A systematic review: understanding firefighter trainees’ safety experiences to inform the design of wearable technologies

<i>Objectives</i>. Advances in wearable technology enable real-time biometric monitoring for risk mitigation, yet its impact on firefighter trainees' experiences of safety is underexplored. Existing studies mainly focus on career firefighters, despite higher trainee fatalities. Therefore, this review aims to identify firefighter trainees' safety experiences during training to inform wearable design to reduce occupational risks. <i>Methods</i>. Following the PRISMA approach, 754 articles were identified, with 13 meeting the inclusion criteria. A CERQual strategy employing a novel numerical confidence level analysis assessed each included study's alignment with the research question. <i>Results</i>. Only 46% of the included studies addressed firefighter training. Findings highlight the need for a structured needs-analysis model integrating trainees' safety experiences to guide wearable design, including sensing parameters and placement. Additionally, the results highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among designers, engineers, manufacturers and trainees to enhance safety-focused design and inform the development of wearable technologies aligned with trainees' needs. <i>Conclusion</i>. Firefighter trainees' safety experiences are underexplored. Emotional and social experiences are well studied, cognitive and behavioral aspects moderately addressed, and physical and psychological needs least covered. The review highlights the necessity for a safety needs analysis model that can serve as a guideline and framework for wearable device designers.