Integrating firefighters’ individual physical state in enhanced automated respiratory protection monitoring as decision-support: Influence on cognitive load in complex incident operations in a VR-Study

Abstract

We developed an extended automated respiratory protection monitoring system integrating firefighters’ physical states to reduce cognitive load on incident commanders in complex firefighting operations. Background: During critical firefighting operations, decisions must be made in the presence of potentially stressful factors such as threats, lack of assessment criteria, or interruptions and disruptions. These are related to limited cognitive processing and memory capacities influencing the quality of information processing in decision-making. Method: In total, 63 incident commanders participated in an experimental VR-study with a 2x2 design, which varied the use of the extended automated respiratory protection monitoring system and incident complexity. Results: The results reveal a significant interaction between the extended automated respiratory protection monitoring system and the incident complexity of the operation on cognitive load (F (1, 56) = 5.69, p = .02, η2 = .09). While the monitoring system reduces cognitive load in operations with medium incident complexity, it increases cognitive load in operations with high incident complexity resulting from the accident of a team member. Conclusion: This study highlights the relevance of extended automated respiratory protection monitoring with its potential positive impacts on incident commanders’ cognitive load, while also emphasising a human factors orientated design of the information interface.

Keywords: Respiratory Protection Monitoring, Cognitive Load, Incident Complexity, Virtual Reality, Firefighting, Decision Support System, Incident Commanders

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007360