- Home
- Government
- Departments
- Fire Rescue
- Career Opportunities
- Testing Process
- Fire Agility Testing
Fire Agility Testing
Purpose
The purpose of the Physical Ability Test (PAT) is to insure the candidate/employee is physically capable of meeting the challenges inherent in the firefighting/rescue profession. Although not all-inclusive, the six phases of the testing replicate many of the physical demands placed on personnel during emergency operations. A maximum time limit is established to guarantee that the candidate/employee is physically capable of completing the tasks in a time frame consistent with fire ground expectations.
PAT Testing Rules
- Time Allotted for Completion: 12 minutes
- Firefighter Candidates: Candidates must wear a weighted vest during testing. Long pants, firefighting gloves, safety helmet and closed-toed shoes or boots must be worn. Turn-out gear is not required.
- No running is allowed during any portion of the test: Running is defined as anytime that both feet leave the ground at the same time. Running will result in immediate disqualification.
The Course
Event 1 - Stair Climb with High Rise Pack
Start at the base of the exterior stairwell with high-rise pack on either shoulder. On "start" command, proceed up 28 stairs to top floor. Stairs may be taken in multiples and handrail may be used. High-rise pack is to be dropped on floor at side opposite of top of stairwell.
Penalty Points
- A 2-second penalty shall be assessed for dropping high-rise pack in the wrong location.
Event 2 - Hose Roll Hoist
Hoist hose roll up side of platform, 22 feet, using hand-over-hand method until roll clears top of guardrail and touches floor.
Penalty Points
- A 2-second penalty shall be assessed for improper hoisting method.
Event 3 - Keiser Sled
Using the 9-pound (4-kilogram) shot mallet provided, the candidate must drive the sled; a 160-pound (72.5-kilogram) steel beam a horizontal distance of 5-foot (1.5 meters). Pushing, raking or hooking the beam is not allowed; only the head of the mallet is allowed to strike the beam. The handle must not come in contact with the beam at any time.
Penalty Points
- A 2-second penalty shall be assessed for every inch that the sled is short of the end of the tray.
Event 4 - Slalom Walk
After completing the Keiser Sled, the candidate shall walk a total of 150 feet around the smoke tower while properly traversing six traffic cones. The candidate must pass the proper side of each cone.
Penalty Points
- A 2-second penalty shall be assessed for each cone that the candidate travels around in the wrong direction.
Event 5 - Hose Drag
The candidate shall drag a charges 13/4-inch hose 75 feet and open the nozzle striking a hinged target. The target must fold before the candidate can proceed.
Penalty Points
- A 2-second penalty shall be assessed for not crossing the finish line before opening the nozzle. A 2-second penalty shall be assessed for not folding the target before continuing.
Event 6 - Victim Rescue
A 175-pound Rescue Randy mannequin must be dragged backwards a distance of 100-foot Carrying the dummy is not permitted. The mannequin must not be grasped by its clothing or appendages. Time stops when the candidate and victim completely cross the finish line.
Penalty Points
- A 2-second penalty shall be assessed for each foot that the mannequin’s feet do not cross the finish line.