Personal Resilience
Coping with Fatigue
Fatigue is a physical and/or mental state of feeling tired and weak. Physical fatigue results in an inability to continue functioning at normal levels of physical ability. Mental fatigue affects concentration and thought processes. Although mental and physical fatigue are different, they often occur at the same time. Physical work and extremes such as temperature and weather can have an impact on crews.
Incident commanders should be aware of the effects of fatigue on themselves and others, and ensure people are relieved appropriately. Some effects include:
- Less expressive communication
- Difficulty in expressing self
- Becoming withdrawn
- Reduced communication
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Panic
- Vulnerability due to loss of control
- Impaired motor skills
- Poor timing
- Failure of co-ordination
- Impaired thought processes
- Difficulty in adapting to changes
- Lowered creativity
- Difficulty in making decisions
- Acceptance of lower standards of behaviour
- Overtly distracted by discomfort
- Neglecting tasks
