Physical Performance Test
The Physical Ability Test is performed wearing a forty-five-pound weight vest, helmet and leather work gloves, which will be furnished. The participant should pace himself, keeping in mind that sufficient reserve must be maintained to accomplish the subsequent tasks. All weights and measures are approximate. All five (5) tasks are performed consecutively, without breaks.
Task 1 - High Rise Stair-Climb Evolution
Carry a high-rise standpipe pack (2 sections of 2 ½” hose) up to the fourth floor of the training tower. The free hand may be used to assist in the climb by pulling on the handrails. The participant may run up the stairs, but must walk down the stairs, making contact with every step. The event starts when the participant picks up the hose load. The hose must be left on the top landing during the third time up the stairs. Going "all out" on this event can put the participant into an anaerobic condition from which rapid recovery is difficult. Not unlike the scene of an actual fire, participants need to pace themselves to ensure that sufficient reserve is maintained to perform once at the floor of the fire or on the subsequent tasks. Completion of this task starts the timing of the next event.
Task 2 - Ladder Hoist Evolution
An extension ladder will be secured in place prior to the test. The fly section of the ladder shall be fully extended and retracted without losing control of the halyard. Completion of this task starts the timing of the next event.
Task 3 - Forcible Entry Evolution
Employing the Forcible Entry Simulator, and with an 8-pound sledgehammer provided, drive the beam five feet by striking the end of the girder. No pushing is allowed. The end of the device must be struck squarely and distinctly. This event is completed when the end being driven crosses the five-foot line. Completion of this task starts the timing of the next event.
Task 4 - 1¾" Hose Advance
After walking the required distance of 140 feet, pick up the nozzle end of the 150 foot charged 1¾" line and advance it 75 feet to the box marked on the pavement where the participant will open the nozzle and discharge water. Completion of this task starts the timing of the next event.
Task 5 - Victim Rescue Evolution
Lift and/or drag a 175 pound dummy a distance of 100 feet. The dummy (and participant) must cross completely over the finish line. The Physical Ability Test is complete when the dummy and participant clear the finish line.
Other Considerations
The Department's test administrator reserves the right to interrupt the test without stopping the timer or stop the test completely to correct unsafe techniques or if the applicant appears to be in medical danger from stress or other cause.
The test is very physically demanding. Applicants who have not had recent physical examinations should consult with their physician before participating.
Applicants who do not successfully complete the Physical Ability Test will not participate in the remaining segments of the testing process.
Ladder Climb Test
Participants will be required to climb to the top of a 61' aerial ladder wearing a helmet and leather work gloves, look over the top of the ladder and identify an object below, then return to the ground. This will not be graded as part of the Physical Ability Test. Applicants who do not successfully complete the 61' Ladder Climb Test will not participate in the remaining segments of the testing process.
Mask Maze Test
Participants will be required to crawl through a maze wearing a helmet, gloves and a mask with obscured vision. This will not be graded as part of the Physical Ability Test. Applicants who do not successfully complete the Mask Maze Test will not participate in the remaining segments of the testing process.