Impact of temperature on firefighter task performance and subjective workload in VR simulations

Abstract

This study explores the impact of elevated temperatures on firefighters' physiological responses, subjective workload, and task performance during emergency scenarios using a virtual reality (VR) system. Thirty firefighters completed VR -based tasks in both room-temperature and high -temperature conditions while wearing both real and virtual firefighting gear, allowing for the evaluation of task load, water-flame distance (WFD), task times, and response time (RT). Results demonstrated that high-temperature environments significantly increased multidimensional workload, particularly in performance and effort. Workload was strongly correlated with reduced WFD (r = 0.87, P < 0.05) and physiological strain, such as increased heart rate and skin temperature (r = 0.79, P < 0.05). Task times were extended by 23 %, and fire extinguishing time (FET) was prolonged by 43 % in high heat, largely due to decrease in fire suppression accuracy and increased workload. However, reaction times for fire detection remained consistent, likely due to instinctual visual cue responses. These findings highlight the necessity of adapting firefighter training protocols to address the heightened cognitive and physiological demands posed by high-temperature environments.