OPERATIONAL READINESS OF RURAL FIREFIGHTERS DURING BUSHFIRE SUPPRESSION - FINAL PROJECT REPORT

Accordingly, the aim of the current project was to conduct industry-specific research to assist the fire industry to develop comprehensive policy, best practice guidelines, and training and educational materials to preserve the health and safety of their firefighters during multi-day bushfire suppression deployments. [...] In the case of objective three, the project team will continue to work with the Australasian fire and emergency services sector beyond the conclusion of the Bushfire Co-Operative Research Centre (CRC) extension program. [...] For example, equipment fidelity typically refers to whether the real technologies of work are recreated faithfully, and psychological fidelity typically refers to the degree of perceived realism from the perspectives of the participants within the simulation [22, 23]. [...] To test the key outcome variables (e.g., physical and cognitive performance) in the Operational Readiness project, the researchers needed to strike a balance between maximising the various dimensions of fidelity and the rigours of experimental control. [...] The engagement with the sector in the design of the simulation, and the documentation of the processes has allowed for uptake and adoption of the protocol by both aligned and external research groups.