PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST

Do not take this physical agility test lightly; it is more difficult than it appears. The chances of passing the test will be greatly increased if adequate preparatory training has been undertaken. Physical training should emphasize cardio respiratory (heart-lungs) fitness, strength and muscular endurance. Running and weight training are two of the best approaches.

It must be emphasized that regardless of a person's level of fitness, they should be in good health before beginning any physical training program. It is especially important that less physically active individuals and individuals whose jobs do not require physical exertion prepare more conscientiously for the test. Generally these individuals are not in as high a level of physical fitness and have less strength than more physically active people. However, do not despair; most people can improve their level of physical fitness through an intensive training program that includes running for cardio-respiratory fitness and weight lifting to develop muscular strength.

Firefighters perform activities against much greater resistance than the average individual. The firefighter must have above average muscular strength, endurance and power in order to effectively and safely handle firefighting equipment and perform the duties of a firefighter.

PHYSICAL AGILITY EVALUATIONS

There are eight (8) timed evolutions to the Physical Agility Evaluation. Each segment is graded with a final score determined by the applicant's overall performance. The exercises that are required are similar to duties actually performed by firefighters at the scene of an emergency. Some of the exercises are also designed to determine the applicant's endurance, strength and coordination.

Individuals scoring less than seventy (70) points, or failing to complete any segment of this Physical Agility Evaluation, may not have the physical ability to perform the duties of a firefighter. They should be re-evaluated at the next available Physical Agility Evaluation.

The applicants may attempt the exercises described in the required items not more than three (3) times. If they make more than one (1) attempt, then the last try is the grade earned. Only the first attempt will receive a score, additional attempts must be successful.

The Physical Agility Evaluation will require the applicants to wear appropriate firefighter protective clothing and equipment weighing approximately fifty (50) pounds. This shall be a minimum of helmet, coat, gloves and S.C.B.A. Turnout pants and boots are optional to the candidate.

ITEM 1 - FORCE MACHINE (Maximum Time: 60 seconds)

DESCRIPTION: On command of the evaluator, the applicant shall begin striking the beam with an 8 lb. Deadhead sledgehammer. The applicant must move the beam 5 feet.

JOB RELEVANCE: Gaining access to buildings for the purpose of effecting rescue and extinguishment or performing ventilation is an essential function for fire suppression personnel. Firefighters are required to perform strenuous tasks over long periods of time; many times using self-contained breathing apparatus.

ITEM 2 - COORDINATION (Maximum Time: 10 seconds)

DESCRIPTION: A ladder approximately 14' in length shall be placed in a flat horizontal position, slightly elevated above the ground (8"). Upon command, the applicant shall walk across this ladder, stepping on each rung, without falling.

JOB RELEVANCE: The firefighters must perform at heights and areas requiring balance. This exercise tests coordination and balance.
 

ITEM 3 - LADDER CARRY (Maximum Time: 40 seconds)

DESCRIPTION: The applicant shall take the 14’ straight ladder used in the coordination test, pick it up and carry it to the designated location (100') feet, where it is hung on holding brackets. The ladder is then taken down and returned to its original position. The ladder weighs approximately 40 pounds and the hangers are 80 inches above the ground level.

JOB RELEVANCE: Ladders carried on pumping apparatus are mounted approximately 80 inches off the ground. An individual must have the ability to reach and maneuver these ladders at the scene of an emergency.

ITEM 4 - LADDER CLIMB (Maximum Time: 60 seconds)

DESCRIPTION: A 35' extension ladder shall be placed to a fourth floor balcony at a 75-degree angle. The applicant shall climb to the top of the ladder touching the top rung and return to the ground.

JOB RELEVANCE: Exercise determines if an applicant has vertigo or acrophobia; also tests leg strength and agility. Firefighters are required to climb ladders and work at heights under adverse conditions.

ITEM 5 - REPOSITION CHARGED LINE (Maximum Time: 35 seconds)

DESCRIPTION: A 2.5" hose line, 100' in length and stretched in a straight line 50', will be charged with water under normal city water pressure (approximately 50-60 psi static). Upon command of the evaluator, the applicant shall proceed from the start/finish line to the nozzle, pick up the nozzle and double the line back toward the start/finish line, dragging the hose until one (50') section is completely past the start/finish line. The nozzle is then placed, NOT dropped, on the ground.

JOB RELEVANCE: This activity is designed to test upper and lower body strength as firefighters are required to repeat this task many times at fires to advance or change positions of charged lines.

ITEM 6 - HOSE CARRY (Maximum Time: 1 min. 45 seconds)

DESCRIPTION: A 50' section of 2.5" hose shall be secured for shoulder fold carry (flat position). Upon command of the evaluator, the applicant shall pick up the section of hose, travel 100' to the drill tower, proceed up the interior stairs to the fourth floor landing and place the hose on the floor. The applicant shall then pick up the hose again, place it on his/her shoulder and return to the start/finish by way of the stairs without running.

JOB RELEVANCE: This activity is designed to test leg, back and arm muscles, cardio-respiratory and general stamina of the candidates. Many emergencies happen above ground level.

ITEM 7 - ROPE PULL (Maximum Time: 30 seconds)

DESCRIPTION: A rope ¾" - 1" in diameter shall be stretched from the roof of the Drill Tower (approximately 50') to the ground, where it will be tied to a section of 2-1/2" hose. The hose weighs approximately 30-35 pounds. With applicant on the roof and upon command of the evaluator, the applicant will pull the rope, hand over hand, pulling the hose to the roof level. The hose will then be lowered back to the ground, also using a hand-over-hand method.

JOB RELEVANCE: Firefighters are required to have coordinated arm-leg-back strength, manual dexterity and endurance while performing certain tasks. The extending of extension ladders, pulling hose, hoisting various pieces of equipment using rope, hoisting hose and pieces of equipment using rope and hoisting hose in drying towers are only a few of the many physical requirements of a candidate.

ITEM 8 - WEIGHT TRANSFER (Maximum time: 30 seconds)

DESCRIPTION: Applicants must move approximately 170 pounds a distance of 75' dragging or carrying the provided weight.

JOB RELEVANCE: This exercise tests for upper and lower body, arm and back strength. Firefighters, when performing a rescue in a fire situation, usually drag most victims rather than carry them. To remove the victim to a safe location it is not unusual to travel a distance of 75' or more.
 

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