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Pack Hike Test finishing time for Australian firefighters : Pass rates and correlates of performance

- Phillips, Matthew, Petersen, Aaron, Abbiss, Chris, Netto, Kevin, Payne, Warren, Nichols, David, Aisbett, Brad

  • Authors: Phillips, Matthew , Petersen, Aaron , Abbiss, Chris , Netto, Kevin , Payne, Warren , Nichols, David , Aisbett, Brad
  • Date: 2011
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Applied Ergonomics Vol. 42, no. 3 (2011), p. 411-418
  • Full Text: false
  • Reviewed:
  • Description: The pack hike test (PHT, 4.83 km hike wearing a 20.4-kg load) was devised to determine the job readiness of USA wildland firefighters. This study measured PHT performance in a sample of Australian firefighters who currently perform the PHT (career land management firefighters, LMFF) and those who do not (suburban/regional volunteer firefighters, VFF). The study also investigated the relationships between firefighters' PHT performance and their performance across a range of fitness tests for both groups. Twenty LMFF and eighteen age-, body mass-, and height-matched VFF attempted the PHT, and a series of muscular endurance, power, strength and cardiorespiratory fitness tests. Bivariate correlations between the participants' PHT finishing time and their performance in a suite of different fitness tests were determined using Pearson's product moment correlation coefficient. The mean PHT finishing time for LMFF (42.2 ± 2.8 min) was 9 ± 14% faster (p = 0.001) than for VFF (46.1 ± 3.6 min). The pass rate (the percentage of participants who completed the PHT in under 45 min) for LMFF (90%) was greater than that of VFF (39%, p = 0.001). For LMFF, VO2peak in L min-1(r = -0.66, p = 0.001) and the duration they could sustain a grip 'force' of 25 kg (r = -0.69, p = 0.001) were strongly correlated with PHT finishing time. For VFF, VO2peak in mL kg-1 min-1(r = -0.75, p = 0.002) and the duration they could hold a 1.2-m bar attached to 45.5 kg in a 'hose spray position' (r = -0.69, p = 0.004) were strongly correlated with PHT finishing time. This study shows that PHT fitness-screening could severely limit the number of VFF eligible for duty, compromising workforce numbers and highlights the need for specific and valid firefighter fitness standards. The results also demonstrate the strong relationships between PHT performance and firefighters' cardiorespiratory fitness and local muscular endurance. Those preparing for the PHT should focus their training on these fitness components in the weeks and months prior to undertaking the PHT. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd and The Ergonomics Society.

Validity and relevance of the pack hike wildland firefighter work capacity test : A review

- Petersen, Aaron, Payne, Warren, Phillips, Matthew, Netto, Kevin, Nichols, David, Aisbett, Brad

  • Authors: Petersen, Aaron , Payne, Warren , Phillips, Matthew , Netto, Kevin , Nichols, David , Aisbett, Brad
  • Date: 2010
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Ergonomics Vol. 53, no. 10 (2010), p. 1276-1285
  • Full Text: false
  • Reviewed:
  • Description: Fighting wildland fire is a physically demanding occupation. Wildland firefighters need to be physically fit to work safely and productively. To determine whether personnel are fit for duty, many firefighting agencies employ physical competency tests, such as the pack hike test (PHT). The PHT involves a 4.83-km hike over level terrain carrying a 20.4-kg pack within a 45-min period. The PHT was devised to test the job readiness of US wildland firefighters but is also currently used by some fire agencies in Australia and Canada. This review discusses the history and development of the PHT with emphasis on the process of test validation. Research-based training advice for the PHT is given, as well as discussion of the risks associated with completing the PHT. Different versions and modifications to the PHT have emerged in recent years and these are discussed with regard to their validity. Finally, this review addresses the relevance and validity of the PHT for Australian and Canadian wildland firefighters. Statement of Relevance: This paper reviews the history, development and validity of the PHT, an internationally recognised and utilised wildland firefighter work capacity test. It is concluded that while the PHT has general content validity for US wildland firefighters, verification of its reliability, criterion and construct validity is still needed.
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