Investigating the effects of acute heat stress on firefighter cognition- Dr Catherine Thompson
October 15 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Location- Manchester Metropolitan University, Brooks Building
Outline: In search and rescue operations the role of a firefighter is cognitively demanding, involving vigilance, memory for spatial locations, and rapid decision making under pressure. Anything that influences cognition will impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of an operation and may put firefighters at-risk. This seminar details a project funded by the Fire Service Research and Training Trust (FSRTT) which showed that exposure to extreme temperatures can impair firefighter cognition. The research study and findings will be discussed, and the ongoing work, consisting of field-studies and interviews with firefighters, will be described.
Bio: A cognitive psychologist at Liverpool Hope University, Dr Catherine Thompson uses theories of attention and control to model and understand real-world behaviour. Her research explores environmental influences on cognition and wellbeing, and her work has been funded by the British Academy/Leverhulme Trust, the Experimental Psychology Society, and the FSRTT.
About the event
The talk will run for approximately 40 minutes, followed by 20 minutes of discussion and questions. The talk will be available to join online, but the online session will end after the talk, before the discussion begins. Those attending in person are invited to stay for the discussion and questions, followed by informal networking at a local pub.
To request the online viewing link or details of the in person location, please email haste@mmu.ac.uk ahead of the event.