As part of the qualification process, most fire departments require candidates to pass a series of firefighter physical tests. Medical examinations are frequently included in these tests to assess factors such as hearing, vision, and general health. Physical fitness tests, which are designed to demonstrate qualities such as strength, agility, and speed, are also required by many departments. In most cases, candidates for firefighter positions must pass all physical, psychological, and written tests in order to be hired.
Several health-related firefighter physical tests may be required, depending on the department. Hearing and vision tests are very common. Firefighters are typically required to have excellent hearing across a wide range of decibels and to be free of vision problems such as color blindness. The hiring department determines the level of acceptable hearing or vision impairment, which may also be dictated by a governmental or regulatory body in some cases.
Other types of physical tests for firefighter candidates are concerned with the candidate’s overall health. Exams may look for things like high or low blood pressure, heart problems, and breathing problems like asthma, all of which can affect a firefighter’s ability to perform in dangerous situations. In addition, tests may compare the candidate’s height and weight to certain guidelines, as well as a variety of other factors.
Candidates must often pass firefighter physical tests to demonstrate their ability to meet the job’s physical demands. These could include demonstrating stamina by running a long distance in a set amount of time or speed by sprinting a short distance in a set amount of time. Agility, in which a candidate must complete a timed obstacle course, and fine motor skills, in which candidates must manipulate small objects with their hands, are examples of other tests. They may also be required to demonstrate CPR or other life-saving techniques.
One of the most common physical tests for firefighters is strength. A carry or drag is a test in which the candidate must lift or drag a dummy a set distance to a designated “safe zone.” The dummy in this test is roughly the same size and weight as an adult human. Frequently, a flight of stairs is involved.
Candidates for firefighter jobs may also be required to pass strength tests related to firefighting. A live hose test is the most common of these. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to connect, turn on, and handle a working fire hose at full or near full power in this test.