Exoskeletons in Swedish Fire Rescue Services : An Explorative Study of Demanding Work Tasks, Requirements and User Acceptance

Sammanfattning

The fire rescue service is characterized by high physical workloads, leading to a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among personnel. This explorative qualitative study investigates the potential application of exoskeleton technology within the Swedish fire rescue service. Through workshops with 12 fire rescue professionals, the study identifies demanding work tasks that may be suitable for exoskeleton support, anticipated requirements for the technology to be suitable in this context, and factors influencing user acceptance. The results indicate that tasks involving heavy loads and awkward postures, such as patient handling, hose work, and tool use, are primary targets for intervention. Furthermore, participants highlighted prolonged operations and the need for general physical support as potential use cases for exoskeletons. Key requirements for operational suitability include ease of use in high-pressure environments, mobility, durability, and seamless integration with both existing gear and the user's body. Regarding user acceptance, the study finds that it is primarily driven by perceived usefulness, situational relevance, and the individual's firsthand experience of the physical relief. Additionally, the manner in which the device is presented and implemented within the domain is crucial for acceptance. The study concludes that while exoskeletons show ergonomic promise, successful integration requires domain-focused design and practical opportunities for firsthand experience within the organization.