Fitness requirements for the Fire Service.

The fitness requirements for the Fire Service are deliberately set at a high level. This is due to the demanding physical nature of the job. Not only are you required to have a good level of aerobic fitness to carry out the role but also good levels of stamina and flexibility. As the saying goes ‘ a healthy body equals a healthy mind’ and a good level of fitness helps with the mental demands of the role of the Fire Fighter.

Your fitness requirement for the Fire Service is tested at the application stage prior to your interview. To progress to the interview stage you will need to pass the nationally agreed Fire Service Fitness Test. They key to passing the test is to train and get in good shape in plenty of time. Starting a good training regime that enhances your aerobic fitness and all round fitness is absolutely vital. The higher the level of aerobic fitness you have will have an impact on your stamina and ability to complete the tasks set out in the test.

The fitness requirements for the Fire Service will see all but the fittest of candidates needing to do some kind of training. The best training for this style of test is a good all round exercise program concentrating on your aerobic stamina. Something like the Bleep Test or Chester Step Test is perfect for this. Body weight exercises to strengthen upper, and lower body muscle groups is also recommended. The test requires lifting, pushing, pulling, bending, climbing, and crawling so as you can see an all round form of exercise is required. Circuit training is an ideal way of combining everything , however, from experience you do not push yourself as hard as you can in such classes. I really recommend that you get a copy of How to get Firefighter Fit an excellent book that will make the fitness test a breeze.

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The Fire Fighter Fitness test comprises of the following elements:

13.5 Metre Ladder Climb.

This tests your confidence with heights and ability to follow instruction. You will be in full Personal Protective Equipment and follow instruction to climb a Fire Service Ladder to a set height. There you will perform a leg lock and remove both hands from the ladder turning to look down at the floor to read a symbol placed there by the instructor.

Casualty Evacuation.

This test looks at your physical endurance and overall stamina. Also tested are your coordination, lower body strength and upper body strength when dragging a 55kg dummy around a timed course. This test certainly is not easy and requires the average person to train to a high level of fitness to ensure a pass.

Ladder Lift simulator test.

This is a test of your combined upper and lower body strength as well as your coordination. You will lift a simulated ladder in the form of a weighted cradle to a height of six feet. This test simulates lifting a quarter of the weight of a Fire Service Ladder.

Enclosed Space Test.

This test is timed and you will wear full protective equipment and breathing apparatus mask.  The test is completed in the confined spaces of a crawl gallery. Half of the test is done with a clear view and the second half with obscured view returning to your starting point. There are tasks along the way and the test will see if you have any issues with confined spaces whilst at the same time testing your confidence and agility.

Assembling Equipment test.

This test examines your hand eye coordination and dexterity whilst following instructions. Generally you will be given a piece of equipment to assemble and disassemble in a given time. You are given a demonstration or a diagram on how to do this and then expected to complete the task.
Equipment Carry.
This is a test of co-ordination, endurance, stamina, your aerobic fitness, upper, and lower body strength. The assessor will remind you of the order so this is not a test of memory! You will be timed in completing the following tasks around a 25 metre course:
Drag a 30m hose reel out for 25 metres. Carry 2 coiled hoses over a set distance. Carry a coiled hose at chest height over a set distance. Lift and carry a 2.4 metres Suction Hose and basket strainer for 100 metres. Lift and carry a simulated portable pump ( 33kg weight) for 100 metres.
Each of the above runs have to return to the start point so as you can imagine your aerobic fitness is well tested during this timed task.