Training Program for improving firefighter health & performance

Repeated trauma exposure associated with firefighting can have significant negative impacts on firefighters’ mental health and well-being. Regular practice of nasal, diaphragmatic breathing can improve carbon dioxide-oxygen exchange, cardiorespiratory fitness and physiological stress responses. We developed and implemented a 6-week, 18-session aerobic and breath training program in a small group of rural, active-duty firefighters.

Firefighters’ aerobic work capacity increased (p<0.05) from program beginning to end, both in ergonomic rowing sessions and firefighting activity simulation drills. No trends were seen in physiological measures, self-contained breathing apparatus air depletion rates, or stress/burnout. Other fire departments may benefit from adopting this or similar programs for helping keep their firefighters healthy, performing optimally, and on the job.