A Firefighter must be not only mentally fit but also physically fit. The job is both mentally and physically demanding, and any firefighting department must test recruits to gauge their suitability. To measure such qualities, candidates must pass both a written examination and an aptitude test for fighters. A written examination assesses a candidate’s reasoning and comprehension skills. The Physical Aptitude Test, on the other hand, tests the physical fitness of the applicant.
The fighter aptitude test gauges a candidate in terms of their cardiovascular health, flexibility, and muscle strength and endurance. Cardiovascular health measures the applicant’s lung and heart function. This is necessary because firefighting requires a lot of moving around under harsh conditions. A firefighter cannot risk constant running out of breath while on the job. Flexibility refers to the ability to ‘make movements with ease’. A firefighter needs to the skill to maneuver through without risking injury. Muscle strength and muscle endurance will be useful for the taxing tasks of lifting and carrying weights around during fire fighting and fire rescue.
To assess their physical abilities, the recruits are put in a simulated firefighting situation. The candidate is then expected to act in the same way they would in an actual fire emergency. The candidate must wear the same protective wear worn during a real fire situation. The recruiting department may provide some protective gear. A candidate should confirm what is provided and what they may need to bring from home.
An aptitude test for fighters requires the candidate to carry out a list of physical activities within a specified time limit. When an aspiring firefighter completes the physical task before assigned time, they are allowed some rest before going to the task ahead.
Tasks to expect during the Physical Aptitude Test
Reduced visibility search and ladder use.
Stair climbing and repeated hose dragging.
Forced entry.
Fire attack and firefighter rescue.
Before undertaking the above tasks, it is mandatory for an applicant to have undergone and passed a medical test. The fire-fighting department cannot risk putting a person with an existing medical condition into the rigorous and physically demanding activities.
Tips before going for the Physical Aptitude Test [PAT].
Visit the recruiting department website and read their advice and tips.
Structure your physical training program in relation to the physical exercises contained in the fighter aptitude test.
Eat a healthy diet as advised and hydrate as required.
Take some rest from strenuous physical exercise a week before the test.