RIDGE FIRE ACADEMY Single Certification Emergency Medical Service Physical Agility Test

Preparation for the Physical Ability Test  The Physical Ability Test consists of seven critical physical tasks that simulate actual job duties in the emergency service. This test is physically demanding and requires that you be physically fit to be successful. This guide was developed to assist you with physically preparing yourself for the test. What is physical fitness in Emergency Services?  Physical fitness is the ability to perform physical activities, such as job tasks, with enough reserve for emergency situations and to enjoy normal activities when off duty.

What are the major areas of fitness? The major areas of physical fitness include: flexibility cardiopulmonary endurance muscular strength muscular endurance

Body composition is also considered an area of physical fitness. It should be noted that excess body fat increases the workload placed upon the body and decreases the body’s ability to dissipate heat. A proper physical fitness program should be specific for the job of EMS provider. It should include all of the major areas of physical fitness mentioned above and be a total body program. Although this is best accomplished at a gym with an array of equipment, this guide also includes exercises that require little or no equipment.

Hydration  Proper hydration is critical. All candidates should drink water before exercise, during exercise and after exercise. Additionally, you should drink at least one liter of water one hour before your PAT. Warm-up & Flexibility  A warm-up serves several functions, including: increased blood flow to working muscles and joints decreased likelihood of injury decrease in pre-event tension possible improved performance Improved flexibility

 A proper warm-up should begin with a few of minutes of the same type of activity you are about to do at a very light exertion level. For example, if you are preparing to go running you should run in place or for a short distance at a very easy pace. The next step is to stretch to improve flexibility and further your warm up.  There are two phases of stretching. The first phase is the easy stretch. In this phase, you should hold the stretch for 10 seconds in a range of motion that produces only mild tension. This prepares you for the second phase, the developmental stretch. In this phase, you should move slightly farther to the point where you feel a little more tension. This should be held for another 10 seconds.

CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT: The School Board of Polk County  Ridge Fire Academy is part of and governed by the School Board of Polk County. All rules of the Polk County School Board and Ridge Fire Academy will be followed and enforced per the CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT.  No MP3 Players, Cell Phones or Watches are allowed during testing.  No tank tops, cut off shirts, or sports bras (must have a over shirt). Running shoes, t-shirt, and shorts are recommended.

There will be two Instructors grading per candidate. There will be two Instructors grading per candidate. The Instructors will not talk to the candidates during testing unless it is a safety issue. The Instructors will not talk to the candidates during testing unless it is a safety issue.

Orientation Guide Overview This physical ability test (PAT) consists of eleven separate events. The PAT is a sequence of events requiring you to progress along a predetermined path from event to event in a continuous manner. This test was developed to allow the Department(s) to obtain pools of candidates who are physically able to perform essential job tasks at emergency incidents.. This physical ability test (PAT) consists of eleven separate events. The PAT is a sequence of events requiring you to progress along a predetermined path from event to event in a continuous manner. This test was developed to allow the Department(s) to obtain pools of candidates who are physically able to perform essential job tasks at emergency incidents. This is a Pass/Fail test.

Throughout all events you must wear footwear with no open heel or toe. Gloves are recommended but not required. All props were designed to obtain the necessary information regarding your physical ability. The tools and equipment were chosen to provide the highest level of consistency, safety and validity in measuring your physical abilities

A schematic drawing of the PAT is included in this orientation material; however, the course layout may vary in order to conform to the Department's test. The events and distances between events are always the same. The events are placed in a sequence that best simulates emergency scene events while allowing a brief walk between events. To ensure the highest level of safety and to prevent exhaustion, no running is allowed between events.

Test Forms You must present valid identification and sign in before taking the PAT. Prior to the start of the PAT you must provide medical authorization from your physician indicating you’re medically cleared to take the PAT test. It is your responsibility to ask questions if you do not understand any parts of the test events or procedures. You are required to complete the Waiver and Release Form.

Evolutions: Running or other unsafe acts will result in a “failed” evolution. Candidate will be given one warning. Candidate SHALL pass all evolutions in a safe act. Not completing an evolution is a automatic failure.  Do not stop until told to do so by an Instructor.  Listen to all the commands given by the Instructors.

Evolution 1 Unload Gurney:Candidate will unload the gurney (200 lbs) from the back of a Medic unit and move it to a marked square. Failures:  Candidate is unable to unload the gurney in a controlled manner  Candidate is unable to maintain control of the gurney  Gurney falls over

Evolution 2 The Medical Equipment Carry:Candidate will carry a jump bag (50 lbs) and a defibrillator (20 lbs) through a course of cones. Candidate will have to lift the equipment over the green cones with out hitting them. The cone course will be 200 feet total. Failures:  Candidate unable to carry in one continuous attempt  Candidate drops one or both objects before reaching the destination

Evolution 3 Gurney Lift:Candidate will lift the gurney (200lbs) and place it in the three different settings (lowest, middle, top/load) and then back down. Candidate will be at the foot of the gurney and an instructor will be at the head to assist in the lifting. Failures:  Candidate is unable to lift in a controlled manner  Candidate is unable to lower in a controlled manner

Evolution 4 Gurney Move:Candidate will move the gurney (200lbs) through a course of cones and then back. The cone course will be 300 feet total. Failures:  Candidate is unable to maintain control of the gurney  Gurney falls over

Evolution 5 Stair Climb:Candidate will carry a jump bag (50 lbs) and a defibrillator (20 lbs) up three flights of stairs and then return to the ground floor. Failures:  Candidate stops on any of the landings or stairs  Candidate unable to carry in one continuous attempt  Candidate drops one or both objects before reaching the destination  Candidate loses balance ascending or descending the stairs more than once

Evolution 6 Gurney Lift:Candidate will lift the gurney (200lbs) and place it in the three different settings (lowest, middle, top/load) and then back down. Candidate will be at the foot of the gurney and an instructor will be at the head to assist in the lifting. Failures:  Candidate is unable to lift in a controlled manner  Candidate is unable to lower in a controlled manner

Evolution 7 CPR:Candidate will perform chest compressions at a rate of 100 compressions per minute. The evaluator will start the clock as soon as the first compression is completed. The candidate will continue to compress the manikin’s chest for two minutes. The evaluator will advise the candidate when two minutes has elapsed. Failures:  Candidate is unable to perform proper CPR  Candidate Is unable to keep a rate of a 100 compressions per minute

Evolution 8 Oxygen Tank Lift and Removal:Candidate will lift and place an M size oxygen tank onto a box and then remove the tank back to the start point. Failures:  Candidate drops the oxygen tank  Candidate is unable to lift in a controlled manner  Candidate is unable to lower in a controlled manner

Evolution 9 Dummy Drag:Candidate will lift and drag a 185lb dummy to a drum and back to the start for a total of 50 feet. Failures:  Candidate unable to carry/drag dummy in one continuous attempt  Candidate drops the dummy more than once before reaching the destination

Evolution 10 Equipment Move:Candidate will lift and move off of a gurney, two Medical bags (each 50lbs) and a defibrillator (20lbs) to a location 20 feet away on the ground and then back to the gurney. Failures:  Candidate unable to carry equipment in one attempt  Candidate drops one or both objects before reaching the destination

Evolution 11 Load Gurney:Candidate will move the gurney from the marked square and load the gurney (200 lbs) into the back of a Medic unit. Failures:  Candidate is unable to load the gurney in a controlled manner  Candidate is unable to maintain control of the gurney  Gurney falls over

 The Total Time allowed to complete is: 13:30 minutes  This concludes the MED PAT.  The candidate will be escorted to a rehab station & told to remain there for no less than 10 minutes.  Any Questions?