Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory
U. S. Navy Rescue Swimmer Physical Standards 2002 Aviation and Surface Rescue Swimmers
CDR Mike C. Prevost, MSC Naval Aerospace/Operational Physiologist
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Table of Contents Introduction……………………………………..…………………………………………………………………….3 Methods…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….6 Results…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………8 Recommendations………………………………………………………………………………………………..….10 References Cited…………………………………………………………………………………………………..…19 Appendix A: Survey Questionnaire……………………………………………………………………………...…20 Appendix B: Criticality Score Survey………………………………………………………………………...……23 Appendix C: Results Of Criticality Score Ranking………………………………………………………….……26 Appendix D: Task Analysis……………………………………………………………………………………...….29
List of Tables Table 1. PFA Performance Categories Based on Current Rescue Swimmer Standards…………………….….4 Table 2. Dumbbell Carry Scoring………………………………………………………………………………….11 Table 3. Rating of Modeling of Job Tasks by Proposed Aviation SAR Physical Standards………………..…..13 Table 4. Rating of Modeling of Job Tasks by Proposed Surface SAR Physical Standards………………….....15 Table 5. Aviation Rescue Swimmer Task Criticality Ranking ………………………………………………..…28 Table 6. Surface Rescue Swimmer Task Criticality Ranking………………………………………………….....29 Table 7. Task Analysis, Aviation SAR Tasks……………………………………………………………………...31 Table 8. Task Analysis, Surface SAR Tasks…………………………………………………………….…………36
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Introduction The U. S. Navy employs two types of rescue swimmers. Aviation rescue swimmers deploy from helicopters and surface rescue swimmers deploy from surface ship platforms. The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) mission statements for aviation and surface rescue swimmers emphasize the physically demanding nature of SAR work and the necessity of maintaining high levels of physical conditioning. OPNAVINST 3130.6C states the CNO mission statement for surface and aviation rescue swimmers (Note the references to physical conditioning highlighted in bold): Aviation Rescue Swimmer Mission Statement •
“Mission Statement: The mission of the Naval Aviation Rescue Swimmer is to execute search and rescue (SAR) operations from rotary wing aircraft. The rescue swimmer shall be physically conditioned to routinely perform demanding rescues in all operational environments. His/her expertise shall provide fleet commanders the ability to assist Department of Defense and civilian personnel in distress.
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Capabilities: The rescue swimmer shall be in, and maintain, proper physical condition, be proficient with rescue equipment and have the basic first aid, CPR resuscitation knowledge, and skills necessary to recover and assist personnel during SAR operations. The rescue swimmer must be able to function in physiologically demanding environments at sea or on land during day and night operations.
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Rescue swimmers shall be highly trained and motivated. They shall achieve and maintain a physical conditioning standard to meet the demanding requirements of their mission.”
Surface Rescue Swimmer Mission Statement •
“Mission Statement: The mission of the Naval Surface Rescue Swimmer is to execute search and rescue operations from surface ships. Surface rescue swimmers shall be physically conditioned to routinely perform demanding rescues in hostile environments. Their expertise shall provide fleet commanders the ability to assist Department of Defense and civilian personnel in distress.
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Capabilities: Surface Rescue Swimmers shall be in, and maintain, proper physical condition, be proficient with rescue equipment, and have the basic first aid, CPR, resuscitation knowledge and skill necessary to recover and assist personnel during SAR operations. SAR rescue operations to include the recovery of US and foreign aviation personnel, DOD and civilian personnel and inanimate objects as necessary. Surface rescue swimmers must be able to function in physiologically demanding environments at sea during day and night operations.
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Surface Rescue Swimmers shall be highly trained and motivated. They shall achieve and maintain a physical conditioning standard to meet the demanding requirements of their mission.”
The nature of search and rescue (SAR) Swimmer work is physically taxing and requires levels of physical fitness that exceed those required by the average Sailor. Department of Defense Instruction 1308.3 states, “Military Services shall extend their physical fitness programs to incorporate occupational-specific physical fitness requirements for those career fields where it is deemed necessary to ensure adequate skill, performance, and safety.” Prior to the development of task-based physical standards in 2002, aviation and surface rescue swimmers had adopted physical fitness standards that, in some cases, exceed those contained in OPNAVINST 6110.1F (Navy Physical Readiness Program). However, these standards were not based on documented job-task requirements. Historically physical fitness standards have been developed for Rescue Swimmer School students and for fleet SAR personnel based on basic Navy physical readiness standards. These standards, in some cases, exceeded the minimum standards contained in OPNAVINST 6110.1F. Table 1 indicates the Navy Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) performance category that would correspond to a passing score on the previous SAR fitness test. Although the SAR fitness test standards exceed the minimum fleet PFA standards, scoring the minimum passing score on a SAR fitness test would result in a performance category of satisfactory marginal in 17-19 year old males and females (The majority of SAR school students are in this age category.) on a Navy PFA. Satisfactory marginal is the minimum passing PFA score and requires enrollment in a remedial fitness program, indicating a low level of physical fitness. It also represents the lowest 25% (according to OPNAVINST 6110.1F) of Navy personnel. As a result, SAR fitness standards and Navy fitness standards are not aligned, with SAR standards being lower. Because SAR work is physically demanding, physical standards for SAR personnel should exceed minimum PFA standards. In addition, the current SAR fitness test is a PFA based test of general physical fitness and is not designed to specifically assess those physiological characteristics necessary to perform SAR work.
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Table 1. PFA performance Categories Based on Previous Rescue Swimmer Standards Test
Female 17-19
Male 17-19
Male 20-29
Female 20-29
Male 30-39
Run
Excellent Medium
Satisfactory High
Excellent Good
Excellent High
Good High
Sit-up
Satisfactory Marginal
Satisfactory Marginal
Satisfactory Medium
Satisfactory Medium
Satisfactory High
Pushup
Excellent Low
Satisfactory Marginal
Satisfactory Medium
Excellent Medium
Satisfactory High
Test
Female 30-39
Male 40-49
Female 40-49
Male 50+
Female 50+
Run
Outstanding Low
Good High
Outstanding Medium
Excellent Medium
Outstanding Medium
Sit-up
Satisfactory High
Good Low
Good low
Good Medium
Good Medium
Pushup
Outstanding Low
Good Medium
Outstanding High
Good Medium
Outstanding High
Note: Current SAR physical standards include a run, push-ups and sit-ups as performed during a PFA. The current minimum standards on these events are 1.5 mile run in 12 min, 50 sit-ups, and 42 push-ups. Current SAR minimum standards would result in PFA performance categories from Satisfactory Marginal to Outstanding High as indicated in the Table 1. To ensure that SAR swimmers have an adequate level of physical fitness and to ensure that the physical fitness standards are based on documented physical requirements of SAR work, a taskbased analysis of SAR swimmer physically demanding tasks was conducted. Based on the analysis, the most critical physically demanding tasks were identified, the physiological characteristics necessary to perform the tasks were determined, and physical fitness assessments were developed to assess rescue swimmers for the physiological characteristics necessary to perform SAR work.
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Methods Subjects. The subjects included students at the Naval Aviation Rescue Swimmer School in Pensacola, Florida, students at the Surface Rescue Swimmer School in Jacksonville, Florida and Fleet SAR personnel. Of the 135 subjects that completed the questionnaire, 101 were aviation rescue swimmers and 34 were Surface Rescue Swimmers. Data Collection. Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Three (HC-3) conducted a search of the Rescue Database. HC-3 is the SAR Model Manager and maintains a database of all SAR rescues to include water and inland rescues. All of the rescues from calendar years 97-99 were obtained and evaluated for examples of physically demanding tasks. The task-analysis survey that was used previously to determine the physically demanding tasks performed by US Navy Divers (1) was modified by the SAR Model Manager and distributed to all commands that perform SAR missions and employ SAR personnel (see Appendix A). For aviation SAR personnel, responses included both water and inland rescue missions. Both missions were considered at the request of the SAR model manager, the overall coordinator of SAR procedures, training and standardization in the Navy. The survey results were used to develop a list of physically demanding tasks performed by SAR personnel. The list was refined and reworded for clarity by conducting interviews with experienced SAR personnel. The interviews included 5 aviation and surface rescue swimmers (rank E-6 and above) with an average of 15 years of SAR experience. After the list was developed, a second survey was designed to determine the importance of each task to mission accomplishment, the frequency that each task is performed and the difficulty of each task. The second survey used a 7-point Likert type scale to rate the importance, frequency and difficulty of each task (see Appendix B). The survey was completed by 25 experienced SAR personnel (rank E6 and above with an average of 10 years of SAR experience). A “criticality” score was developed by adding the results of the importance, frequency, and difficulty ratings to obtain a final score for each identified task (see Appendix C for the results of the rankings). The “criticality” score was used to rank the tasks from most “critical” to least “critical.” The combined rankings (from 25 expert raters) were rounded to the nearest whole number. This ranking scenario allowed the researchers to identify which tasks were most difficult to perform, which were the most important to mission success, and the relative frequency that the tasks were performed. It also identified which tasks were the most critical overall (i.e., by equally weighting difficulty to perform, importance to mission and frequency). In this way, the final critical task list would was not biased towards any one of the three characteristics (difficulty, frequency, and importance). After the critical tasks list was compiled, the researchers determined (through participation in or direct observation of the tasks if possible and by interviews and demonstrations where direct observation was not possible) the muscle groups involved in the task and the type of conditioning required to perform the task (i.e., power, strength, strength-endurance, aerobic power, endurance and flexibility). The researchers then developed a physical fitness assessment that addressed the specific physical demands and conditioning needs identified in the previous analysis. The authors believe that further work needs to be done to determine the validity of the new physical fitness assessment
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and to determine what performance level should constitute a passing score. In addition to addressing the specific physical conditioning needs of SAR work, other considerations in developing the physical fitness assessment were, logistics, access to equipment, available training time, and instructor expertise through a series of meetings with the SAR model manager and the aviation rescue swimmer school model manager and instructors.
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Results Rescue Database Search. The level of detail in the SAR reports (SAR form 19-1) proved insufficient to draw conclusions about the physical limitations of rescuers or to provide specific examples of physically demanding tasks. The rescues described in the SAR reports were diverse and included rescues of 1-18 survivors in terrain that included water, sandy desert, rocky terrain, steep cliffs, deep snow, flooded river valleys and frozen swampland. Temperatures ranged from over 100 F to below 0 F; rescues were conducted at altitudes as high as 11,000 ft. Respondents Experience. The level of actual rescue experience was relatively low. The average number of rescues was 1.5 + 5.0 with a range of 0-37. The mode was 0 (60 occurrences). If the 4 SAR swimmers with the most rescues (37, 27, 12, and 14) were not included, the average number of rescues was less than 1 (0.6 + 1.1). Consolidated Rescue Crewman Task List. The consolidated lists of tasks are presented below. They are listed in order of “criticality” with the most “critical” tasks listed first. See Appendix C for an analysis of the tasks. Aviation Rescue Swimmer Tasks. 1. Hiking over rugged terrain (sand, mountains, snow, mud, dense forest, etc.) to reach survivor 2. Carry survivor in litter over difficult terrain such as snow, sand, mountains, or brush. 3. Disentangle and package victim in litter in high sea state. 4. Pull swimmer and survivor into aircraft. 5. Lift survivor in litter and place in aircraft. 6. Tow multiple survivors during a moderate sea state. 7. Pulling multiple swimmers into aircraft during SAR jumps. 8. Carry raft bag into aircraft. 9. Carry rope bag, litter, and medical kit to survivor over difficult terrain such as snow, sand, mountains, or brush. 10. Carrying a survivor in a litter at altitude. 11. Lift SAR curtain and place in aircraft. 12. Load aircraft with SAR gear including litter, rappel bags, medical kit, SAR kit, flight gear, rafts, and flight gear. 13. Load raft bag into aircraft. 14. Lift cruise box and place into aircraft. 15. Pushing and pulling bodyweight up a tree during a tree extrication rescue. 16. Pulling on belay rope while lowering a victim during tree extrication. 17. Load mail into aircraft. 18. Fireman’s carry a survivor in an overland environment. 19. Carry survivor in litter up the ladder well on ship to waiting helicopter. 20. Pulling survivor out of the life raft for recovery. 21. Pull trail line assembly to provide even weight distribution on litter while hoisting. 22. Provide chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. 23. Recover inanimate objects in the water.
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24. Carry flair curtain from shop to aircraft prior to flight. Surface Rescue Swimmer Tasks. 1. Recover inanimate objects from the water. 2. Tow victim during a forecastle rescue. 3. Swim at maximum speed to reach victim during a forecastle rescue before line pays out. 4. Disentangle and package victim in litter in high seas. 5. Carry survivor in litter up the ladder well on a ship to waiting helicopter. 6. Tow multiple survivors during a moderate sea state. 7. Pull survivor into rescue boat. 8. Pushing survivor up and into rescue boat. 9. Pulling survivor out of life raft for recovery. 10. Providing chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
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Recommendations Previous physical standards for both aviation and surface rescue swimmers were not based on documented job task requirements and a passing score did not likely indicate the level of fitness necessary to complete the totality of SAR missions. The revised physical standards below are directly linked to the job task requirements identified in the survey responses. They better represent the actual movements, muscle groups and fitness components necessary to successfully carry out search and rescue job tasks than the current SAR fitness test based physical standards. These standards were adopted as a compromise between optimal testing of specific physical abilities, and the logistical difficulty of conducting the test, the likely expertise of the testers and the cost of test equipment. For example, the ideal fitness test for task # 4 and 5 for aviation rescue swimmers is the barbell deadlift. However, maximum effort deadlifts must be performed properly or the risk of injury is too great. Also, deadlifts require equipment that is not generally available by fleet units. A combination of the dumbbell carry task and pull-ups was deemed adequate to test the same physical ability. The compromise was developed through a series of meetings between the researchers and the SAR model manager and the aviation rescue swimmer school instructors considering the factors discussed above. A failing score on any of the proposed physical fitness tests should constitute a failure of the SAR fitness test. The physical standards are directly linked to the task statements (see the “tasks addressed” section of each of the physical standards below). In some cases they involve actual simulations of the tasks themselves. In other cases, they involve movements or tasks that are very similar to the actual job tasks that were identified by the surveys. A discussion about how to approach scoring of each of the event is provided. Establishing scoring criteria and pass fail scores requires data collection, validation and ongoing monitoring. These physical standards and tests should not be considered static. Pilot testing at the Naval Aviation Rescue Swimmer School in Pensacola, FL indicates that the tests are feasible; however, the validity of these tests needs to be assessed periodically, as well as the relevance of the task statements, especially if there is a mission change. The specific physical standards are not the only standards available to test the specifically identified fitness components. They were the best compromise considering all relevant factors. In the future, if a specific test modality becomes problematic, or is determined to be less predictive of performance, the standard should be reviewed with fitness testing subject matter experts and new tests developed.
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Aviation Rescue Swimmer Physical Standards 1. Carry two 65-85 lb dumbbells for 150-200 feet (with obstacles) followed by lifting onto 4foot platform (or into aircraft if available) Performance Recommendation: Carry, and then load the dumbbells onto 4-foot platform (or aircraft if available), without dropping them, no time limit. A minimum of two step-over obstacles should be provided. The step-over obstacles should be no less than 10 inches and no higher than 14 inches. They should be placed no less than 5 feet apart. At any time, the SAR swimmers may stop and adjust the load but should not lower the load to the ground until the 150foot distance is covered. The dumbbells should be carried in a controlled manner without dropping them. The dumbbell carry can be scored based on weight carried and distance covered. If a participant has to set the dumbbells down due to fatigue, the test should be considered complete and the total distance recorded. For example: Table 2. Sample Dumbbell Carry Scoring Weight Distance 65 150 65 200 75 100 75 150 75 200 85 50 85 100 85 150 85 200 *example only
Points 25 50 25 50 75 25 50 75 100
Fitness Component: strength endurance, strength Discussion. The survey data identified several tasks that require the one and two handed lifting and carrying of items weighing 10-250 pounds. The carrying tasks were performed over varying types of terrain from steep, rocky grades to flat asphalt. The recommended dumbbell carry represents a minimum requirement as it is less than the upper end of the reported weight range and involves carrying over relatively unchallenging terrain. The dumbbell carry is designed to test the ability to lift and carry a variety of objects (i.e. mail bags, raft bag, rescue litter and SAR gear). Two step over obstacles were added to ensure that the rescue swimmer has the strength and balance necessary to negotiate small obstacles while carrying the minimum load. This simulates stepping over rocks, logs, branches or other small obstacles. The four-foot platform lift simulates lifting the object and placing it in the aircraft. Additionally, this task provides a reasonable test of the ability to carry a victim in a firreman’s carry if the test is conducted with heavier dumbbells. Although it is not a direct simulation of a fireman’s carry, a fireman’s carry cannot be standardized without specialized equipment (standardized weighted dummy) that is not generally available, so this test is a reasonable compromise. 2. Pull-ups Performance Recommendation. overhand grip, 3-6-repetition minimum. Fitness Component. strength, strength endurance.
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Discussion. A significant number of pulling tasks were identified by the surveys. These pulling tasks require a significant amount of strength in the biceps, rear deltoids and latissimus dorsi muscle groups as well as significant grip strength in order to maintain control of carried items or of the survivor. The most difficult pulling tasks were those involving tree extrications, rappelling and handling victims in difficult terrain. Steep grade rescues such as cliff or scree slope rescues may involve rappelling down to the victim and manually pulling the victim up the steep grade to manipulate them into the rescue litter. These types of rescues involve significant pulling tasks that may involve lifting the entire bodyweight of the victim in order to place them in a favorable position to be packaged in the rescue litter. Tree extrication requires the ability to pull one’s bodyweight up a tree (Although most of the climbing is done with the legs, the arms are used extensively.). This might require the ability to lift a victim 6-12 inches by pulling on a belay rope to relieve tension on the parachute risers (see figure 1). Many other tasks (tasks 3, 4, 7, 21, 20) involve pulling motions that involve the same major muscle groups as the pull-up (latissimus dorsi and biceps femoris). If a SAR swimmer cannot pull up their own bodyweight, it is unlikely that they will be able to accomplish those tasks. Pull-ups are a good test of upper body pulling strength, require significant grip strength and are positively correlated with other job tasks such as carrying loaded boxes (2). The weakness of using pull-ups as a test of pulling strength is that it is dependent on strength to bodyweight ratio. Adding body weight will decrease pull-up performance with no change in strength. As a result, there is a bit of decoupling of pull-up performance and strength due to bodyweight. However, because the Navy controls bodyweight within a range of standards with the OPNAVINST 1610.1 series, it is reasonable to include pullups and assume that the weight factor will be minimized by Navy weight control standards. 3. 500 m swim followed immediately by 400m buddy tow Performance Recommendation. This is a timed event. The buddy tow begins immediately following the swim. Swimmers should be wearing minimum SAR gear (mask, fins, snorkel, harness and wet suit). Performance standards should be developed with minimum passing scores established. Fitness Component. aerobic power, endurance Discussion. The most physically challenging segments of a water-based rescue are swimming to and then towing a survivor. The surveys indicated that the distance to the victim and the distance that the victim was towed ranged from 50 to 600 feet. The suggested distances for this task represent a moderate distance based on a multiple survivor rescue. 4. One-mile hike with rescue litter Performance Recommendation. Timed event, the litter may be carried in a variety of ways. The Rescue Swimmer should walk, not run, with the litter. Fitness Component. aerobic power, endurance Discussion. Hiking over difficult terrain to reach a survivor was one of the most difficult tasks reported. The distances reported ranged from 100-3000 feet. Normally, the helicopter is able to land near the survivor or able to deliver the Rescue Swimmers to the survivor by lowering or rappelling them down to the rescue scene. In rugged terrain, however, trees, wind or other obstacles may make an insertion near the survivor impossible. In these cases, the Rescue Swimmer would need to hike to the victim. Normally, two person teams (at a minimum) would be sent to recover the victim. The team would consist of a Hospital Corpsman (SAR Corpsman) and a Rescue Swimmer. The Rescue Swimmer, at a minimum, would carry the rescue litter (40
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lbs). Other gear such as ropes, rappelling gear or tree-climbing spikes (up to 80 lbs) may be carried if necessary. Therefore, carrying a 40 lb litter would represent a minimum configuration. If operational evaluation of this test indicates that the 40 lb litter walk is not difficult enough, more weight can be added as heavier loads are likely. The previous SAR fitness test included a 1.5 mile timed run. Timed running events incur a systematic bias against heavier personnel who are often more able to perform occupationally relevant load-bearing tasks (3). Studies have shown that heavier personnel tend to perform worse in timed running events but the same or better in timed load carriage tasks (3,4) than their lighter counterparts. For Aviation SAR swimmers, the rescue litter hike is more operationally relevant and eliminates the bias against heavier runners that existed with the previous 1.5 mile run. An alternative to including the resuce litter hike is to compute a composite score of the semiannual Navy Physical Readiness Test 1.5 mile run (or re-test) and score on a dumbbell carry (i.e., a 100 on the run and an 80 on the dumbbell carry would be a composite score of 90). The resulting composite score can be used as a predictor of the ability to carry loads quickly over a distance. Although correlation data is not available, and should be collected, it is reasonable to assume that stronger swimmers would be better at the heavy dumbbell carry and those who could also run well would also do well at a loaded litter carry. Using this option would eliminate the need for a litter carry. The degree to which the physical standards model actual job tasks are rated in Table 3 according to the following criteria: S (same or similar task) = The physical standard involves the same movements, muscle groups and fitness components as the actual job task. H (highly related) = The movements are not the same, but similar, and the muscle groups that are used and fitness components are the same. R (related) = Although the movements are not similar, the muscle groups used and fitness components are the same. Table 3. Rating of Modeling of Job Tasks by Proposed Aviation SAR Physical Standards Task 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
New Physical Standard Dumbbell Carry Pull-ups Swim/Tow S R R R R S R S S S R R R R R H -
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Litter Hike S S R -
H 16 H 17 R R 18 H 19 R 20 R 21 22 R R 23 S 24 Not all job tasks are modeled directly by the proposed physical standards. However, all of the muscle groups and types of conditioning necessary to perform SAR work are well represented in the physical standards.
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Surface Rescue Swimmer Physical Standards. 1. 300 m gear swim sprint Performance recommendation. This is a timed event, with the swimmer outfitted with minimum SAR gear (mask, fins, snorkel and rescue 1 kit). Fitness component. aerobic power Discussion. The most difficult task identified by surface rescue swimmers was the forecastle rescue. During a forecastle rescue, the swimmer is deployed from a surface ship while attached to a 300 m tending line. The swimmer must swim as rapidly as possible to reach the victim before the line pays out (because the ship is still moving forward). If the swimmer does not reach the victim before the line pays out, the ship must turn so that another attempt can be made. Turning the ship to make another pass can take 20 minutes or more. Therefore it is critical that the surface rescue swimmer reach the victim on the first attempt. 2. 400 m buddy tow Performance recommendation. This is a timed event. Fitness Component. aerobic power Discussion. The 400 m distance represents a multiple survivor scenario. The buddy tow was separated from the 300 m swim sprint in order to emphasize the importance of the swim sprint. This prevents a swimmer from compensating for a poor sprint with a good buddy tow. The swim sprint is a critical skill that should be evaluated separately. 3. Push-ups Performance recommendation. Full range of motion push-ups should be performed. Cadence push-ups may be used to minimize the advantage of partial range of motion or cheating. Fitness Component. strength, strength endurance Discussion. The tasks addressed by this fitness measure include several pushing and carrying tasks. No single field test can simulate all of the pushing and lifting tasks required to perform Surface SAR work. However, pushups have been shown to be positively correlated with box lift capacity (maximum box lift to elbow height and knuckle height) and box carry power (distance x weight) (2). Because push-ups are a part of the Navy semi-annual physical readiness test, they do not need to be included in the surface rescue swimmer fitness test. However, concerns about the quality of the push-ups performed during the semi-annual physical readiness test may justify inclusion in the SAR fitness test, especially if cadence push-ups are adopted. 4. Pull-ups Performance Recommendation. overhand grip, 3-6-repetition minimum. Fitness Component. strength, strength endurance. Discussion. Several of the identified surface rescue swimmer tasks include pulling movements. The discussion of the issues relating to using pull-ups as a fitness test component in the aviation rescue swimmer section also applies here.
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The rating of the modeling of surface SAR swimmer job tasks is discussed in Table 4. S (same or similar task) = The physical standard involves the same movements, muscle groups and fitness components as the actual job task. H (highly related) = The movements are not the same, but similar, and the muscle groups that are used and fitness components are the same. R (related) = Although the movements are not similar, the muscle groups used and fitness components are the same. Table 4. Rating of Modeling of Job Tasks by Proposed Surface SAR Physical Standards Task 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
New Physical Standard Swim Sprint Buddy Tow R R S S R R R H H -
Push-ups R R R * H H
Pull-ups R R R R R -
Push-ups do not need to be included in the surface SAR test because they are included in the Navy Physical Readiness Test.
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Scoring SAR Physical Standards Scoring standards (i.e., performance categories and minimum scores), should ideally be selected to motivate participants to do their best, to motivate personnel to train to attain higher standards, and most importantly, indicate the level and type of fitness necessary to do the job. In a SAR scenario, traversing terrain or swimming to reach a survivor and then extracting the survivor can be time-consuming events. Minutes or even seconds can make the difference between life and death in some cases. The speed at which a rescuer can reach a survivor and then extract the survivor by carrying or towing may be limited by the physical condition of the rescuer. Therefore it is important to ensure that rescue swimmers are in the best possible physical condition. The revised physical standards that are proposed here are designed to test, in part, the physical abilities necessary to reach and extract a survivor on land or at sea by using timed events that represent these tasks. It is difficult to establish a pass/fail criteria on these timed events for several reasons: 1) “Real world” scenarios might require physical performances that are beyond the capacity of any rescue swimmer. As a result, any standard, no matter how high, may not be good enough under all conditions. 2) The rescue database does not provide enough information to determine if rescue swimmer conditioning was or was not a factor in the success of previous rescues. 3) Basing the pass/fail criteria on the performance of known good performers (rescue swimmers who have had successful “real world” rescues) is not possible because most rescue swimmers have little to no actual rescue experience and the rescues span the spectrum from one victim in calm seas to multiple victims in 40 foot seas. Therefore the range of possibilities for the physically challenging nature of a rescue is from easy to impossibly difficult. Because there is no established threshold level of performance that would ensure adequate fitness under all “real world” conditions, it is advisable to set the standards as high as possible to ensure the highest probability of success during real world rescues. The primary obstacle in setting high test standards is the possibility of an unacceptably high failure rate. In other words, if the standards are too stringent, the fleet may attrite an unacceptably high number of rescue swimmers. Setting performance standards based on the maximum acceptable attrition rate can be accomplished by determining the maximum acceptable failure rate and using past performance data to predict the performance criteria that would result in the target pass/fail rate. For example, if the acceptable failure rate were determined to be 10% (90% pass, 10% fail), then the performance time that would include all but the slowest 10% would be determined (by field testing using an adequate number of rescue swimmers) and used as the pass/fail criterion. In this case it would be expected that 10% of the rescue swimmers would fail to meet minimum standards on the next testing cycle (unless conditioning programs are improved or the population changes significantly). This method would allow the SAR community to set the most stringent standards possible that would still result in an acceptable attrition rate. Because no past performance data will be available initially for the new SAR fitness standards, initial standards can be determined by field-testing the new SAR fitness test or by administering the new SAR fitness test during the upcoming evaluations in addition to the current SAR fitness test (The new SAR fitness test would be scored but not used for fitness screening.). By maintaining SAR
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fitness test data, the standards can be periodically evaluated for appropriateness at the annual SAR conference. Fleet SAR physical fitness test data should be analyzed annually to characterize fleet SAR physical readiness and to re-evaluate the appropriateness of current physical standards. OPNAVINST 3130.6B requires an annual inspection of aviation SAR units and a biannual (once per interdeployment cycle) inspection of surface SAR units. Type Commander (TYCOM) SAR evaluation units conduct the inspections. Currently, TYCOM SAR units conduct SAR fitness tests as a part of the evaluation but do not retain records of individual event scores and times. It is recommended that the TYCOM SAR evaluation units keep accurate records of the SAR fitness test scores and forward the records to the SAR Model Manager for compilation and analysis. The data should be analyzed biannually (at a minimum) to identify trends and to reevaluate the appropriateness of the current physical standards. The SAR fitness test data should be available for discussion at the Search and Rescue Conference. At a minimum percentile scores, mean and standard deviation, high and low score, and the number and percent scoring in each category should be collected. (5th, 10th, 20th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th, 70th, 80th, 90th, 95th) For example: If we have the following distribution of scores for the 400m buddy tow: 19:00, 18:40, 18:33, 17:45, 17:15, 16:00, 14:00, 12:33, 10:14, 9:55 Percentile scores can be calculated with the following formulas: • • • • • • • •
Percent at that scoring level (% at) = 100 (# at that scoring level/N) Percent below (%Bel.) = 100 (number below/N) Percentile Rank = % Bel. + .5 (% at) Using these formulas we can calculate the percentile rank for the rescue swimmer that scored a 12:33 in the 400m buddy tow: % at = 100 (1/10) = 10 % % Bel. = 100 (7/10) = 70 % (Note that in this case a higher time is a worse score and would be counted as a score below the one we are calculating.) Percentile rank = 70 + .5(10) = 75% Therefore a score of 12:33 is the 75th percentile Score. This means that this score is as good as or better than 75 % of the scores or that only 25% of the scores are better. Therefore, on subsequent tests, we can reasonably expect that only 25% of rescue swimmers would score better than 12:33 (assuming that there is no change in the physical conditioning of the population tested and that test-retest repeatability are good).
Pass/fail data alone does not provide enough information to evaluate and make appropriate changes to SAR fitness test grading criteria. For example, if it is determined that the maximum time of 18 minutes for the 400 m buddy tow is not challenging enough, a new pass/fail maximum time must be established. With pass/fail data only, the ramifications of adjusting the maximum time cannot be determined. However, with the data suggested above, the impact of adjusting the maximum time could be estimated. Moving the pass/fail time to the 10th percentile score (maximum time achieved by all but the slowest 10%) would result in approximately 10% of the
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swimmers failing to achieve minimum standards during the next testing cycle (unless fitness programs are improved or the population changes significantly). By obtaining and analyzing the data annually, the SAR community can more effectively manage SAR fitness test attrition rates and make more informed decisions about grading criteria. Also, Fleet-wide SAR fitness test data can be used to characterize a unit’s or an individual’s level of physical fitness. In this way, SAR training Petty Officers can re-direct training efforts to emphasize areas that require more work. Also, unit commanders would have information with which to evaluate the physical readiness of their rescue swimmers. Currently, SAR fitness tests conducted during TYCOM SAR inspections are not graded according to a scoring criterion. They are pass/fail only. As a result, most SAR swimmers do the minimum necessary to pass during the first tested events (sit-ups and pushups) so that they may save energy for the run and swim. In addition, many pace themselves during the run so that they may score higher on the swim. A competitive effort is not rewarded. As a result, there is no incentive for performing better than the minimum standards. Therefore, the current testing procedures do not provide an assessment of the physical fitness of SAR swimmers. They provide a screening for minimum standards only. The inclusion of scoring criteria, such as the one used to score the Navy Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) would encourage a more competitive performance of all of the tested events. A PFA-like scoring system, rather than a pass/fail screening, would provide Commanders with a more accurate evaluation of the fitness of their SAR personnel and would provide a better basis for evaluating the effectiveness of unit conditioning programs. Initially, percentile scores can be used to determine placement of the scoring categories. For example: 10th Percentile – Marginal (0-20 points) 25th Percentile – Satisfactory (21-40 points) 50th Percentile – Good (41-60 points) 70th Percentile – Excellent (61-80 points) 80th Percentile – Outstanding (81-100 points) Note, example is provided for clarification only. For example: An aviation rescue swimmer who met the minimum performance criteria for a good on the dumbbell carry, good on the pull-ups, an outstanding on the swim/tow, and an excellent on the 1-mile litter hike would earn a score of 224 (41+41+ 81 + 61). The combined numerical score (224) would be used to assign the overall rating (marginal, satisfactory, good, excellent or outstanding) based on fleet-wide percentile scores. Another scoring possibility is to recommending pass/fail criteria for timed events based on current standards. Current fleet aviation rescue swimmer pass/fail physical standards include a 1.5-mile run in less than 12 minutes, 50 pushups in 2 minutes, 42 sit-ups in 2 minutes and a 400meter buddy tow in 18 minutes. The Aviation Rescue Swimmer School fitness out-test consists, in part, of a 400-meter timed swim (11 minutes maximum). If the pace were extended to a 500meter distance, the maximum time would be 13 min, 45 sec. By adding the two times (500 yard swim + 400 meter buddy tow) (13 min 45 sec + 18 min) a pass/fail time can be derived for the new swim (500 meters) – buddy tow (400 meters) standard based on current standards (31 min,
19
45 sec). However, the validity of this standard would be, at best, only as good as the current standard and current standards have not been validated. There is no effective way to derive a pass/fail standard for the new strength (pull-ups), strength-endurance (dumbbell carry), and aerobic power (litter hike) standards that is based on current standards. Current fleet surface rescue swimmer pass/fail physical standards are the same as those listed above for aviation rescue swimmers. The surface rescue swimmer school also has a 400 meter timed swim (11 minutes) out-test requirement. If the pace is maintained for 300 meters, a pass/fail time of 8 min, 25 sec can be derived and applied to the new 300-meter swim sprint. The current 18-minute standard for the 400-meter buddy tow can be retained. Again, current pass/fail times have not been validated. Therefore, pass/fail times based on current standards would not be validated either. The current push-up standard (42 push-ups) would result in a satisfactory marginal on a Navy PFA in the 17-19 year old male group. However, SAR push-ups are rate controlled. That is, they are done to a set, slower cadence. The cadence is dictated by the test administrator but there is generally a .5-1 second pause at the top and bottom of the movement. Push up tests at SAR schools are conducted in this manner. Fleet SAR fitness test pushup tests are not typically rate controlled. The slower cadence makes the push-ups more challenging than a free selected cadence. References Cited 1. Marcinik, E.J., Schibly, B.A., Hyde, D., and Doubt, T.J., An analysis of physically demanding tasks performed by U.S. Navy Fleet Divers, NMRI Technical Report 93-15, 1993. 2. Beckett, M.B., and Hodgdon, J.A., Lifting and carrying capacities relative to physical fitness measures, NHRC Technical Report 87-26, 1987. 3. Bilzon, J.L., Allsopp, A.J., and Tipton, M.J., Assessment of physical fitness for occupations encompassing load-carriage tasks, Occup. Med. 51(5):357-61, 2001. 4. Vanderburgh, P.M., and Flanagan, S., The backpack run test: a model for a fair and occupationally relevant military fitness test, Mil. Med., 165(5):418-21, 2000.
.
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Appendix A Rescue Crewman Task Analysis Survey
21
Rescue Crewman Task Analysis Survey Type of duty a assigned Surface / Aviation (circle one). Years as a Swimmer_____ Helicopter Inland Rescue Aircrewman qualified(yes/no) Years___________ Number of rescues_______ Year graduated from SAR School ___________ Please describe the single most physically demanding efforts Navy Rescue Swimmers are required to perform during preparation for and execution of a mission or during the course of training or day to day duties. 1. Single lift without carry (example: lift rescue litter and place in aircraft) _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________ a. What is the estimated weight (lb) of the object lifted?___________ b. What is the estimated distance (ft) the object is lifted?___________ 2. Lift repetitively without carrying (example: lift several items and place in aircraft) _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________ a. What is the estimated weight (lb) of the object lifted?___________ b. What is the estimated distance (ft) the object is lifted?___________ c. What is the estimated time to complete the task (min/sec)?___________ 3. Lift and carry (example: lift and carry survivor in rescue litter) _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ a. What is the estimated weight (lb) of the object lifted?___________ b. What is the estimated distance (ft) the object is lifted?___________ c. What is the estimated time to complete the task (min/sec)?___________ 4.
Carry while running or swimming (example: carry injured survivor from combat zone, tow injured survivor in water). _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ a. b. c.
What is the estimated weight (lb) of the object lifted?___________ What is the estimated distance (ft) the object is lifted?___________ What is the estimated time to complete the task (min/sec)?___________
5. Pushing/Pulling (example: pulling survivor into aircraft or into raft or boat) _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ a. What is the estimated weight (lb) of the object lifted?___________ b. What is the estimated distance (ft) the object is lifted?___________ c. What is the estimated time to complete the task (min/sec)?___________
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6.
Extended periods of exertion: (example: traversing difficult terrain during a land rescue, swimming in high sea state to reach a rescue victim) _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ a. What is the estimated distance covered?___________ b. What is the estimated effort level (low, medium, high, maximal)?___________ c. What is the estimated time to complete the task (min/sec)?___________ 7.
Describe your longest or most arduous SAR evolution with respect to physical exertion, time in rescue boat or helicopter, night/day, weather conditions, geography (land or sea), number and condition of survivors.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ 8.
Other: (please give an example of any other relevant physically demanding task that does not fit into any of the categories above. Please include as many details as possible.)
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APPENDIX B Task Criticality Ranking
24
Task Criticality Ranking Please provide the information below: 1. Surface/Aviation (indicate which one applies) 2. Years as a SAR crewman: Please use the form below to rate the identified tasks for difficulty, importance and frequency. If you have not performed the task, please estimate based on your experience and knowledge. A. How physically DIFFICULT is it to perform the task at a satisfactory level compared to all other tasks performed?
1
2
3
Easiest
4
5
6
Medium Difficulty
7
Most Difficult
B. How IMPORTANT is it for SAR personnel to be able to perform the task compared to all other tasks?
1
2
3
4
5
6
Medium Importance
Least Important
7
Most Important
C. How FREQUENTLY is the task (or one very similar) performed compared to all other tasks?
1
Once in a Career
2
3
4
Once a Year
25
5
6
7
Once a Month (or More)
Aviation Rescue Swimmer Tasks
1. Hiking over rugged terrain (sand, mountains, snow, mud, dense forest, etc.) to reach survivor 2. Carry survivor in litter over difficult terrain such as snow, sand, mountains, or brush. 3. Disentangle and package victim in litter in high sea state. 4. Pull swimmer and survivor into aircraft. 5. Lift survivor in litter and place in aircraft. 6. Tow multiple survivors during a moderate sea state. 7. Pulling multiple swimmers into aircraft during SAR jumps. 8. Carry raft bag into aircraft. 9. Carry rope bag, litter, and medical kit to survivor over difficult terrain such as snow, sand, mountains, or brush. 10. Carrying a survivor in a litter at altitude. 11. Lift SAR curtain and place in aircraft. 12. Load aircraft with SAR gear including litter, rappel bags, medical kit, SAR kit, flight gear, rafts, and flight gear. 13. Load raft bag into aircraft. 14. Lift cruise box and place into aircraft. 15. Pushing and pulling bodyweight up a tree during a tree extrication rescue. 16. Pulling on belay rope while lowering a victim during tree extrication. 17. Load mail into aircraft. 18. Fireman’s carry a survivor in an overland environment. 19. Carry survivor in litter up the ladder well on ship to waiting helicopter. 20. Pulling survivor out of the life raft for recovery. 21. Pull trail line assembly to provide even weight distribution on litter while hoisting. 22. Provide chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. 23. Recover inanimate objects in the water. 24. Hiking over rugged terrain (sand, mountains, snow, mud, dense forest, etc.) to reach survivor
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Difficulty Frequency Importance
Surface Rescue Swimmer Tasks
1. Recover inanimate objects from the water. 2. Tow victim during a forecastle rescue. 3. Swim at maximum speed to reach victim during a forecastle rescue before line pays out. 4. Disentangle and package victim in litter in high seas. 5. Carry survivor in litter up the ladder well on a ship to waiting helicopter. 6. Tow multiple survivors during a moderate sea state. 7. Pull survivor into rescue boat. 8. Pushing survivor up and into rescue boat. 9. Pulling survivor out of life raft for recovery. 10. Providing chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation
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Difficulty Frequency Importance
APPENDIX C Criticality Score Ranking
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Criticality Score Ranking Table 5. Aviation Rescue Swimmer Task Criticality Ranking Task Difficulty Frequency 1. Lift SAR curtain and place in aircraft. 4 7 2. Pull swimmer and survivor into aircraft. 6 6 3. Load raft bag into aircraft. 4 7 4. Lift cruise box and place in aircraft. 5 5 5. Lift survivor in litter and place in aircraft. 6 6 6. Load mail into aircraft. 3 5 7. Load aircraft with SAR gear including litter, rappel 4 7 bags, medical kit, SAR kit, and flight gear, rafts, flight gear etc. 8. Recover inanimate objects from the water. 5 2 9. Pulling multiple swimmers into aircraft during SAR 6 5 jumps. 10. Carry raft bag to aircraft. 5 7 11. Carry survivor in litter over difficult terrain such as 7 5 snow, sand, mountains or brush. 12. Fireman’s carry a survivor in an overland 6 3 environment. 13. Carry flair curtain from shop to aircraft prior to 3 4 flight. 14. Carry survivor in litter up the ladder well on ship to 6 2 waiting helicopter. 15. Carry rope bag, litter and medical kit to survivor 7 4 over difficult terrain such as snow, sand, mountains or brush. 16. Carrying a survivor in a litter at altitude. 7 4 17. Tow multiple survivors during a moderate sea state. 7 5 18. Pulling survivor out of the life raft for recovery. 4 4 19. Pull trail line assembly to provide even weight 4 4 distribution on litter while hoisting. 20. Providing chest compressions during 4 2 cardiopulmonary resuscitation. 21. Pushing and pulling bodyweight up a tree while 7 2 climbing a tree for rescue. 22. Pulling on belay rope while lowering a victim 6 2 during tree extraction. 23. Hiking over rugged terrain (sand, mountains, snow, 7 6 mud, dense forest etc.) to reach survivor 24. Disentangle and package victim in litter in high sea 7 5 state. (Note: Scores were rounded up (≥ .5) or down (< .5) to the nearest whole number.)
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Importance 5 6 5 5 6 4 5
Criticality 16 18 16 15 18 12 16
3 6
10 17
5 7
17 19
3
12
3
10
4
12
6
17
6 6 4 4
17 18 12 12
5
11
6
15
5
13
6
19
6
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Table 6. Surface Rescue Swimmer Task Criticality Ranking Task Difficulty Frequency 1. Pull survivor into rescue boat. 6 2 2. Recover inanimate objects from the water. 7 6 3. Carry survivor in litter up the ladder well on ship to 7 2 waiting helicopter. 4. Tow multiple survivors during a moderate sea state. 7 2 5. Forecastle rescue, tow victim 300 yards. 7 5 6. Forecastle rescue, swim at max speed to reach victim 7 5 before the ship moves past them and tending line pays out. 7. Pulling survivor out of the life raft for recovery. 7 2 8. Providing chest compressions during 4 3 cardiopulmonary resuscitation. 9. Pushing survivor up and into rescue boat 6 3 10. Disentangle and package victim in litter in high sea 7 2 state. (Note: Scores were rounded up (≥ .5) or down (< .5) to the nearest whole number.)
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Importance 7 7 7
Criticality 15 20 16
7 7 7
16 19 19
6 7
15 14
6 7
15 16
APPENDIX D TASK ANALYSIS *Not all muscles are listed in the following analysis, only the more significant muscles from the figure below. The muscles are grouped into categories in the analysis for simplification.
Arms: biceps brachii, brachiallis, wrist and finger flexors Legs: quadriceps, gracillis, Sartorius, gastrocnemius, soleus, semitendinosus, biceps femoris, semi-membranosis, gluteus maximus, gluteus medius Core: rectus abdominis, external and internal oblique, erector spinae Upper Back: trapezius, rear deltoid, latissimus dorsi Upper Front: pectoralis major, deltoid
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Table 7. Task Analysis, Aviation SAR Tasks Task
Wt (lbs)
Effort Level
Distance (ft)
Time (min)
Comments
Muscles Major (prime movers)
1
N/A
High
100-3000
5-60
may be performed at altitude
legs, core
2
170-250
N/A
30-2000
2-45
litter is usually carried by two people.
arms, upper back, core, legs
3
N/A
High
30-60
effort varies depending on the sea state and condition of survivor
arms, core
legs, upper back, upper front
4
300-450
N/A
3
<1
weight is lifted diagonally and not vertically. footing may be poor, requiring significant upper body strength.
core, legs
arms, upper back
5
150-250
N/A
4
<1
usually assisted by another crewman.
core, legs
arms, upper back
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Muscles Minor (stabilizers, assist) upper back
Movements
Type of Conditioning
walking while carrying a load (40 lb minimum , rescue litter carried as a back pack)
primary: aerobic power and endurance secondary: strength, muscular endurance primary: muscular endurance, strength secondary: aerobic power, endurance aerobic power, muscular endurance, and strength
isometric hand flexion, isometric elbow flexion, scapular elevation, trunk stabilization, walking hip flexion and extension (kicking with fins), arm and elbow flexion and extension hand and wrist flexion, elbow flexion, upper arm extension, scapular elevation, trunk extension (hip hinge) hand and wrist flexion, elbow flexion, upper arm extension, scapular elevation, trunk extension (hip hinge)
muscular strength
muscular strength
Task
Wt (lbs)
Effort Level
Distance (ft)
Time (min)
Comments
Muscles Major (prime movers)
6
170-250
N/A
50-600
5-20
difficulty depends on number of survivors and sea state
legs, upper back and upper front
7
150-250
N/A
3
10
same as task #4 but repeated for as many swimmers as necessary. weight is lifted diagonally and not vertically. footing may be poor, requiring significant upper body strength.
core, legs
arms, upper back
8
50-90
N/A
50-90
3-5
weighted carry while walking
core, upper back
arms, legs
9
30-100
N/A
30-2000
2-45
loaded carry while stepping over obstacles
legs, core
upper back, arms
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Muscles Minor (stabilizers, assist) core
Movements
Type of Conditioning
arm flexion and arm extension, leg flexion and extension, ankle flexion and extension and knee flexion, extension hand and wrist flexion, elbow flexion, upper arm extension, scapular elevation, trunk extension (hip hinge)
primary: aerobic power secondary: muscle endurance
isometric hand flexion, isometric elbow flexion, scapular elevation, trunk stabilization while walking scapular elevation, trunk stabilization while walking, finger flexion, elbow flexion, arm flexion, knee extension, leg extension
muscular endurance
primary: muscular strength secondary: muscle endurance
muscular endurance
Task
Wt (lbs)
Effort Level
Distance (ft)
Time (min)
Comments
Muscles Major (prime movers)
10
170-250
N/A
30-2000
5-60
loaded carry
legs, core
11
50-100
N/A
3-5
<1
vertical lift
arms, upper back
core
12
10-100
N/A
3-5
5-15
vertical lift from ground
arms, shoulders, lower back
forearms, upper back
13
50-75
N/A
3-5
<1
vertical lift from ground
arms, upper back
core, legs
14
50-250
N/A
5
<1
may have assistance if load is heavy
arms, core, upper back, upper front
legs
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Muscles Minor (stabilizers, assist) arms and upper back
Movements
scapular elevation, trunk stabilization, finger flexion, elbow flexion, arm flexion, knee extension, leg extension shoulder adduction, elbow flexion, arm extension, trunk extension hand and wrist flexion, elbow flexion, scapular elevation, shoulder abduction, trunk extension hand and wrist flexion, elbow flexion, scapular elevation, shoulder abduction, trunk extension hand and wrist flexion, elbow flexion, scapular elevation, shoulder abduction and trunk extension, leg and knee extension
Type of Conditioning
primary: muscular endurance, secondary: aerobic power
muscular strength
primary: muscular endurance secondary: muscular strength primary: muscular strength
muscular strength
Task
Wt (lbs)
Effort Level
Distance (ft)
Time (min)
Comments
Muscles Major (prime movers)
15
170-220
N/A
30-150
5-20
tree climbing, including pulling, pushing and leg pushing movements
arms, upper back, legs
Muscles Minor (stabilizers, assist) core, upper front
16
170-220
N/A
30-150
5-20
arms, upper back
core
arm extension, elbow flexion
17
10-75
N/A
3-5
5-30
vertical lift from ground
arms, upper back
core, legs
18
170-250
N/A
30-100
1-5
in a combat environment the task would need to be completed quickly
core, legs
upper front, upper back
hand and wrist flexion, elbow flexion, scapular elevation, shoulder abduction, trunk extension scapular elevation, trunk stabilization
19
170-250
N/A
100-500
5-20
usually assisted, may have to traverse several ladders.
core, legs
arms, upper front, upper back
35
Movements
leg adduction, leg extension, knee extension, arm extension, elbow flexion
scapular elevation, trunk stabilization, finger flexion, elbow flexion, arm flexion, knee extension, leg extension
Type of Conditioning
primary: muscular strength secondary: muscular endurance primary: muscular strength secondary: muscular endurance primary: muscular strength
primary: muscular strength, secondary: muscular endurance primary: muscular strength, secondary: muscular endurance
Task
Wt (lbs)
Effort Level
Distance (ft)
Time (min)
Comments
Muscles Major (prime movers)
20
170-220
N/A
3
<1
pulling an unconscious victim would be most difficult
arms, upper back
Muscles Minor (stabilizers, assist) core
21
10-90
N/A
N/A
1-5
weight that varies and depends on the balance of the load and wind
arms, upper back
22
5-35
N/A
<1
1-60
23
10-50
N/A
3-5
10-20
24
100-150
N/A
100-500
1-5
Movements
Type of Conditioning
arm extension, elbow flexion
muscular strength
core
arm extension, elbow flexion
arms, upper front
core
size and shape of objects vary
arms, upper back, upper front
core, legs
elbow extension, isometric arm adduction various
primary: muscular strength secondary: muscular endurance muscular endurance
loaded carry while stepping over obstacles
legs, core
upper back, arms
36
scapular elevation, trunk stabilization while walking, finger flexion, elbow flexion, arm flexion, knee extension, leg extension
primary: muscular endurance secondary: muscular strength, muscular endurance
Table 8. Task Analysis, Surface SAR Swimmer Tasks Task
Weight (lbs)
1
10-50
2
3
Effort Level
Distance (ft)
Time (min)
Comments
Muscles Major
Muscles Minor
Movements
Type of Conditioning
-
3-5
10-20
size and shape of objects vary
arms, upper back, upper front
core, legs
various
170-220
-
900
20-45
difficulty depends on number of survivors and sea state
legs, upper back and upper front
core
-
-
900
3-6
maximum speed
Upper back, upper front, core, legs
arms
arm flexion and arm extension, leg flexion and extension, ankle flexion and extension and knee flexion, extension swimming the freestyle stroke or side stroke
primary: muscular endurance secondary: muscular strength, primary: aerobic power secondary: muscle endurance
effort varies depending on the sea state and condition of survivor core, legs
arms, core
legs, upper back, upper front
arms, upper front, upper back
scapular elevation, trunk stabilization, finger flexion, elbow flexion, arm flexion, knee extension, leg extension arm flexion and arm extension, leg flexion and extension, ankle flexion and extension and knee flexion, extension
4
-
high
5
170-250
-
6
170-250
-
-
30-60
-
100-500
5-20
usually assisted, may have to traverse several ladders.
50-600
5-20
difficulty depends on number of survivors and sea state
legs, upper back and upper front
37
core
aerobic power
hip flexion and extension (kicking with fins), arm and elbow flexion and extension primary: muscular strength, secondary: muscular endurance primary: aerobic power secondary: muscle endurance
Task
Wt (lbs)
Effort Level
7
170-250
-
3
<1
8
170-250
-
3
<1
9
170-250
-
3
<1
10
5-35
<1
1-60
n/a
Distance (ft)
Time (min)
Comments
weight is lifted diagonally and not vertically. footing may be poor, requiring significant upper body strength.
pulling an unconscious victim would be most difficult -
Muscles Major (prime movers)
core, legs
Muscles Movements Minor (stabilizers, assist) arms, upper back hand and wrist flexion, elbow flexion, upper arm extension, scapular elevation, trunk extension (hip hinge)
Type of Conditioning
muscular strength
upper front, arms
core, upper back
arm abduction, elbow extension
muscular strength
arms, upper back
core
arm extension, elbow flexion
muscular strength
arms, upper front
core
elbow extension, isometric arm adduction
muscular endurance
38
