Can fire-fighter instructors perform a simulated rescue after a hot fire training exercise?

In a previous study, we monitored fire-fighter instructors during hot fire training exercises (HFTE) and found that some subjects reached core temperatures of >39°C and near maximal heart rates (HR). Such physiological strain may compromise an instructor's ability to perform a rescue at the end of a HFTE. Ten fire-fighter instructors undertook two simulated rescues, which involved dragging an 80.6kg dummy a total of 23 m along the flat and down two flights of stairs. Prior to the first rescue (Rc), the instructors had not been exposed to heat within the previous 12 h. The second rescue (Rhf) was undertaken 10±3 min after they had acted as a safety officer in a HFTE lasting 40±24 min. During the HFTE, rectal temperature (Tre), tunic temperature (Tt) and heart rate were monitored. During the rescues HR, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and blood lactate were measured. During the HFTE, the maximum Tt was 96±49°C, Tre increased to 38.0±0.4°C and maximum HR was 162±16 bpm. All the instructors were able to complete both rescues. The time taken to complete the Rc and Rhf were similar, averaging 84±23 s. Compared to Rc, HR (151±16 vs. 171±16 bpm) and RPE (13.3±2.4 vs. 15.7±2.1) were higher in Rhf (p