Objectives: This study aimed to identify specific health and well-being issues that women firefighters may experience as part of their daily working practices. Issues identified from this under-represented population can drive future research, education, and strategy to guide safety and health practices. Methods: A total of 840 women firefighters from 14 separate countries (255 United Kingdom and Ireland, 320 North America, 177 Australasia, and 88 mainland Europe) completed the survey over a 4-month period. Questions related to general health and well-being and role-specific health concerns, gender-related issues, and available exercise facilities. Results: Women firefighters in North America reported a higher prevalence of lower back (49%) and lower limb (51%) injuries than all other groups. North American respondents reported more heat illnesses (45%) than respondents from other places (36%). Although many participants did not respond, of those who did, 39% thought the menstrual cycle (199/512) or menopause (55/151) affected their work, and 36% were concerned for their ability to meet future job demands. Sixteen percent felt confident they could complete the role after 60 years of age. Women firefighters identified a lack of strength and conditioning support (50%) or lack of gym access (21%). There appears to be poor availability of female-specific personal protective equipment, with availability greatest in the United Kingdom (66%) compared with the sample as a whole (42%). Conclusions: There is a need for female-specific strength and conditioning support and facilities to decrease injury and illness risk and improve longevity. Research and education into gynecological issues, heat exposure, and their effects on women firefighters' fertility and cancer risk is required. (C) 2019 Jacobs Institute of Women's Health. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Background: In order to stay safe, and to successfully complete their work, firefighters have to constantly assess and process large numbers of sensory stimuli and adapt to the inherent risks present in the working environment. Objective: The purposes of the present preliminary study were to analyse the speed of Reaction Time responses (RT) of Italian Firefighters and to compare their cognitive responses with non-firefighting subjects. Methods: Anthropometric (weight, height and BMI) and RT (time-to-completion –TTC-, mean of reaction time –MRT-, and errors made -E-) evaluations were administered at 16 volunteers (Age: 40.3 ± 6.7 yrs; BMI: 23.8 ± 2.3 kg/m 2 ) divided in Firefighters (FG) and Control (CG) groups. RT test consisted of 3 trials (T1 = 1s of stimulus duration and 1s interval between stimulus and the other; T2 = 0.5s of stimulus duration and 1s interval between stimulus and the other; T3 = 0.5s of stimulus duration and 0.5s interval between stimulus and the other). Mann Whitney U test between groups was applied to asses differences ( p ≤ 0.05) in TTC, MRT, and E while Friedmann test and Dunn-Sidak post hoc were used to evaluate significant differences in the 3 trials in each variable of each group. Results: No significant differences based on anthropometric parameters were observed between groups. Despite no significant differences emerged for TTC and MRT between groups, we observed significant differences in E between groups (CG = 4; FG =12) and in the 3 rd condition in each variable of each group. Conclusion: Workout programs that integrate reaction time training with job performance should be created to increase job performance.

This study examined the effect of active pre-warming on speed and quality of performance during simulated firefighting exercise. Twelve male firefighters performed two trials in counterbalanced order. They were either pre-warmed by 20-min cycling at 1.5 Watt kg(-)(1) body mass (WARM) or remained thermoneutral (CON) prior to a simulated firefighting activity. After the pre-warming, gastrointestinal temperature (P < 0.001), skin temperature (P = 0.002), and heart rate (P < 0.001) were higher in WARM than in CON. During the firefighting activity, rating of perceived exertion, thermal sensation and discomfort were higher for WARM than for CON. Finish time of the firefighting activity was similar, but the last task of the activity was completed slower in WARM than in CON (P = 0.04). In WARM, self-reported performance quality was lower than in CON (P = 0.04). It is concluded that pre-warming reduces the speed during the last part of simulated firefighting activity and reduces self-reported quality of performance.

Physical aspects of firefighting in relation to health, fitness and deployability of firefighters Based on state-of-the-art scientific knowledge, this article reviews the physical aspects of firefighting in relation to physical safety. Firefighting is known to be one of the most demanding occupations. Based on the ‘Occupational Demands Model’ the (physical) strain of firefighting is described. The physical demands of firefighting are determined by a combination of firefighting-specific efforts, the use of personal protective equipment and enviromental and climatological conditions. The effects on the firefighter depend on his/her health and fitness status as well as on his/her hydration and nutrition status and influences the repressive job performance. If the demands and the effects are not in balance, personal safety, health and effectivity of the firefighter’s deployment are in jeopardy and hence his/her physical safety. In the second part of the paper, the relationship between the physical demands of firefighting and health, fitness and deployability of firefighters are described. Finally, a method of maintaining deployability prior to, during and post firefighting activities or training through active recovery is described to improve the preparedness of the individual firefighter.

Based on state-of-the-art scientific knowledge, this article reviews the physical aspects of firefighting in relation to physical safety. Firefighting is known to be one of the most demanding occupations. Based on the 'Occupational Demands Model' the (physical) strain of firefighting is described. The physical demands of firefighting are determined by a combination of firefighting-specific efforts, the use of personal protective equipment and enviromental and climatological conditions. The effects on the firefighter depend on his/her health and fitness status as well as on his/her hydration and nutrition status and influences the repressive job performance. If the demands and the effects are not in balance, personal safety, health and effectivity of the firefighter's deployment are in jeopardy and hence his/her physical safety. In the second part of the paper, the relationship between the physical demands of firefighting and health, fitness and deployability of firefighters are described. Finally, a method of maintaining deployability prior to, during and post firefighting activities or training through active recovery is described to improve the preparedness of the individual firefighter. [Aan de hand van recente wetenschappelijke kennis geeft dit reviewartikel een overzicht van de fysieke aspecten van brandweerwerk in relatie tot fysieke veiligheid. Van brandweerwerk wordt algemeen aangenomen dat dit fysiek gezien een van de zwaarste beroepen is. Aan de hand van het Model Arbeidsbelasting worden de belastende factoren van brandweerwerk besproken. De zwaarte van dit werk wordt bepaald door een combinatie van te leveren inspanningen, het dragen van persoonlijke bescherming en uitrusting en omgevings- en klimatologische factoren . De uit- . werking hiervan op de brandweermens is onder andere afhankelijk van zijn/haar gezondheidsstatus, zijn/ haar fitheid en hydra tie- en energiebalans en is van directe invloed op de repressieve taakuitoefening. Wanneer belastende factoren en effecten ervan niet met elkaar in balans zijn, zijn persoonlijke veiligheid, gezondheid en effectiviteit van optreden in gevaar en daarmee de fysieke veiligheid. In het artikel wordt nader ingegaan op de relatie tussen enerzijds de fysieke belasting van brandweerwerk en anderzijds de gezondheid, fitheid en inzetbaarheid van brandweermensen. Ten slotte wordt besproken op welke wijze de inzetbaarheid voor, tijdens en na een brandweerinzet of training door middel van actief herstel kan worden geborgd en daarmee de paraatheid van de individuele brandweermens wordt gehandhaafd of vergroot.]

Urban Search And Rescue (USAR) teams are often deployed in areas where the ambient conditions can be classified as 'extreme'. USAR operations often take several days in which team members work in irregular work shifts. The extreme conditions combined with the irregular work shifts involve high physical demands. Little is known about the physiological requirements of search-and-rescue tasks under extreme conditions over a prolonged period of time. PURPOSE: To evaluate the physiological responses of Dutch USAR-workers during a 4-day training period in the desert near Dubai (UAE). METHODS: The training period was divided in three parts: a 2 day adaptation period in the heat, 4 consecutive days of USAR training and a 2 day recovery period. During the adaptation period the activities as ordered by the training staff were observed by the research team. During the 4 day training period, 8 experienced USAR-workers (42.3±7.2 yr; BMI 27.0±3.7) were monitored. Core temperature (Tcore) and heart rate (HR) was measured with the EquivitalTM-system (Hidalgo Ltd., Cambridge UK). The percentage heart rate reserve (%HRR) as derived from HR was used as measure for the relative physical workload. Environmental conditions were measured and logged with a mobile weather station (QuestTemp 36, Oconomowoc, WI, USA) to calculate the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT). RESULTS: During the adaptation period the rescue workers were ordered to stay outdoors as much as possible and be physically active in the heat. This resulted in a 10-15% prevalence of symptoms of heat related problems (headache, nausea, etc.). During the 4 day training period a mean WBGT-value of 27.4±3.6°C (range: 23.7-34.5°C) was measured. A mean core temperature during rescue activities of 38.0±0.3°C was measured. Individual values for Tcore exceeded 39.5°C. The mean workload was 'light to moderate' (between 20-40%HRR), but during some of the activities peak values of 80%HRR were calculated. On the final day of the training period one of the subjects was hospitalized due to severe heat illness. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the training of the Dutch USAR-team took place under extreme environmental conditions. Although mean physiological responses were not extremely high, individual values pointed out that the USAR-workers were exposed to extreme high risks.

Live fire-fighting activities place considerable cardiovascular and thermoregulatory strain on fire-fighters due to the combination of the metabolic heat generated by working muscles, the inability to dissipate heat, because of the protective clothing worn, and the considerable radiant heat they are exposed to. Whilst the instructors may not experience the high metabolic demands associated with the fire-fighting activity itself they are often exposed to the high radiant heat during multiple live fire drills each working day and as such the cardiovascular and thermal strain may be considerable. Although data are available on the physiological responses of fire-fighters during live fire-fighting drills no investigations have been undertaken to assess the cardiovascular and thermoregularory strain placed upon the instructors. PURPOSE: To characterize the physiological strain experienced by fire-instructors during a five day training program. METHODS: Six male instructors (mean±SD: age 34±8 yrs, height 1.80±0.03 cm, body mass 85±9 kg) were monitored over a five day work period. Measurements of heart rate (HR), core temperature (Tcore) and skin temperature (Tskin) were undertaken continuously throughout the day from 08:00 to 16:00 hours using the EquivitalTM-system (Hidalgo Ltd, Cambridge, UK). RESULTS: The mean basal (first 30 min of measurement) HR, Tcore and Tskin corresponded to 93.7±18.6bpm, 28.1±2.7°C and 37.0±0.4°C respectively. During fire drill scenarios the Tcore, HR and Tskin of individual instructors exhibited a dramatic increase. The highest individual HR, Tcore and Tskin recorded during the five day period corresponded to 189bpm, 40.7 and 41.8°C respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Despite not engaging in strenuous physical activity the data indicate that fire-fighting instructors experience considerable cardiovascular and thermal strain. The degree of thermal and cardiovascular challenge varies considerably between and within instructors and appears to be dependent on the particular fire drill they are involved with. Further work is warranted to better quantify the cardiovascular and thermal stain experienced by such instructors.

Repeated exposure to fire-fighting activities results in progressively greater physiological stress, which may pose a health risk to fire-fighters. Although the instructors who train fire-fighters are often exposed to multiple live fire drills during each working day few investigations have assessed the cumulative physiological strain placed on these individuals. PURPOSE: To determine to what extent day-to-day exposure to heat leads to an accumulation in physiological stress on fire-instructors throughout a five day training week. METHODS: Six male fire-instructors of the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) Fire Academy (mean ± SD: age 38 ± 8 yrs, height 1.80 ± 0.03 cm, body mass 85 ± 9 kg) were monitored over a five day training week. During each training day the fire-instructors were exposed to (extreme) heat for three to four hours. Core temperature (Tcore) and heart rate (HR) rate were measured minute-by-minute throughout the day from 08:00 to 16:00h using the EquivitalTM-system (Hidalgo Ltd, Cambridge, UK). The cumulative effect was established by determining the baseline Tcore and HR on day one and identifying whether the Tcore and/or HR at the beginning of each subsequent training day were different compared with baseline. Baseline Tcore/HR was defined as the average Tcore/HR in the first 30 minutes of the first training day. RESULTS: For each individual fire-instructor, an increasing ΔTcore was found throughout the training week. With regard to the baseline values on the first training day, minimum individual ΔTcore-values varied from 0.17°C to 0.88°C on Day 2, while maximum individual ΔTcore-values varied from 0.24°C to 1.21°C on Day 4. A similar trend in HR-values was not found. CONCLUSION: Preliminary results indicate that a cumulative thermal effect occurs during the five day training week. This effect might be the result of the high daily thermal strain combined with an insufficient recovery between the working days. A structural recovery or rehabilitation stage at the end of each training day may facilitate instructors return to baseline physiological values.

INTRODUCTION: A flashover is among the most dangerous events for firefighters. Specially designed flashover training programs are available, but little is known about the physiological and psychological responses. The recovery phase after this training is of particular importance for a safe work environment. PURPOSE: To identify physiological and psychological responses of firefighters pre-, during and post flashover training (FOT). METHODS: 14 firefighters of the Amsterdam Fire Service performed an FOT in a wood burned flashover container. During FOT, all subjects wore standard turnout gear including SCBA. Mean heart rate (HR; Polar S810i, Finland), core temperature (Tcore;CoreTemp™, HQInc., USA) and skin temperature (Tskin; I-Buttons, DS1922L, Thermochron) were obtained at the start of FOT (PRE), during FOT. ([email protected] and [email protected]), directly after FOT (POST) and during recovery ([email protected] and [email protected]). Workload was expressed as percentage heart rate reserve (%HRR) as derived from HR. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), thermal comfort (TC; ISO 7720) and anxiety level (ANX) were recorded PRE and POST using Borg's 6-20 scale and a Visual Analogue Scale respectively. RESULTS: Tcore, Tskin, %HRR, RPE, TC and ANX are shown in Table 1. Tcore increased 0.56°C during FOT, with a further increase during the recovery phase.Table 1: %HRR, Tcore, Tskin, RPE, TC and ANX during FOT.CONCLUSIONS: FOT increases both physiological and psychological stress. Since the risk on heat related illnesses increases with Tcore, the finding of a further increase in Tcore during recovery should be taken seriously. It is thus recommended to offer a structural recovery stage after firefighting activities.

INTRODUCTION: Identifying differences in responses to the stressful demands of FOT between experienced fire-instructors (INSTR) and recruit firefighters (RFF) is important to achieve safe task performance. PURPOSE: To identify differences between RFF and INSTR pre-, during and post FOT. METHODS: 8 FF and 6 INSTR of the Amsterdam Fire Service performed a regular FOT in a wood burned flashover container. During FOT, subjects wore standard turnout gear including SCBA. Mean heart rate (HR; Polar S810i, Finland) and core temperature (Tcore;CoreTemp™, HQInc., USA) were obtained at the start of FOT (PRE), during FOT ([email protected] and [email protected]), directly after FOT (POST) and during recovery ([email protected] and [email protected]). Workload was expressed as percentage heart rate reserve (%HRR) as derived from HR. Anxiety (ANX) was recorded PRE and POST using a Visual Analogue Scale. RESULTS: RFF and INSTR differed in years of experience (0.3±0.7 vs 18.8±4.9 yrs) and number of FOTs (2±5 vs 107±44).Table 1: %HRR, Tcore, and Tskin of RFF and INSTR during FOT.During FOT, Tcore was higher for RFF. No main effects were found for %HRR. No difference was found for PRE-ANX. POST-ANX was higher for RFF. A significant negative correlation was found between experience and Tcore for POST (r=-0.55), REC1 (r=-0.55) and REC2 (r=-0.58). CONCLUSIONS: Tcore and POST-ANX are higher for RFF, associated with a lower level of experience. Based on the higher Tcore, the response to heat exposure seems to be less adequate in RFF. This should be taken into account in determining FOT training load and duration. The higher POST-ANX of RFF, where PRE-ANX was similar to INSTR, may indicate an underestimation of FOT, supporting the necessity of an adequate preparation of RFF prior to FOT.

Emergency responders are frequently exposed to high levels of radiative heat due to either fire or weather conditions. To protect their emergency responders, the Dutch Fire and Rescue Services have set up so called 'safe radiation contours'. For fire fighters and other emergency responders these are 3.0 and 1.0 kW/m2 respectively. PURPOSE: To predict the heat strain to the human body as caused by different levels of radiative heat with the factors air temperature, exercise level and clothing as independent variables to ensure safe operations for emergency responders during large industrial fires. METHODS: The computer model THDYN (THermal physiology DYNamics; Lotens, 1993), was used to simulate the heat strain in various scenarios and thus estimate the maximum acceptable work duration (MAWD) for emergency responders. MAWD was defined as the time to reach a core temperature of 38.5°C. Varying climate conditions (air temperature and radiative heat), exercise levels (low, moderate and high, i.e. 140, 220 and 300 W/m2) and clothing characteristics (high, moderate, low and very low insulation, i.e. 0.31, 0.19, 0.14 and 0.11 m2K/W) served as input parameters to THDYN. All of the input parameters reflect a variety of realistic conditions. MAWD for the four most relevant scenarios of radiative heat (1, 1.5, 2 and 3 kW/m2) was determined. RESULTS: At the lowest radiation level (1 kW/m2) MAWD limitations appear at the highest exercise levels combined with air temperatures above 18°C. Limitations at the 1.5 kW/m2 level appear at moderate exercise levels combined with air temperatures above 20°C. At higher radiation levels (2.0 and 3.0 kW/m2) the need for protective clothing increases. At the highest radiation level (3.0 kW/m2), MAWD at moderate exercise levels is limited to 20 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that there is no reason to change the current radiation contour (3 kW/m2) for fire fighters wearing protective clothing. Under these conditions the core temperature is not expected to exceed the limit of 38.5°C, while the MAWD is 20 minutes. The contour for other emergency responders can possibly be moved up to 1.5 kW/m2. This would require monitoring of relevant physiological parameters, especially under warm climatic conditions, like in summer. Currently a study has been started to validate aforementioned results.

Professional fire-fighters usually work 24-hour shifts. Although fighting fires is one of their most important tasks, other, non-fire fighting related physically demanding activities such as practicing, workouts and maintenance, form the main part of a shift. These activities may have a warm-up effect on the fire-fighter's body temperature. This rise in core temperature may lead to a faster onset of heat stress symptoms during fire fighting. It may also shorten the maximal acceptable working time of a fire fighting task. PURPOSE: To explore the effect of exercise-induced pre-warming on the body core temperature during a fire fighting task under realistic conditions. METHODS: 8 professional fire-fighters of the Amsterdam Fire Brigade performed a standardized live fire ‘search-and-rescue’ task twice over two days. Standard turn-out gear and SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) were used. Prior to one of both ‘search-and-rescue’ tasks the fire-fighters carried out a 20-min. weight-dependent (1.5 W.kg-1) bicycle ergometer test to provoke an exercise-induced pre-warming effect. During both testing days, core temperature was recorded using an ingestible core body temperature pill (CorTempTM, HQ Inc., USA). Performance time on the ‘search-and-rescue’ task was also recorded. RESULTS: Preliminary results show a higher mean core temperature during the combined bicycle ergometer test / ‘search-and-rescue’ task when compared to the single ‘search-and-rescue’ task (37.84 (SD=0.30) vs 37.59°C (SD=0.21)). The absolute highest core temperature was also higher during the combined test (38.38 vs 38.02°C). Preliminary results also show that the mean performance time of the ‘search-and-rescue’ task during the combined bicycle ergometer test/ ‘search-and-rescue’ task was 6.2% higher when compared to the single ‘search-and-rescue’ task. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate, non-fire fighting related exercise prior to a fire fighting task may lead to a higher core temperature during fire fighting. Consequently, earlier onset of symptoms of heat stress during a common fire fighting task may occur.

Manual handling of plasterboards in order to construct interior building walls is a risk factor for musculoskeletal complaints. Unfortunately, mechanical lifting aids to reduce the physical workload are impractical for this task. Therefore, the effect of smaller plasterboards on productivity, work demands and workload was evaluated in an exploratory study among experienced construction workers (n=4-8) at the worksite. The dimensions and weight of the conventional and smaller plasterboards (PB) were: PB120 (2440 x 1200 x 15 mm; 33 kg) and PB90 (2440 x 900 x 12.5 mm; 20 kg), respectively. Productivity was defined as meters of plasterboard mounted. Work demands were assessed by means of real time observations of tasks and activities. Workload was determined using continuous heart rate monitoring and subjective judgments of perceived workload. Productivity and total work time per working day did not differ between PB120 and PB90. Duration of mounting (29% increase) and anchoring (26% increase) were longer for PB90 than PB120. Duration of lifting, carrying and turning over plasterboards, and percentage of heart rate reserve showed no difference between PB120 and PB90. A majority of the workers preferred PB90. For the last two reasons and because PB90 weighs approximately 40% less than PB120, PB90 seems preferable. The workload in both conditions, however, was considered high.

The aim of this study was to assess the tasks and activities that make physical demands on Dutch fire-fighters and to compare them with a guideline related to the development of excessive fatigue.The occupational physical demands on Dutch fire-fighters were assessed by conducting a task analysis during 85 24-h shifts.While workplace observations on the duration and frequency of physical tasks and activities were recorded, the heart rate was measured.This was then used to calculate the heart rate reserve percentage (%HRR) for predefined working periods, tasks and activities during 24-h shifts.The findings indicate that actual fire-fighting during 24-h shifts is characterised by a low frequency of incidents, a short 'turn-out' time, short tasks, and activities with a moderate to occasionally high energetic workload.Two tasks which sometimes occur in actual fire-fighting exceeded the guideline on energetic workload.The conclusion was that, though the number of incidents and the occupational demands are low during 24-h shifts, the peak loads for these two tasks are energetically high and could lead to excessive fatigue.Consequently, attention may need to be paid to health surveillance for persons exposed to such energetic peak loads, the development of physical and medical selection procedures, training, and workplace adjustments.

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was threefold: (1) to compare the work demands on firefighters (FFs) and office workers (OWs), (2) to compare the prevalence of health complaints and disabilities in the work situation in these two groups, and (3) to explore the effect of work demands on the risk of health complaints. Methods: Self-reported information was gathered from 1,624 FFs (55% response) and 630 OWs (80% response), at the same fire departments in different regions of the Netherlands, on work demands ('sitting', and biomechanically and energetically demanding activities and 24-h shifts), health complaints and disabilities. First, we compared the work demands and prevalence rates of health complaints and related disabilities in the two groups, then we explored the risk of health complaints in workers with high and low exposure to work demands. Results: Compared with office workers, FFs reported: (1) less exposure to 'sitting' and more to biomechanically and energetically demanding activities, (2) more knee (OWs 14% vs FFs 20%) and ankle (3% vs 10%) complaints and disabilities resulting from back complaints (30% vs 47%), and (3) less hypertension (7% vs 5%), stomach (13% vs 7%), heart (6% vs 2%), neck (26% vs 16%), shoulder (16% vs 14%) and arm (14% vs 6%) complaints. A higher risk of subjective fatigue was found in workers highly exposed to 'energetically demanding activities', and of neck, shoulder and arm complaints in workers highly exposed to 'sitting'. Conclusions: Firefighters reported higher physical demands (with the exception of 'sitting') than office workers did. The prevalence rate of certain complaints or disabilities among FFs was higher (knee and ankle complaints and disabilities related to back complaints) or lower (hypertension, stomach, heart, neck, shoulder and arm complaints) than among OWs. The results suggest that exposure to highly biomechanically demanding activities might cause an increased risk of knee and ankle complaints and that exposure to highly energetically demanding activities might increase the risk of subjective fatigue.

1502 As part of the redesign of general education of Dutch police officers, the evaluation of physical abilities of police recruits was revised. PURPOSE: To develop a physical test and concomitant test criterion based on physical competences that Dutch police officers can meet in daily practice. METHODS: This project had a stepwise character: 1) expert meetings with experienced police officers to make a gross selection of observed tasks and activities, 2) a real-time task and activity analysis using PalmTRAC and a Polar Accurex Plus heart rate monitor during 67 ride along sessions, 3) calculating maximal estimated values of duration and workload (%HRR) of relevant or critical incidents, 4) translation of task-activity combinations into physical competences, on which 5) a field test was constructed and 6) conducting the test to assess a test criterion for police recruits, based on the performance of recently (<3 years) graduated police officers. RESULTS: In general, physical aspects of policing are characterized by intermittent relatively long periods of relatively low-intensity tasks/activities (e.g. patrolling by car) and relatively short periods of high-intensity tasks/activities (e.g. arresting a heavy resisting suspect). Physical competences of Dutch police officers were based on the latter category and found to be: 1) sustained pursuit, 2) controling a (non-cooperative) suspect, 3) manual transfer of a suspect/victim and 4) manual transfer of (heavy) objects. To simulate these competences, they were incorporated in a standardized field test. Context and physical workload of the competences were assessed based on the calculated estimations of maximal duration and workload as assessed during the task and activity analysis. An example of a competence is given below.TableBased on the performance of 47 recently graduated police officers (28 male) on the field test, the test criterion was determined on 3 min 20 sec. CONCLUSIONS: As from 2004 Dutch police recruits will be tested on their physical abilities with a competence-based test which reflects the physical aspects of their future job.