Fitness appraisal

Criteria for selection as a firefighter can be very demanding. Crucial to selecting candidates is our Physical Fitness Assessment.

This section consists of six different tests which assess an applicant’s physical competence and their confidence and ability to follow instructions. 

These tests below are only applicable to our most recent recruitment campaign and are not used in any campaign which commenced prior to August 2006.

Ladder Climb

This is a physical test of confidence and the ability to follow instructions. Applicants must ascend a 13.5 metre (45 foot) Fire & Rescue Service ladder to a point two thirds of the full working height, take a leg lock and remove their hands from the ladder and look down to the assessor to identify a symbol placed flat on the ground at the foot of the ladder. Applicants will be assisted if necessary by the safety officer.

Casualty Evacuation

This is a physical test of upper and lower body strength and co-ordination. A 55kg (8½ stone) dummy is dragged backwards around a 30 metre (100 foot) course around four cones guided by a safety officer. Applicants will need to complete this exercise in a given amount of time.

Ladder Lift

This is a physical test of upper and lower body strength and co-ordination. The bar of a ladder lift simulator weighing 30kg (4½ stone) is to be raised to a height of 182cm (6 foot) assisted if necessary by the safety officer.

Enclosed Space

This is physical test of confidence, agility and identification of claustrophobic tendencies. Applicants wear a breathing apparatus facemask and negotiate a crawl and walkway with clear vision. Halfway through the route their vision is obscured and they retrace their steps to the start/finish point. A safety officer will provide assistance if necessary. Applicants will need to complete this exercise in a given amount of time.

Equipment Assembly

This is a physical test of manual dexterity. Applicants must assemble and then disassemble a portable pump following a demonstration by the safety officer.

Equipment Carry

This is a physical test of aerobic fitness, stamina, upper and lower body strength and co-ordination. Applicants will need to carry items of equipment over a 25 metre (82 foot) course around two cones. This is not a test of memory as the safety officer will remind applicants of the sequence of events. The equipment will consist of one 30 metre (100 foot) hose reel tubing on a drum, two coiled 70mm soft suction hoses, one 100mm hard suction hose and suction strainer in a basket and one 33kg (5 stone) barbell. Applicants will need to complete this exercise in a given amount of time.

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