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Social and Behavioral Sciences

(15) DIFFERENCES IN STRESS, RECOVERY, AND ENGAGEMENT IN RECOVERY ACTIVITIES BETWEEN RANKS OF ACTIVE-DUTY FIREFIGHTERS

Thursday, July 11, 2024
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM East Coast USA Time
Location: Exhibit Hall
Abstract Details: To optimize workplace functioning and reduce chronic stress, burnout, and poor health throughout an organization, sport and occupational health researchers have recently begun to examine the importance of recovery for both the individual (e.g., athlete) as well as the staff and leaders (e.g., athletic trainers, coaches) around the individual. Similar organizational structures exist within the fire service, whereby the recovery needs for staff or those at higher ranks (e.g., Lieutenant [Lt]) are just as important to consider as those at lower ranks (e.g., firefighters [FF]) due to their unique job duties and stressors. This organization-wide approach to recovery, however, has not previously been examined in the fire service. Failure to examine differences in perceptions of stress and recovery or the specific recovery activities engaged in by FFs of various ranks precludes recommendations of rank-specific recovery interventions.

Purpose: To examine the differences in perceived stress and recovery status and recovery activities between FFs of a lower rank and FFs of a higher rank.

Methods: 261 (239 male, 22 female) active-duty FFs (age: 39.2 ± 9.4 yrs) completed the FF-adapted version of the Assessment of Recovery Activities for Athletes (ARAA-FF) to measure type and frequency of recovery activities engaged in over a 7-day period, as well as perceptions of stress and recovery status. 154 FFs reported being of a lower rank (i.e., FF and Heavy Equipment Operator [HEO]), while 107 FFs reported being of a higher rank (i.e., Lt, Captain [Cpt], and Battalion Chief [BC]). Independent t-tests (p < 0.05) were used to examine the differences between FF ranks in ARAA-FF subscales and perceptions of stress and recovery status.

Results: Results indicated that lower rank FFs had significantly lower scores on the Sleep (t(259) = -2.06, p = 0.041) and significantly higher scores on the Training Breaks (t(259) = 2.53, p = 0.012) subscales of the ARAA-FF. No significant differences (p > 0.05) existed between ranks on perceptions of physical, psychological, or social stress or recovery status. While not statistically significant, FFs of a lower rank engaged in recovery activities to promote Psychological Detachment, Community, Firefighter Interactions, and Non-Firefighter Interactions more than FFs of a higher rank, whereas FFs of a higher rank engaged in recovery activities to promote Readiness, Relaxation, Mastery, and Autonomy more than FFs of a lower rank.

Conclusions: Higher FF rank is associated with higher levels of sleep-promoting activities (e.g., sleeping in a cool, dark environment), yet lower levels of perceived training breaks (e.g., using off-duty time to physically relax and recover, saving energy for oneself). PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: While rank might not influence a FF’s ability to detach from work, implement adequate nutrition strategies, or engage in social recovery activities, significant differences emerged that warrant practical application. Developing sleep hygiene protocols for FFs or HEOs might be beneficial to promote recovery, especially when considering that these FFs often have communal bunking while on-duty. In contrast, discussing the importance of utilizing off-duty time to physically relax may be beneficial for “bosses”, or those FFs of the Lt, Cpt, or BC rank. Implementation of these protocols may improve on- and off-duty recovery for individuals across all ranks.

Acknowledgements: Funding provided by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (Grant #T42/OH008672)