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Occupation-Induced Fatigue and Impacts on Emergency First Responders: A Systematic Review

Author

Listed:
  • Graham Marvin

    (Tactical Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD 4226, Australia)

  • Ben Schram

    (Tactical Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD 4226, Australia)

  • Robin Orr

    (Tactical Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD 4226, Australia)

  • Elisa F. D. Canetti

    (Tactical Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD 4226, Australia)

Abstract

Fatigue in emergency first responders (EFRs) is known to affect performance abilities and safety outcomes for both patients and EFRs. The primary aim of this review was to determine the main contributors to occupation-induced fatigue in EFRs and its subsequent impacts. Following the PRIMSA checklist, academic databases (Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus) were searched using key terms with results subjected to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Populations of interest were firefighters, paramedics, or emergency call centre personnel. Of the 5633 records identified, 43 studies, which reported on 186 unique measures from a total population of 6373 participants, informed the review. Synthesis revealed fatigue was caused by lack of sleep during the shift and consistent poor sleep quality which negatively impacted cognitive function, alertness, and physical and mental health while increasing safety-compromising behaviours and injuries. Both subjective and objective assessments of fatigue are necessary for effective risk management in EFRs. EFRs that are consistently fatigued are at a greater risk of poor physical and mental health, reduced cognitive function, and increased injuries. No studies reported on fatigue in emergency call centre personnel, highlighting a literature gap. Funding was provided by the Australian Capital Territory Emergency Services Agency. Preregistration was filed in OSF: osf.io/26f3s.

Suggested Citation

  • Graham Marvin & Ben Schram & Robin Orr & Elisa F. D. Canetti, 2023. "Occupation-Induced Fatigue and Impacts on Emergency First Responders: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(22), pages 1-45, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:22:p:7055-:d:1278688
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Robin Orr & Rodney Pope & Samantha Peterson & Benjamin Hinton & Michael Stierli, 2016. "Leg Power As an Indicator of Risk of Injury or Illness in Police Recruits," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-10, February.
    2. Sally A. Ferguson & Bradley P. Smith & Matthew Browne & Matthew J. Rockloff, 2016. "Fatigue in Emergency Services Operations: Assessment of the Optimal Objective and Subjective Measures Using a Simulated Wildfire Deployment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-11, January.
    3. Denisse Bustos & Joana C. Guedes & Mário P. Vaz & Eduardo Pombo & Ricardo J. Fernandes & José Torres Costa & João Santos Baptista, 2021. "Non-Invasive Physiological Monitoring for Physical Exertion and Fatigue Assessment in Military Personnel: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-28, August.
    4. Robin Orr & Vinicius Simas & Elisa Canetti & Ben Schram, 2019. "A Profile of Injuries Sustained by Firefighters: A Critical Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-20, October.
    5. Grace E. Vincent & Brad Aisbett & Brianna Larsen & Nicola D. Ridgers & Rod Snow & Sally A. Ferguson, 2017. "The Impact of Heat Exposure and Sleep Restriction on Firefighters’ Work Performance and Physiology during Simulated Wildfire Suppression," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-15, February.
    6. Kyeongmin Kwak & Bong-Kyu Kim & Tae-Won Jang & Chang Sun Sim & Yeon-Soon Ahn & Kyeong-Sook Choi & Kyoung Sook Jeong, 2020. "Association between Shift Work and Neurocognitive Function among Firefighters in South Korea: A Prospective before–after Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-15, June.
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