Fire Fighter Fitness Testing

Nova Scotia, Canada

A wild-land firefighter’s standardized fitness test comes into effect in 2008. The test will include a 4.8-kilometre walk while weighed down by 20-kilogram vests. They will have 45 minutes to finish the course. There will be other tests too.

information retrieved from the online Chronice Herald, Nov 2007

Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, UK

Specific job related tests are given such as written and aptitude tests, and physical and fitness tests which must be passed before proceeding to interview. The fitness tests that are conducted are very specific to the job required, and include the following:

• Multistage Fitness Test/ bleep test - a pass mark of level 8, shuttle 4
  
• Hose Running - a test of dexterity, stamina and coordination. This test will involve 25m lengths of 70 mm hose to be rolled out and returned in a set time.
  
• Ladder Climb Test - a test for compatibility with working at heights, and will involve locking the legs allowing both arms to be free.
  
• Ladder Extend Test - a test of arm and grip strength. The test simulates extending the 13.5m ladder that is used extensively within the service.
  
• Dead lift simulator - device which tests lower back and leg strength and is set at 50 kg.
  
• Enclosed Space Test - a test of confidence, agility and will identify claustrophobic tendencies. The candidate dons breathing apparatus (BA), facemask and negotiates a crawl and walkway with vision obscured.
  

Two tests are now not included, the Back and leg pull test using a Dynamometer (due to possible risks through poor technique) and the Hand Grip Test (as grip strength is taken into account during the ladder extension)

information from June 2007

UK Fire Service

You will have to undertake a series of tests such as:

• Lung Capacity
• Chester Step Test
• Height
• Weight
• Strength Tests
• Eye Tests
• Urine Sample
• Blood Test
• A visit to the onsite Doctor

information from June 2007

Surrey County Fire Fighters, UK

Applicants must complete a practical and physical assessment

Practical: Applicants will be tested in the five different areas listed below. In order to reach the standard, applicants must be successful in all five tests. All five of the practical tests will be conducted in the full fire kit.

• Dead lift
  
• Ladder extension
  
• Ladder ascent and descent
  
• Enclosed space (Breathing Apparatus)
  
• Hose running

Physical: Applicants will be tested in the three different areas listed below.

• Grip strength test
  
• Isometric back strength test
  
• Aerobic capacity test (Chester Step Test)

information from May 2007

Saskatchewan Environment forest firefighters (Canada)

The annual testing protocol include the following tests (plus several others):

• a fitness walk with weight packs. Carrying 20.25 kilograms for 4.8 kilometers in less than 45 minutes.
• hose carry and hose dragging

information from April 2007

Fire Departments, US

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) unveiled several years ago the new Joint Fire Service Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). This unprecedented, innovative and equitable physical ability test for fire fighter candidates is designed to help fire departments measure the physical ability of candidates to perform routine fire fighting tasks. It consists of eight events:

• a stair climb
• hose drag
• equipment carry
• ladder raise and extension
• forcible entry
• search maze
• rescue simulation
• ceiling breach and pull.

It is a pass-fail test that is content-valid based on fire fighter job tasks, but avoids the pitfalls of testing candidates on specific fire fighting skills that require academy training. The test was designed to be both reliable and valid, meaning the test will produce consistent results and will measure an applicant's ability to display job-relevant characteristics and skills. It has been through an extensive validation process, including scientific, legal, and fire service review. More information is available here

Fire Rescue, Largo

They have a voluntary fitness program, where members have to meet certain minimum fitness standards for the following tests (the links are to general descriptions of these tests, and may not be the specific procedures used by this department):

• 1-1/2 mile run
• push-ups
• sit-ups
• sit & reach
• chin-ups

Minimum points are established based upon age. To qualify, they must complete a minimum of 100 points. Top points getter receives $500, with points prorated from that point.

Houston Fire Department

The Houston Fire Department uses a job-related physical ability test designed to test determine if an applicant has the strength and endurance needed to perform the job duties of a Firefighter. These job duties require balance, coordination, strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness. Applicants will be tested over seven (7) timed, pass/fail events while wearing gloves and an air pack

• Balance Beam Walk
  
• Ladder Extension
  
• Stair Climb
  
• Equipment Hoist
  
• Portable Equipment Carry
  
• Rescue Attempt
  
• 1.5 Mile Run

NSW Fire Brigade, Australia

During the Firefighting Task Course you will be required to complete the tasks (listed below) in succession, walking from one task to the next. You will be required to wear structural Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including coat, over-trousers, lightweight helmet, general purpose gloves and non-operational Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (without face mask).

• Ladder climb
  
• Hose coupling
  
• Ladder raise and lower
  
• Tunnel crawl
  
• Beam walk
  
• Chain cutting
  
• Hose reel drag
  
• Hose drag and hold
  
• Tower climb and container haul
  
• Tower climb and visual recognition
  
• Firefighter rescue

Rochester Fire Department, US

Candidates must pass the physical agility test twice — first to get into the training academy, then after passing a written exam they must do it all again to get out of the academy and join the department. Fail to complete any one of a total eight stations, and they are out.

The testing involves various job specific tasks, including hauling a fire hose, dragging a 165-pound dummy, swinging a sledgehammer, and raising a ladder. The toughest test is three minutes on the stair machine saddled with 75 pounds in weights to simulate equipment.

Scotland Fire Fighters

Although there are no ongoing mandatory fitness tests for Scottish firefighters, six of the eight forces have established their own monitoring regime. Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, has yet to introduce any test, while Fife's service only assesses new recruits. They are both reviewing their procedures with a view to introducing fitness tests for employees every three years. Of those that do regular testing, the demands and frequency of the tests vary widely.

Firefighters in both Dumfries and Galloway and Lothian and Borders take a mandatory fitness test every three years, using an exercise bike. An occupational health therapist monitors their heart rate, blood pressure and body fat.

Central Scotland's service uses the Chester Step Test, as does Tayside carried out every year on uniformed staff. Grampian has used the Chester step test for more than 15 years, with all uniformed staff under the age of 40 being tested every two years and annual tests for those over 40 years of age. Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue operates a fitness test every three years.

A Scottish Executive spokesman said there were no plans to introduce a national standard fitness test across all the emergency services.

information valid 2007

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