|
FF Recruitment
Process - Minimum Requirement Modification
The exam is comprised of eight
stations that will be completed in one continuous sequence. It is
Pass/Fail. The maximum time allowed for passing is 10 minutes and 20
seconds.
The candidate must wear long pants,
appropriate footwear, a safety helmet with chinstrap, gloves and a 50
pound weighted vest during the entire exam. Watches and loose or
restrictive jewelry are not allowed.
During the entire test candidates will
wear a 50 pound vest to simulate the weight of PPE with SCBA. An additional
25 pounds (12.5 lbs. per shoulder) will be added during the first event,
but will be removed at the completion of that event.
The events are placed in a sequence
that best simulates fire scene events, while allowing an 85ft. walk
between events. This walk allows for approximately 20 seconds to recover
and regroup before the next event. Running is not allowed between events.
- Event #1 - Stair Climb
This event uses a StepMill stair climbing machine while wearing an
additional shoulder weight (12.5 lbs per shoulder).
Prior to
beginning the timed CPAT there is a 20 second warm-up period on the
StepMill at a rate of 50 steps per minute to establish balance and
cadence. During the warm-up the candidate may grab a rail for balance,
step off and remount. If candidate steps off the entire 20 second period
will begin again.
At completion
of the 20 second warm-up period the timed CPAT begins. The candidate will
step on the StepMill for 3 minutes at a rate of 60 steps per minute.
Handrails may only be used to momentarily re-establish balance.
The
additional shoulder weight will be removed walk 85 feet to Event #2.
Failures-
If candidate falls or dismounts the StepMill 3 times during the warm-up
period, you fail the test. If you fall, grasp any of the equipment or
dismount the StepMill after the timed CPAT begins, the test is concluded
and you fail the test. During the test you are allowed to touch the wall
or handrail for balance only momentarily. However, if the wall or handrail
is grasped for more than a brief moment, or if the candidate uses them to
bear weight on they will be warned. Only two warnings will be given. The
third offense results in a failure.
Purpose -
Combines 3 critical tasks. It is intended to simulate climbing roughly
10-12 flights of stairs while carrying a hose pack, climbing stairs in
full PPE and climbing ladders carrying tools.
- Event #2 - Hose Drag
Fire nozzle attached to a 200 foot length of 1 ¾ inch fire hose. A
mark 8 feet back from the nozzle indicates the maximum amount of hose
which may be draped across the candidates shoulder or chest. A second
mark 50 feet back from the nozzle indicates the amount of hose which
must be pulled to the candidate from a kneeling position.
Candidate
will grasp a fire nozzle attached to 200 foot of 1¾" fire hose. Drape the
hose over shoulder / across chest (not to pass the 8 foot mark) and drag
hose line as quickly as possible 75 feet to a drum. Make a 90 degree turn
around drum and continue an additional 25 feet to a box marked on the
ground. Drop to at least one knee and pull 50 feet of hose (up to the
second mark) into the box. At least one knee must remain on the ground and
candidate must stay in the box.
Walk 85 feet
to next Event.
Purpose -
Simulate extending a dry hose line from an apparatus to the fire and
advancing and uncharged attack line around obstacles while remaining
stationary.
Failures -
If candidate fails to go around the drum or goes outside of the marked
path the candidate fails. During the hose pull if the candidate does not
keep at least one knee in contact with the ground the candidate will be
warned only once. The second time neither knee is touching the ground the
candidate fails. During the hose pull if the candidate's knees go outside
the box they will be warned only once. The second time constitutes a
failure.
- Event #3 - Equipment Carry
This event uses two power saws and a tool cabinet to simulate a tool
compartment on a fire apparatus.
Candidate
removes 2 saws from a cabinet one at a time and places them on the ground.
Then pick them both up and carry them 75 feet to a cone, around the cone
and back replacing them in the cabinet.
Purpose -
Simulate removing power tools from an apparatus, carrying them to the
scene, and returning the equipment to the apparatus compartment.
Failures -
If a saw is dropped the candidate fails the test. Running is not allowed
and candidate will only be warned once. If the candidate runs a second
time they will fail.
- Event #4 -Ladder Raise
Event uses two 24 foot extension aluminum fire department ladders. For
safety a retractable lanyard is attached to the ladder the candidate
raises.
Candidate
must climb to the top rung of a 24 foot extension ladder laying on the ground.
Its butt is against a wall. Lift the top end from the ground and walk it
to an upright position against the wall. This must be done in hand over
hand fashion using each rung until the ladder is flush and stationary
against the wall. Immediately proceed to a second prepositioned 24 foot
extension ladder. While standing in a box marked at the base of the ladder
extend the fly section hand over hand until it hits the stop. Then,
completely lower the fly hand over hand in a controlled manner.
Purpose -
Simulates carrying a ladder to a structure and extending the ladder to a
roof or window.
Failures -
If the candidate misses any rung during the raise only one warning is
given. The second time a rung is missed the candidate fails. If the
candidate allows the ladder to fall the candidate fails. If during the
ladder extension the candidate's feet do not remain in the box only one
warning is given. A second offense and the candidate fails. If the
candidate does not maintain control of the ladder in a hand over hand
manner, or lets the rope halyard slip in an uncontrolled manner the
candidate fails.
- Event #5 - Forcible Entry
Event uses a mechanized device located 39 inches off the ground that
measures cumulative force and 10 pound sledge hammer.
In this event
the candidate will use a 10 pound sledge hammer to strike the measuring
device in the area until the buzzer is activated. Candidate must keep feet
outside the toe box at all times.
After the
buzzer is activated place hammer on the ground. Walk 85 feet to next
event.
Purpose -
Simulates the use of force to open a locked door or breach a wall.
Failures -
If candidate does not maintain control of the hammer at all times, if the
candidate releases the handle with both hands the candidate fails. If the
candidate steps inside the toe box once they will be warned. If the step
inside the box a second time they will fail.
- Event #6 - Search
This event uses an enclosed search maze that has obstacles and narrow
spaces.
Candidate
must crawl through a darkened tunnel maze that is approximately 3 feet
high, 4 feet wide, and 64 feet long with two 90 degree turns. At a number
of locations in the tunnel candidate must navigate over and under
obstacles. In addition at two locations candidate must crawl through a
narrowed space where the dimensions of the tunnel are reduced. Event is
complete when candidate exits the tunnel.
Movement
through the maze is monitored. If candidate chooses for any reason to end
the event they simply rap sharply on the walls or call out. The candidate
will be assisted out.
Purpose -
Simulates searching an unpredictable area with limited visibility to find
a victim.
Failures -
A request for assistance that requires opening an escape hatch or opening
of the entrance or exit covers will constitute a failure.
- Event #7 - Rescue
This event uses a 165 pound weighted mannequin with a harness with
shoulder handles.
Candidate
must grasp the mannequin by one or both of the handles of the harness drag
it 45 feet to a pre-positioned drum, make a 180 degree turn around the
drum, and return 35 feet to the finish line. Candidate is not permitted to
grasp or rest on the drum. It is permissible for the dummy to touch the
drum. Candidate is permitted to drop or release the dummy to get a better
grip. The entire mannequin must be dragged across the finish line.
Release the
dummy, walk 85 feet to the next event.
Purpose -
Simulates removing a victim or injured partner from a fire scene.
Failures -
If candidate grasps or rests on the drum one warning is given. If it
happens again the candidate fails.
- Event #8 - Ceiling Breach and Pull
This event uses a mechanical device that measures overhead push and
pull force and a 6 foot pike pole.
Candidate
must remove the pike pole from a bracket, stand within a framework. The
point of the pike pole within a painted target on an overhead door area.
By pushing upward the candidate must fully push open the 60 pound hinged
door 3 times. Then using the hook side of the pike pole an 80 pound
ceiling device must be pulled fully downward 5 times. Each series of
pushes and pulls makes a set. The candidate must complete 4 sets. If the
candidate does not successfully complete a push or pull the grader will
call out miss and that action must be done again successfully.
Releasing
your grip or allowing the pole to slip without it touching the ground does
not result in a warning or failure. The candidate is allowed to
re-establish a grip.
When the last
repetition is completed the proctor will call Time. This will conclude the
event and the test.
Purpose -
Simulates breaching and pulling down a ceiling to search for fire
extension.
Failures -
One warning is given if the candidate drops the pole to the ground. If
pole is dropped candidate must pick it up and resume without assistance. A
second drop will constitute a failure. Candidate must remain within the
marked area. If candidate steps out they will receive only one warning. A
second instance will result in a failure.
|
