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UdeC Joins Conaf Expert Panel to Improve Selection of Wildland Firefighters

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• With over 25 years of experience in forest ergonomics, the faculty members contribute expertise in medical, physical, and psychological profiles.

The Department of Ergonomics at the Faculty of Biological Sciences of the University of Concepción has a long tradition of studies in the forestry sector. For this reason, it is an honor for the department that the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf) has invited two of its academics to join the expert panel tasked with reviewing the admission and selection processes for temporary personnel fighting wildfires.

Forest engineer and Head of the Department of Ergonomics, Dr. Felipe Meyer Cohen, and Assistant Professor Dr. Fabiola Maureira Carrasco are the two UdeC specialists on the panel. The panel will produce a report with recommendations to review and improve the selection of wildland firefighters, especially in light of recent challenges faced during the devastating 2024 summer wildfires in the Valparaíso region. The goal is to strengthen operational efficiency, safety, and well-being for those on the front lines of firefighting.

Dr. Felipe Meyer stated that the Department he leads has over 25 years of experience in forest ergonomics studies, which was key to their invitation to this panel. Their role is to provide specialized knowledge in developing medical, physical, and psychological profiles to ensure firefighters are fit to handle extreme situations.

"The core of ergonomics is people. From this perspective, we establish the minimum physical and psychological capabilities a firefighter must have to respond to emergencies. Ergonomics shapes how personnel are selected, as well as guidelines for nutrition, hydration, clothing, and heat protection. It also addresses daily routines, camp living conditions, work shifts, rest periods, and firefighting organization," summarized the Department Head.

The academic added that their participation in the panel responds to the need for a standardized baseline in selection processes, ensuring candidates not only meet minimum job requirements but also maintain optimal conditions throughout the fire season. "The ultimate goal is to protect firefighters' well-being, preventing medical, physical, or psychological issues," Meyer emphasized.

Also contributing to the panel is psychologist and UdeC Department of Ergonomics academic Dr. Fabiola Maureira, who highlighted the variety of disciplines influencing both the specialty and the firefighter selection process. She stressed the importance of unified criteria across firefighting institutions.

"Ergonomics is a multidisciplinary field requiring collaboration among medical professionals, psychologists, and other specialists to make informed personnel selection decisions," the professor noted. She explained that her area establishes guidelines for the team of psychologists overseeing selection, who must undergo training to understand wildfire firefighting, assessment tools, and report preparation. This intensive work typically begins in July and ends in November to process hundreds of applications for firefighting crews.

"Our work is highly tailored and specific, and we constantly update our knowledge to meet workers' needs based on field experience," she added.

She also emphasized that the panel's work will focus not only on selection but also on continuous evaluation and maintaining firefighters' physical and psychological condition.

Both academics agreed that this reflects the Department of Ergonomics' professional work in the forestry sector, positioning them as leaders nationally and internationally.

The expert panel will conclude its work by late August, delivering a report with detailed recommendations to guide future firefighter selection and management at Conaf. Additionally, there are plans for the academics to continue advising the institution in a more permanent role, monitoring the implementation of their recommendations and adjusting them as new needs arise.

Source:noticias.udec.cl