O015 Sleep, Stress, and Cognitive Fatigue in Canadian Wildland Firefighters

Abstract Background Wildland firefighting requires continuous attention while exposed to long working hours and sub-optimal sleep. These stressors may induce a state of cognitive fatigue, which poses risk worker safety due impaired judgment reduced awareness. Methods The current study employs within-subject, observational design examine the effect sleep schedule characteristics on variables related stress function. Cognitive function is measured subjectively, via validated 7-point scales (i.e. Samn-Perelli Fatigue Scale Stanford Sleepiness Scale), objectively, reaction time psychomotor vigilance task. Sleep log wrist-worn actigraphy. Stress autonomic nervous system imbalance by changes in heart rate variability chest monitor). Linear regression analyses will be performed test if or predict Progress date A pilot (N=4) was conducted during 2021 fire season inform methodology. As July 2022, representative sample 50 firefighters (13 F) have been recruited across all regions British Columbia (BC), Canada. Data collection for ongoing continue until September 2022. Intended outcome impact This investigation entails both theoretical applied benefits. Its direct relevance occupational health could improve (1) providing insight recommendations towards improved fatigue management policy within BC Wildfire Service (2) testing practicality mobile tools designed monitor levels sleep, stress,