An Overview of the Physical Agility Test (PAT)
These are timed events
Physical screening procedures meet the following criteria: 1) they are job related; 2) they are not discriminatory on the basis of sex, race, age, etc.; 3) they represent what experts feel are the most crucial phases of firefighting and emergency medical activities and are indicative of a variety of firefighting and emergency tasks; and 4) they are quantifiable. During testing, all procedures will be explained in detail and demonstrated if necessary.
Your score will be determined from the total time in seconds on all but one of the tests; the sit and reach test will be scored in inches. A maximum time limit is imposed on all other test items. This time limit is enforced merely to avoid a situation in which a candidate cannot complete a given task and/or rests for prolonged periods between attempts. Exceeding the liberal time limit on any test item, or voluntary termination of any task before completion, results in disqualification. If disqualified, the entire application process must be started over the next time the applicant applies. Neither gloves nor shoes with cleats are allowed to be used during any task. Applicants must pass each item in order to proceed to the next task.
TASK #1: LADDER RAISE
Requirement: Raise a 24-foot aluminum ladder, extend /retract a 24-foot extension ladder
Grading: Time in seconds
Time Limit: 35 seconds
For this task, you must walk to the top rung of the 24-foot aluminum extension ladder, lift the unhinged end from the ground, using every rung in a hand over hand fashion, walk it up until it is stationary against the wall. Move to next ladder, stand with both feet within the marked box of 36 x 36”, and extend the fly section hand over hand until it hits the stops. Then, lower the fly section using the hand or hand in a controlled fashion to the starting position.
Job Relatedness: This task is performed regularly by firefighters.
TASK #2: Sit and Reach
Requirement: Farthest stretch of three tries, must exceed 15 inches.
Grading: Entry is in inches
Time Limit: No time limit
This task requires the applicant to sit with legs straight, shoes off, feet perpendicular to legs and placed approximately 10 - 12 inches apart. Slowly stretch forward with fingers extended and measure the farthest distance of three tries.
Job Relatedness: This task measures flexibility that is needed for firefighting duties.
TASK #3: RESCUE DRAG
Requirement: Drag 165-pound Rescue manikin a distance of 100 feet
Grading time: Time in seconds
Time Limit: 60 seconds
This task requires grasping a 165-pound Rescue manikin and dragging it a distance of 100 feet. The test should be completed without stopping. While stopping does not automatically disqualify an applicant, it will penalize him/her in terms of the seconds used to complete the task. Care and caution on this test item will help avoid injury and time penalties.
Job Relatedness: This test simulates a rescue procedure involving an unconscious individual.
TASK #4: RUN
Requirement: Complete 1½ mile run
Grading: Time in seconds
Time Limit: 16 minutes
A distance of ¼ mile is marked off. Applicants pace themselves throughout the run and attempt to complete the 1½ miles by starting from the starting point and running to the ¼ mile mark and returning to the finish line three continuous times. A good performance has been established as a time of 12 minutes or less. Care and caution on this test item will help avoid injury and time penalties.
Job Relatedness: This test gives an indirect assessment of aerobic power which has been shown to be one of the highest physical factors necessary for firefighters.
TASK #5: OBSTACLE COURSE RUN
Requirement: Complete three full circuits
Grading: Time in seconds
Time Limit: 240 seconds
The obstacle course requires physical agility, strength, endurance, and aerobic capacity. Obstacle run test items include a serpentine run, a ceiling breach & pull, a sandbag lift and carry (30 pounds), forcible entry, and crawling through a 20-foot long 90° pipe, 24 inches in diameter. Each item is performed per circuit and three consecutive circuits are required. Care and caution on this test item will help avoid injury and time penalties.
Job Relatedness: Shows physical agility, strength, endurance, and aerobic capacity.
Click here to see an image of the Obstacle course.
TASK #6: STAIR CLIMB WITH VEST
Requirement: While wearing a 50-pound weighted vest up five flights of stairs
Grading: Time in seconds
Time Limit: 60 seconds
The applicant lifts and dons vest. At the command "go", the applicant climbs five flights of stairs while wearing the vest. Time is stopped upon your feet reaching the 5th floor landing.
Job Relatedness: This test simulates the act of carrying full gear to upper stories in a building for firefighting or rescue activities.
For More Information Contact:
Stephen Page
Keeter Training Center
105 Keeter Center Drive
Raleigh, NC 27601
919-831-6395
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