Investigation and analysis of training injury and its psychological effects on firefighters in Beijing A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Firefighters’ high-intensity training often leads to injuries in the musculoskeletal system. Studies have found that these injuries in the musculoskeletal system may contribute to poor psychological issues. At the same time, low psychological well-being increases the risk of injuries, illness, and mortality. According to research reports, firefighters generally have a good psychological state. So this study aims to survey and analyze the training-related injuries and psychological states of firefighting and rescue personnel in Beijing. This cross-sectional study employed a questionnaire survey to gather data from a total of 214 firefighters in a certain city. The participants were required to complete a questionnaire about musculoskeletal injuries and psychological status, and then these data were statistically analyzed. The incidence of training-related injuries is relatively high among firefighting and rescue teams, with the highest proportions observed in the lower back, knees, and ankles. Overweight and obese firefighters are more prone to ankle injuries. In the group with injuries, the subjective well-being index is lower compared to the group without injuries. Firefighters experiencing moderate to severe pain due to injuries exhibit lower subjective well-being indices compared to those with mild pain. Psychological resilience and the impact of pain on training and sleep can predict the subjective well-being index of firefighters. It is recommended that firefighting and rescue teams enhance preventive measures for musculoskeletal injuries during training to elevate the subjective well-being of firefighters.