Physiological demands of mountain rescue work

摘要: Objective To characterise the physical fitness of mountain rescue (MR) volunteers and demands a typical MR callout. Methods Eight (age ± SD: 45.5 8.9 years) completed laboratory-based treadmill exercise test to exhaustion. One week later subjects field-based simulated callout retrieve casualty by stretcher. In both studies intensity was evaluated determination oxygen uptake other cardiovascular measures. Results The maximal participants 53 ml/kg/min (95% CI 45 60). an unassisted callout, rucksack load 17% body mass. Ascent time 56 min 40 72), which 82% 66% 98%) at hard or very (above respiratory compensation point). Descent with stretcher 58 min 52 64), only 6% −4% 16%) intensity. Correlations between heart rate were similar (p=0.254 analysis variance) during laboratory ( r =0.72) field testing, especially for ascent =0.75). Conclusions Mountain rescuers generally have high levels are required perform majority casualty. Heart is simple yet valid measure in personnel. These findings highlight important information on unique faced provide direction future research, volunteer selection training.