings
A comprehensive review of literature synthesizes previous studies pertaining to gender anthropometric differences, female firefighters’ experiences in the work environment and protective clothing issues. The physical capabilities of men and women in specific relation to performing firefighting activities are also examined. Issues of greatest concern are identified for personal protective clothing (PPC) and equipment, which have traditionally been designed for the male human form. This leads to a lack of protection, an increased risk of onsite injury, reduction in mobility and poorer comfort for female firefighters.
Originality/value
This review provides an original overview of the critical workplace challenges faced by female firefighters. The need for female-specific PPC and equipment is specifically addressed to retain the growing number of women entering the male-dominated firefighting profession.
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Leigh McCarley Blaney, David Wilde and Rowena Hill
The purpose of this paper is to present a theory of psychological resilience in volunteer firefighters.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a theory of psychological resilience in volunteer firefighters.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a constructivist grounded theory (CGT) approach, the qualitative study engaged a purposive sample of eight firefighters in Canada, conducted in-depth interviews and analysed the data using comparative methods.
Findings
The results provided unique insights into resilience in firefighters and revealing resilience as multidimensional, complex, dynamic and contextual. Six core concepts interrelate to construct resilience: relationships, personal resources, meaning-making, leadership, culture and knowledge.
Practical implications
The findings of this research offer a framework for practical integration of resilience theory into workplace health policy and practice. The theory was co-created with firefighters hence is contextually sound to this population, but applicable to other emergency and health services.
Originality/value
Volunteer firefighters are under-represented in the literature, despite facing intermittent and frequently intense work-related stressors; this research begins to address the gap in the literature. As well, previous resilience theories have noted relationships between some components, but there is little evidence linking categories; this theory more patently represents the complex nature of resilience in volunteer firefighters.
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