Physical Ability Test. Preparation for the Physical Ability Test The Physical Ability Test consists of seven critical physical tasks that simulate actual

Ridge Fire Academy

Physical Ability Test

Physical Ability TestPreparation for the Physical Ability TestThe Physical Ability Test consists of seven critical

physical tasks that simulate actual job duties in the emergency service. This test is physically demanding and requires that you be physically fit to be successful. This guide was developed to assist you with physically preparing yourself for the test.

What is physical fitness in Emergency Services?Physical fitness is the ability to perform physical

activities, such as job tasks, with enough reserve for emergency situations and to enjoy normal activities when off duty.


What are the major areas of fitness?

The major areas of physical fitness include:• flexibility• cardiopulmonary endurance• muscular strength• muscular endurance


Body composition is also considered an area of physical fitness. It should be noted that excess body fat increases the workload placed upon the body and decreases the body’s ability to dissipate heat. A proper physical fitness program should be specific for the job of EMS provider. It should include all of the major areas of physical fitness mentioned above and be a total body program.

Although this is best accomplished at a gym with an array of equipment, this guide also includes exercises that require little or no equipment.

Physical Ability TestHydrationProper hydration is critical. All candidates should drink

water before exercise, during exercise and after exercise. Additionally, you should drink at least one liter of water one hour before your PAT.

Warm-up & FlexibilityA warm-up serves several functions, including:

• increased blood flow to working muscles and joints• decreased likelihood of injury• decrease in pre-event tension• possible improved performance• Improved flexibility

Physical Ability TestA proper warm-up should begin with a few of minutes of the

same type of activity you are about to do at a very light exertion level. For example, if you are preparing to go running you should run in place or for a short distance at a very easy pace. The next step is to stretch to improve flexibility and further your warm up.

There are two phases of stretching. The first phase is the easy stretch. In this phase, you should hold the stretch for 10 seconds in a range of motion that produces only mild tension. This prepares you for the second phase, the developmental stretch. In this phase, you should move slightly farther to the point where you feel a little more tension. This should be held for another 10 seconds.

CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT: The School Board of Polk County

Ridge Fire Academy is part of and governed by the School Board of Polk County. All rules of the Polk County School Board and Ridge Fire Academy will be followed and enforced per the CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT.

No MP3 Players , Cell Phones or Watches are allowed

during testing.No tank tops, cut off shirts, or sports bras (must have a

over shirt). Running shoes, t-shirt, and shorts are recommended.


There will be two Instructors grading per candidate.

The Instructors will not talk to the candidates during testing unless it is a safety issue.


Physical Ability TestOrientation Guide

OverviewThis physical ability test (PAT) consists of eleven separate events. The PAT is a sequence of events requiring you to progress along a predetermined path from event to event in a continuous manner. This test was developed to allow the Department(s) to obtain pools of candidates who are physically able to perform essential job tasks at emergency incidents. This is a Pass/Fail test.


Throughout all events you must wear footwear with no open heel or toe. Gloves are recommended but not required. All props were designed to obtain the necessary information regarding your physical ability. The tools and equipment were chosen to provide the highest level of consistency, safety and validity in measuring your physical abilities


A schematic drawing of the PAT is included in this orientation material; however, the course layout may vary in order to conform to the Department's test. The events and distances between events are always the same. The events are placed in a sequence that best simulates emergency scene events while allowing a brief walk between events.

To ensure the highest level of safety and to prevent exhaustion, no running is allowed between events.


Test FormsYou must present valid identification and sign

in before taking the PAT. Prior to the start of the PAT you must provide medical authorization from your physician indicating you’re medically cleared to take the PAT test. It is your responsibility to ask questions if you do not understand any parts of the test events or procedures. You are required to complete the Waiver and Release Form.

Ridge Fire Academy Physical Ability Test (PAT) will start with a One and a half mile run. The candidates will be given a 30 minute break/cool down period after their run before starting the evolutions.

One and a half mile run: Candidate SHALL run 1.5 miles. Candidate can not stop for any reason.

Failures – Stopping or walking. No warnings will be given.

Time: Max 18 minutes.


Evolutions: Running or other unsafe acts will result in a “failed” evolution. Candidate will be given one warning. Candidate SHALL pass all evolutions in a safe act and within the time limit. Not completing an evolution is a automatic failure.

Candidate will wear a 50lb weighted vest and hard hat throughout the whole test. Gloves and knee pads are optional.

Do not stop until told to do so by an Instructor.Listen to all the commands given by the Instructors.


Evolution #1 Tower: Candidate will carry a high-rise pack up the interior stairway starting at the ground floor, candidate SHALL hit every step to the fourth floor, drop the pack in the marked area, pick up the pack on the opposite shoulder and carry it back down. Repeating (2) two times. Candidate must use the handrail.


Evolution #1 Tower cont: On the second trip up, candidate will drop the high-rise pack on the fourth floor, walk out the door to the parapet wall, grab the ½” rope and hoist a 2 ½” hose to the top floor. Candidate will then go back pick up the high-rise pack and proceed down to the ground floor.

Failure: Not completingRationale: This simulates activities firefighters

may perform in multi-story buildings.


Evolution #2 Hammer Slide: Candidate will hit/drive the sled the full distance.

Failure: Coming off the hammer slide, losing control of the hammer, throwing down the hammer, or not completing.

Rationale: This simulates some of the procedures required during ventilation and forcible entry in the fire service and the strength and stamina required accomplishing those tasks.


Evolution #3 Hose Drag: Candidate will pull charged 150 foot 1 ¾ inch hose a distance of 75 feet to the marked line. Do not stop until told to do so by an instructor.

Failure: Losing control, dropping, throwing down the nozzle ,or not completing

Rationale: This simulates advancing with a charged hose line at a fire scene.


Evolution #4 Equipment Carry Candidate will carry a hydraulic spreader & a hydraulic cutter 50 feet to a cone then walk around the cone and back to the starting point. Total length of 100 feet.

Failure: Dropping tools, or not completing.Rationale: This simulates part of the lifting

required in the fire fighting profession


Evolution #5 Dummy DragCandidate will drag the 165lb dummy a distance of 50 feet to the cone then around the cone and back to the marked line. The dummy’s entire body must past over the marked line. A total of 100 feet. Candidate may stop and reset their grip.

Failure: Not completing.Rationale: This simulates one of the fire

grounds activities that may be performed by firefighters.


Evolution #6 Search Candidate will crawl through the maze while following the hose and wearing a Scott mask. Time will be stopped once the candidate steps into a marked square to put the mask on. Candidate will be given 30 seconds to don the mask. Time will begin once the candidate steps out of the square. Time stops once the candidate touches the cone at the end of the search.

Failures: Stopping for any reason, removal of the Scott mask, or not completing.

Rationale: This simulates searching for a victim under low light conditions that could be encountered on a fire ground.


The Total Time allowed to complete is: 15 minutes

This concludes the Ridge Physical Ability Test. The candidate will be escorted to a rehab station & told to remain there for no less than 30 minutes.

Any Questions?


Documents

Physical Ability Test. Preparation for the Physical Ability Test The Physical Ability Test consists of seven critical physical tasks that simulate actual