Profiling the Physiological Demands of a Wilderness Paramedics Selection Course

Background:<br/>Wilderness paramedics are specialised paramedics who are responsible for attending to medical emergencies in remote regions with limited accessibility. Entry to the wilderness paramedic units, like many other specialist first responder units, is governed by a selection course however little is known about these selection courses. <br/><br/>Purpose:<br/>The aim of this study was to profile the physiological demands of two elements of a state based wilderness paramedic selection course to inform those training or treating individuals attending these courses. <br/><br/>Methods:<br/>A total of eight candidates completed an initial track walk of 4.8km wearing 20.4kg of load, and 10 candidates completed a follow on 9km mountain walk across various undulating terrains wearing 15kg of load. Participants were monitored with Polar Team Pro physiological harnesses to profile each walk, monitoring distance, speed, and heart rate response.<br/><br/>Results:<br/>There were significant physiological demands encountered in both assessments. Candidates were significantly quicker in the track walk than the mountain walk, average speeds were significantly higher in the track walk (7.6km/hr) than the mountain walk (3.6km/hr), however maximum speed was significantly higher in the mountain walk (13.7km/hr vs 10.4km/hr). Maximum heart rates were similar (track walk 179.0±12.7bpm, mountain walk 179.7±15.8 bpm), average heart rates slightly higher in the track walk (163.6±15.5bpm, mountain walk 156.6±14.7bpm) and minimum heart rates higher in the track walk (123.3±18.8bpm) when compared to the mountain walk (97.9±20.6bpm). <br/><br/>Conclusion(s):<br/>Despite the differences both walks elicited a similarly high physiological response as measured by high peak heart rates. As such, the track work can serve as a precursor to the mountain walk, which is conducted in a more austere environment. Both walks appear to be occupationally relevant with candidates adopting different strategies based on terrain. <br/><br/>Implications:<br/>Clinicians treating individuals from or preparing candidates for this unique occupation need to understand the significant physiological demands associated with this profession. The loads carried, distances traversed, an physiological demands appear to be reflective of occupational demands encountered by members of these units.