UVic Firefighter Physical Abilities Test

Fortitude First simulates each station, allowing candidates to gain the physical fitness and skills required to pass the University of Victoria Firefighter Physical Abilities Test as well as the unique physical fitness skills tested by fire departments during their competition process. 

DESCRIPTION OF THE PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST 

This program is designed to evaluate the physical work capacities of healthy, physically active individuals. Each test requires a maximal effort. All of the tests are completed while wearing firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) that weighs approximately 22 kg (50 lb). This ensemble includes: helmet, flash-hood, gloves, pants, boots, jacket and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) (the SCBA is to carry not to breathe from). During the treadmill test, running shoes are substituted for firefighting boots. After completing the treadmill test, the candidate will rest for 60 minutes before starting the test. Each station is followed by a rest period of 3 minutes for recovery and hydration. 

1. Aerobic Endurance 

Aerobic fitness will be predicted during a progressive exercise test to exhaustion on a treadmill. After a standardized 5-minute warm-up using an increasing incline, the candidate will walk at 3.5 mph and 10% grade for 8 minutes. The grade (and if necessary, speed) will be increased every minute until the candidate reaches exhaustion. Depending on fitness level and motivation, this test may last up to about 20 minutes. In order to pass the aerobic fitness standard, the candidate must complete the 5-minute warm-up and the 8-minute stage at 3.5 mph and 10% grade (13-minutes total). 

2. Charged Hose Advance Test 

The candidate will drag a charged (full of water) 38 mm (1.5 inch) hose a distance of 45 m (125’). Three 15 m (50') lengths of hose are "snaked" behind the starting line. The nozzle is held over the shoulder and the candidate advances to the finish line as quickly as possible (running is not permitted). This test assesses lower body strength and power and must be completed safely in less than 32 sec.

3. High Volume Hose Pull Test 

The candidate will pull a bundle of hose weighing approximately 56 kg (123 lb) a distance of 15 m (50’) over a smooth concrete floor using a rope. This task is repeated 3 times. During this test, the candidate must stand still and pull the hose bundle towards them using 16 mm (5/8") rope. This test assesses upper body strength, power, and endurance and must be completed safely in less than 102 sec.

4. Forcible Entry Simulation Test 

The candidate will use a 3.6 kg (8 lb) "dead blow" sledge hammer to move a weighted truck tire (102 kg or 225 lb) a distance of 30.5 cm (12”) as rapidly as possible. This test assesses muscle strength, power and endurance, particularly in the upper body and must be completed safely in less than 45 sec.

5. Victim Drag Test 

The candidate will drag a mannequin weighing 68.2 kg (150 lb) a total distance of 30 m (100'). The test starts with the mannequin lying "face-up" on the floor. The candidate will lift the mannequin and walk backwards for 15 m, turn around a traffic cone and return to the start line as quickly as possible. This test assesses muscle strength and endurance and must be completed safely in less than 49 sec.

6. Ladder Climb Test 

The candidate will climb a 7.3 m (24’) ladder to the 10th rung and return to the floor as quickly as possible. This task will be repeated five times. This test assesses muscle strength, endurance, and anaerobic capacity and must be completed safely in less than 108 sec.

7. Equipment Carry/Vehicle Extrication Test 

The candidate will carry small (18 kg or 40 lb) and large (36 kg or 80 lb) vehicle extrication tools (the “Jaws of Life”) a total distance of 30 m (100’). In addition, the candidate will lift and hold the 18 kg tool in specific positions that simulate the work required to remove a vehicle door. This test is designed to evaluate the strength and endurance required to lift, carry and use heavy tools in rescue situations. This test must be completed safely in less than 270 sec.