P.A.T. Physical Ability Test Monroe County Fire Rescue Orientation and Preparation Guide Pre-Employment Physical Ability Test (P.A.T.)
This information packet contains: 1. Physician s Statement, 2. Hold Harmless Agreement, 3. Tobacco Use Affidavit, 4. Copy of Physical Ability Test Criteria. REQUIREMENTS FOR PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST: 1. Signed PHYSICIAN S STATEMENT (Must be completely filled out), 2. Signed and notarized HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT, 3. Signed and notarized TOBACCO USE AFFIDAVIT, 4. Photo ID, 5. Long pants (jeans, denim, or dungarees), T shirt, and towel; required for swim portion of the test, 6. Change of clothing for Physical Ability portion of the test, 7. Nutritional food and drink. NO ENERGY DRINKS WILL BE PERMITTED WITHIN THE MONROE COUNTY FIRE TRAINING ACADEMY PROPERTY OR FACILITY. Page 2 of 14
PHYSICIAN S STATEMENT I am familiar with the requirements of the Monroe County Fire Rescue Firefighters pre-employment Physical Ability Test. I examined (Patient s Name) Social Security Number: on. (Patient s Social Security Number) (Date) I have determined that this person IS PHYSICALLY CAPABLE of participating in the preemployment Physical Ability Test and I have found nothing to indicate that it would be medically inadvisable for him / her to attempt the aforementioned test. I have determined that this person IS NOT PHYSICALLY CAPABLE of participating in the preemployment Physical Ability Test and I have found cause to indicate that it would be medically inadvisable for him / her to attempt the aforementioned test. Physician s Signature: Date: Type or Print the following: Physician Name: Address: Telephone Number: FORM MUST BE SIGNED BY THE PHYSICIAN LISTED ABOVE NURSE PRACTITIONERS, RN S OR OTHER SIGNATURES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Page 3 of 14
HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT THIS AGREEMENT MUST BE TAKEN WITH YOU TO THE TESTING FACILITY ON THE DAY OF THE PHYSICAL ABILITY EXAMINATION I, as an applicant before undergoing a required physical ability examination at the Monroe County Fire Academy, do hereby state the following: 1. I understand that I will be taking a rigorous physical ability test for the position of firefighter. 2. I understand that this test is intensive and related to the rigorous physical functions necessary to perform as a firefighter and have received the schedule of specific test events. 3. That I am in good physical condition and am able to take the above described physical ability examination at the Monroe County Fire Academy. 4. I hereby release and waive any claims that I may have against Monroe County Fire Rescue from any and all injuries, claims, actions, damages, costs, or expenses which I may have against Monroe County Fire Academy arising out of the above-described physical ability examination that I am about to take. SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT: State of Florida County of Monroe Subscribed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me on this day of, 2013 by who is personally known to me or has produced as identification. Notary Public Type or Print Name of Notary My Commission Expires: Page 4 of 14
In accordance with Florida Statute 633.34 (6) TOBACCO USE AFFIDAVIT I,, do herby affirm that I have not been a user of tobacco or tobacco products for at least one (1) year immediately preceding my application for employment with Monroe County Fire Rescue. If selected for employment, I further affirm that I will not use tobacco or tobacco products during my employment. I understand that execution of this affidavit is required by Florida law and that I may be terminate from employment with Monroe County Fire Rescue should any information contained herein be found incorrect. SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT: State of Florida County of Monroe Subscribed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me on this day of, 2013 by who is personally known to me or has produced as identification. Notary Public Type or Print Name of Notary My Commission Expires: Page 5 of 14
Pre-Employment Physical Ability Test (P.A.T.) Orientation and Preparation Guide The Monroe County Fire Academy Physical Ability Test (P.A.T.) is based upon a comprehensive job task analysis; this has determined tasks that are deemed critical, ones performed frequently by firefighters. Part I, the On-Target Combat Task Test, was developed by Paul O. Davis, PhD and Charles Dotson, PhD of ARA/Human Factors, Inc. This validated job simulated test is used to objectively measure firefighter performance. The tasks are performed sequentially, and accurately reflect the metabolic demand imposed on a firefighter during actual emergency situations. ARA/Human Factors, Inc. have monitored heart rate responses and pulmonary requirements for these and other firefighter activities. Not all fires are the same, and it is not possible to anticipate every emergency scenario. However, firefighters who can complete the tasks listed below within the recommended time frame possess the level of fitness necessary to meet most emergency demands. From this information ten job-related physical test components were developed. The ten components are: 1. Stair Climb with Equipment, 2. Hose Hoist, 3. Forcible Entry, 4. Charged Line Advanced, 5. Victim Rescue, 6. Aerial Ladder Climb, 7. Extrication Equipment Carry and Operation 8. Confined Space Craw, 9. Drafting Appliance Carry and Operation, 10. Water Survival This Orientation and Preparation Guide is provided to each applicant to encourage you to prepare for the test. It is our hope that this guide has assisted you with the proper preparation needed to successfully complete this test, and we wish each applicant the best of luck on the test. Page 6 of 14
The Physical Ability Test is designed to simulate firefighter activities. The following outline will familiarize the applicant with scheduled components on the day of the test. Applicants will wear a weighted vest approximately twenty-five pounds (25 lb) that will simulate the weight of a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). The weighted vest will be worn for all of the components with the exception of the water survival component. Applicants are encouraged to wear athletic shoes, long sweat pants, and a tee-shirt. You will be performing various types of physical activities; therefore you should not wear clothing that will hinder your performance. Applicants can be expected to get wet and dirty during the performance of the skills listed. Monroe County Fire Academy will provide leather firefighter gloves and a hard hat at the test site; for each applicant to use while completing the test. You may bring your own kneepads for use during the test. However, Monroe County Fire Academy staff may inspect and disallow any equipment to ensure its use does not affect the fairness of the test. All five components listed in Part I will be timed in series. The test has a cutoff time of greater than seven minutes (7 min.) and failure to complete the test in the allotted time will result in disqualification. Running will not be allowed during any portion of the test. Applicants will receive a warning and any failure to heed will result in disqualification. During the test, an evaluator will be assigned to time each applicant. Applicants may ask the evaluator questions regarding the course layout prior to beginning and while on the course. However, evaluators are not permitted to provide applicants of their event time. The five (5) events that compose the timed portion of the Physical Ability Test are outlined on the following pages. Each event has a description and suggestions for preparation. Page 7 of 14
Part I Timed Test Components Stair Climb with Equipment: The Applicant shall pick up a 1¾ high-rise pack (wrapped hose) weighing approximately fifty-five pounds(55 lbs) and carry it up three (3) flights of stairs to the fourth (4 th ) floor. Applicant may pick up and carry the pack in any manner that is comfortable. At the top, the hose pack shall be placed in the area marked. After successful completion of this component applicant will then proceed to the next component. 1 Applicant is required to make contact with each stair tread (step) when ascending and descending. This component is designed to evaluate strength, endurance, and stamina. Preparation: In order to prepare for this event you may prepare a duffel bag that has been weighted; approximately fifty-five pounds (55 lbs); carry the weighted duffel up and down three flights of stairs. This will match the requirements for this component. Keep in mind that you will be wearing a twenty-five pound (25 lbs) weighted vest. You may also consider wearing a backpack weighing approximately twenty-five pounds (25 lbs) while practicing. Hose Hoist: After placing the 1¾ high rise pack into the designated area, prior to descending, the applicant is required to hoist a 2½ high rise supply pack (wrapped hose) to the fourth (4 th ) floor landing with a rope, supplied for this purpose. The high rise supply pack weighs approximately forty-five pounds (45 lbs). 2 Once the high rise supply pack has been successfully hoisted, the 2½ high rise supply pack shall be placed in the designated area. The applicant shall then pick up the 1¾ high-rise pack and carry it, in any manner that is comfortable, descend down the stairs and place the hose pack in the designated area. After successfully completing this component, Applicant will then proceed fifty feet (50 ) to the next component. Applicant is required to make contact with each stair tread (step) when ascending and descending. This component is designed to evaluate strength, endurance, and stamina. Preparation: In order to prepare for this event you may practice lifting a duffel bag that has been weighted. Caution must be used and a height of less than ten feet (10 ) is recommended. You may also carry a duffel bag that has been weighted to approximately forty-five pounds (45 lbs); carry the weighted duffel up and down three flights of stairs. This will match the requirements for this component. Keep in mind that you will be wearing a twenty-five pound (25 lb) weighted vest. You may also consider wearing a backpack weighing approximately twenty-five pounds Page 8 of 14
Forcible Entry: The applicant is required to perform a simulated forcible entry by striking a sled with a ten pound (10 lb) dead blow sledge hammer. While standing on a platform, straddling the sled, the weighed device is moved five feet (5 ) by striking the sled with the ten pound (10 lb) sledge hammer. 3 After successfully completing this component, Applicant will then proceed fifty feet (50 ) to the next component. Applicant is required to remain on the platform, straddling the sled, until the sled has moved the required distance of five feet (5 ). This component is designed to evaluate strength, endurance, and stamina. Preparation: In order to prepare for this event you may practice lifting a weight (a gallon of water works well) from between your legs to over your head. Keep your arms fully extended. Your body should remain at ninety degrees (90 ). This will match the requirements for this component. Keep in mind that you will be wearing a twenty-five pound (25 lb) weighted vest. You may also consider wearing a backpack weighing approximately twenty-five pounds (25 lb) while practicing. Charged Line Advance: The applicant is required to pick up and advance a charged 1¾ hose line with a nozzle attached for a distance of 100 feet. The nozzle will be closed and locked down to prevent an unexpected discharge of water. The applicant may pick up the hose line in a manner that will allow placement over either shoulder, allowing three four feet (3 4 ) in the front of the applicant, advancing the line 100 feet from the designated START and Finish lines. This component is completed when both of the applicant s feet and nozzle cross the Finish line. 4 After successfully completing this component, Applicant will then proceed 100 feet to the next component. This component is designed to evaluate leg and lower body strength, balance and endurance. Preparation: In order to prepare for this event you may practice with a rope tied to a bag or object weighing approximately 150 pounds. Throw the rope over either shoulder dragging the weight for a distance of 100 feet. This will match the requirements for this component. Keep in mind that you will be wearing a twenty-five pound (25 lb) weighted vest. You may also consider wearing a backpack weighing approximately twenty-five pounds (25 lb) while practicing. Page 9 of 14
5 Victim Rescue Drag: The applicant is required to drag a 175 pound human from mannequin for a distance of 100 feet. The mannequin will be outfitted in bunker gear and a shoulder harness. The shoulder harness may be gripped or the applicant s arms may be slid under the arms of the mannequin. Applicant will begin by gripping the mannequin in any manner that is comfortable. Time begins when an applicant s crosses the designated START line. This component is completed when both of the applicant s feet and entire mannequin cross the Finish line with the applicant entering the Rehab area and touching the designated target. This component is designed to evaluate total body strength, power and stamina. Preparation: In order to prepare for this event you may practice with a rope tied to a bag or object weighing approximately 175 pounds for short distances, working up to 100 feet. This will match the requirements for this component. Keep in mind that you will be wearing a twenty-five pound (25 lb) weighted vest. You may also consider wearing a backpack weighing approximately twenty-five pounds (25 lb) while practicing. Scoring: Any applicant that completes the course in the allotted time will pass this stage of the evaluation process. There is no advantage in seeking to complete the test in a time significantly lower than the allotted time. Page 10 of 14
Part II Un-Timed Test Components Aerial Ladder Climb: The applicant is required to climb an aerial ladder to a height of seventy-five feet (75 ). The ladder will be positioned at a seventy degree (70 ) angle to facilitate a comfortable climbing position. All applicants will be fitted with a safety harness and will be belayed for safety. This is not a timed event, but must be completed satisfactorily for successful completion of the pre-employment Physical Ability Test. 6 This component is designed to evaluate total body strength, power and stamina. This component evaluates any fear of heights. Preparation: In order to prepare for this event you may practice climbing a sturdy ladder to a height of a two-story (2-story) house. Practice carefully and do not hurry ascending and descending the ladder. Keep in mind that you will be wearing a twenty-five pound (25 lb) weighted vest. You may also consider wearing a backpack weighing approximately twentyfive pounds (25 lb) while practicing. Confined Space Crawl: While wearing a blacked-out facemask, applicants are required to enter and crawl through a darkened maze on their hands and knees for a distance of sixtyfive feet (65 ). At the end of the maze, applicants will be instructed to remove the blackedout facemask, stand-up and exit the maze component area. 7 This component is designed to evaluate endurance, as well as the ability to maintain spatial orientation and freedom from claustrophobia. Preparation: To prepare for this event you may practice maneuvering on your hands and knees wearing a backpack weighing approximately twenty-five pounds (25 lb). This should be accomplished while blindfolded or with your eyes closed and in darkened room or hallway. Have someone assist you, while blindfolded, to prevent injury. Page 11 of 14
8 9 Extrication Equipment Carry and Operation: The applicant is required to pick up an extrication spreader weighing approximately fifty pounds (50 lb). The applicant will walk twenty-five feet (25 ) to a simulated door and will proceed to place the tips of the spreader into four (4) separate cut outs as indicated on the simulated door. Once complete the applicant will proceed twenty-five feet (25 ) to the starting point and place the tool in the designated area. This component is designed to evaluate upper body strength, endurance, and stamina. Preparation: In order to prepare for this event you may practice with a duffel bag that has been weighted approximately fifty pounds (50 lb), for a distance of twenty-five feet (25 ). Lift the duffel bag to various heights (knees, waist, and upper torso) returning to your starting point. You may also consider wearing a backpack weighing approximately twenty-five pounds (25 lb) while practicing. Portable Water Supply TurboDraft : The applicant is required to pick up a portable drafting appliance (TurboDraft ) weighing approximately fifty-five pounds (55 lb). The applicant will walk 100 feet placing the appliance at the designated area. This component is designed to evaluate total body strength, balance, endurance, and stamina. Preparation: In order to prepare for this event you may practice with a duffel bag that has been weighted approximately fifty-five pounds (55lb), for a distance of 100 feet. Lift the duffel bag to your waist returning to your starting point. You may also consider wearing a backpack weighing approximately twenty-five pounds (25 lb) while practicing. Page 12 of 14
Water Survival: This is two phased component. 10 1. The applicant will jump the edge of a pool and tread water for three minutes (3 min.), 2. The applicant will be instructed to swim seventy-five yards (75 yd.) using a style that is comfortable This component is designed to evaluate upper body strength, endurance, and power. This component evaluates ability to remain calm in the water. Preparation: To prepare for this event you should practice treading water and swimming for a distance of seventy-five yards (75 yd.) Keep in mind that you are required to wear a T shirt and long pants (jeans, denim, or dungarees) while in the pool. General Preparation: Monroe County Fire Rescue s hiring process is extremely competitive. The pre-employment Physical Ability Test (P.A.T.) is one of the initial hurdles in the evaluation, and ultimately the selection process. Please take the time to thoroughly prepare, to ensure your success. Monroe County will provide various resources and opportunities for preparation by hosting orientation and practice sessions. For more information please call (305)289-6004. Page 13 of 14
Monroe County Fire Rescue Physical Ability Test Last Name First Name Part I Timed Components Pass Fail Comments 1. Stair Climb with Equipment 2. Hose Hoist 3. Forcible Entry 4. Charged Hose Line 5. Victim Rescue Drag Total Time The time for this evaluation will begin once the applicant touches the equipment and stop when the applicant reaches the Rehab area and touches the target. Un-Timed Components Pass Fail Comments 6. Aerial Ladder Climb 7. Extrication Equipment Carry 8. Confined Space Crawl 9. Portable Water Supply TurboDraft : 10. Water Survival; Two (2) Phases Evaluator: Print Name Signature Date Applicant: Print Name Signature Date Page 14 of 14