TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A Taiwan Occupational Hygiene Association survey has found that nearly 35% of firefighters experience high stress levels.

The survey, conducted by Professor Lin Ze-sheng (林澤聖) from National United University’s Department of Environmental and Occupational Safety and Health Engineering, surveyed 557 firefighters aged 18 to 65 from central Taiwan, per CNA. Using tools such as the JCQ Job Content Questionnaire, PSQI Sleep Quality Index, and structured surveys, the study evaluated the patterns of work shifts and sources of stress among firefighters.

Lin’s research found that 34.9% of participants were in a state of "excessive workplace stress," and over 50% reported poor sleep quality. Sleep disorders were found to be prevalent among firefighters, with a rate ranging from 13.7% to 73%. 

Additionally, 19.1% had experienced on-duty errors due to stress or fatigue. This included equipment being forgotten or slowed response times, seriously impacting the safety and effectiveness of emergency operations.

Dr. Lan Fan-yun (藍凡耘), an occupational medicine specialist at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University Hospital, noted that sleep and fatigue are common issues among firefighters working shifts. He recommended the strategy of taking 10–15-minute naps during shifts to fight sleep deprivation. However, he cautioned against napping for more than 30 minutes, as it could trigger sleep inertia and impair performance.

Lan added that psychological stress among firefighters was often overlooked. Aside from physical training, he urged fire departments to include relaxation exercises and regular mental health assessments.