DELTA TOWNSHIP FIRE DEPARTMENT

APPENDIX D

METRO LANSING FIRE DEPARTMENT
PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST
PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE EXERCISES

All exercises are completed wearing full protective clothing and a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). No face piece is used during the test. Fire suppression Turn-Out Gear will be provided.

The full physical ability test is a timed event consisting of eight (8) evolutions or exercises which represent typical fireground evolutions. The time starts at the beginning of the first evolution and stops at the completion of the last evolution.

There are three (3) thirty (30) second rest periods scheduled into the sequence. These are mandatory and must be observed by each participant.

To successfully complete the test, an applicant must complete all eight (8) evolutions and the three (3) rest periods in a total time of 13 Minutes

The evolutions of the physical ability test are:

EVOLUTION 1
Stand at the starting line and on the command "Begin", pick up the nozzle, and walk as rapidly as possible pulling the 2 1/2” hose and nozzle for a distance of one hundred fifty (150) feet to a designated point.

EVOLUTION 2
Remove a ladder (weight 50 pounds) from a holding bracket 6 feet 6 inches high. Carry the ladder 57 feet across the room, raise it against the wall, and position the ladder for climbing. Then reverse the procedure by placing the ladder back on the holding bracket. While removing the ladder, from and replacing the ladder to the holding brackets, the individual must grasp each of the marked rungs with one hand only. Dragging of the ladder will not be permitted at any time.

EVOLUTION 3
Drag a dry 2 ½” fire hose (with nozzle attached) through a simulated tunnel 25 feet in length and 36 inches high. The nozzle on the hose line must clear the tunnel. Then drag a dummy (110 lbs.) back through the tunnel until it has completely passed the mark on the floor.

A MANDATORY 30 SECOND REST PERIOD MUST BE TAKEN BETWEEN
EVOLUTIONS 3 AND 4.

EVOLUTION 4
Beginning at a designated starting point, pick up a folded length of 2 ½” fire hose and place it on your shoulder. Walk to the simulated open joist arrangement. Step on the simulated joists and walk to the opposite end. Then, without stepping off, turn around and walk back to the original starting point, if you step off the joists during the turn-around, you must step back on and repeat the turn-around. If you step off the joists 2 (two) times during the exercise, you will be required to start from the beginning again. After completing the joist walk, carry the hose to the fourth floor balcony using interior (48 step) stairway. Then place the hose down on the balcony landing.

A MANDATORY 30 SECOND REST PERIOD MUST BE TAKEN BETWEEN
EVOLUTIONS 4 AND 5.

EVOLUTION 5
Using a rope and a hose roller, pull a 2 ½” hose line, with nozzle attached, up and over the hose roller until 50 feet of the hose is on the top landing of the fire escape.

EVOLUTION 6
Swing a 6 lb. Sledge hammer 30 times at a ground level target, using a full overhead 2 arm swing. Both elbows must be level or raised above shoulder height during upward motion to be a valid swing.

A MANDATORY 30 SECOND REST PERIOD MUST BE TAKEN BETWEEN
EVOLUTIONS 6 AND 7.

EVOLUTION 7
Grasp the pike pole and step behind the orange mark on the floor. Reach as high as possible and pull downward on the pike pole (which raises a 50 lb. weight) until your highest hand goes below your chin. You must make thirty (30) pulls to complete this evolution. Improper pulls will not be counted toward the required thirty (30).

EVOLUTION 8
Pick up the smoke ejector, (fan) walk 22 feet to the 4 step box, climb over the box and walk 22 feet further to the traffic cone on the floor. Then, going around the cone, return the smoke ejector to the starting point via the same path. Repeat this procedure with a C02 extinguisher, a 50' roll of 2 ½” fire hose, and finally a 50' roll of 1 ½” fire hose.

METRO LANSING FIRE DEPARTMENT
ANALYSIS OF TEST EVOLUTIONS

EVOLUTION 1. NOZZLE AND HOSE PULL
Tests leg, arm, and back strength. The load or drag increases as you pull more of the hose.

EVOLUTION 2. LADDER PLACEMENT AND RETURN TO BRACKET
Tests upper body strength and grip strength, especially when lifting the ladder off and onto the brackets by grabbing the rungs. Hand, arm, back and some leg strength are involved.

EVOLUTION 3. HOSE LINE AND DUMMY DRAG
Tests leg, arm, back, and grip strength as well as agility in being able to move effectively in confined spaces.

EVOLUTION 4. HOSE CARRY ON JOISTS AND FIRE ESCAPE
Tests balance and general ability to carry an uneven weight on special footings and up several flights of stairs. Back and leg strength are put to a test in this exercise.

EVOLUTION 5. HOSE AND NOZZLE PULL ONTO THE FIRE ESCAPE
Tests back, arm, and grip strength. This exercise can consume a lot of time if you are not successful on the first try.

EVOLUTION 6. SLEDGE HAMMER THRUST
Tests upper body strength. Arm, shoulder, back, abdominal, and grip strength are involved.

EVOLUTION 7. PIKE POLE PULL
Tests arm, back strength and stamina.

EVOLUTION 8. EQUIPMENT CARRY
Tests arm, leg, back, and grip strength as well as coordination and endurance.