Agility Test

All candidates will receive instructions on how to perform all tasks of the test prior to this process.  There are eight test-stations.  Stations two through eight are timed, with a time limit of 8 Minutes 30 Seconds (8:30). The candidate must complete all stations satisfactorily within this time period. This test is pass/fail, and must be passed in order to progress to the interview in the afternoon.

Aerial Ladder Climb ( non-timed station)

The candidate shall be instructed on proper ladder climbing procedures. With hands on every other rung and feet on every rung, applicant shall climb an aerial ladder extended to 50 vertical feet and at 70 degree elevation, to the top rung and return to the base of the ladder. A safety rope shall be attached to a seat-harness, and run over the tip of the ladder in such a manner as to allow a person on the ground to stop the applicant in case of a fall. No time limit. Candidate will have a 60 second rest before starting at the carry station and the timed portion of the test.

Job Relatedness: Firefighters are required to perform at high levels above the ground. This test is designed to determine the absence of acrophobia.

The timed portion will begin after a 60-second rest. The candidate will don a 50 Lb. weighted vest, which must be worn throughout the timed portion of the test. This vest will simulate the airpack that firefighters must wear while working on the fireground. In fireground conditions, firefighters would be breathing air from the airpack, resulting in working conditions much more strenuous than this test.

FOR THE SAFETY OF THE CANDIDATE, THERE IS NO RUNNING ON THE TESTING GROUND. FOOT CONTACT MUST BE MAINTAINED ON THE GROUND AT ALL TIMES AND ALL STAIR TREADS MUST BE CONTACTED ON THE HIGHRISE CLIMB.

Saw Carry

Two foam containers (simulating the weight of gas powered saws and fluids) weighing 20-26 lbs. each, are placed on the floor. The candidate must pick up the containers, and carry for 80'. Candidate will then set them on a platform, and move to the next station.

Job Relatedness: Firefighters are required to carry Chainsaws and K-12 saws from the apparatus to the scene for ventilation.

High Rise Climb

The candidate must carry "high-rise hose pack" weighing about 35 lbs., climbing and decending (2) flights of stairs, 3 separate times to complete the test. "High-rise hose pack" is made of two bound bundles of 1.5 inch hose and carried on the shoulder of the candidate.

Job Relatedness: During fire ground operations in high rise situation, it is routine for firefighters to carry the necessary equipment to the fire area without utilizing elevators. The high-rise pack is just one item necessary for high rise fire fighting operations.

Reposition A Charged Line

The candidate must be able to pull a water-charged, one and three-quarter (1 3/4) inch hose with nozzle attached (three fifty foot sections). The hose will be connected to a pumper, under pressure, at the beginning of the test. The candidate will grasp the nozzle, turn down the line of the course, and drag the nozzle past the 100' line. Candidate will then discharge water towards a cone.

Job Relatedness: This activity is designed to test the general ability to advance or change positions of charged hose lines, and discharge a water stream at approx. 100 PSI.

Dummy Rescue Drag

The candidate will effect a rescue drag on a life-sized dummy, weighing approx. 150 lbs., by grasping it under the arms or by a nylon webbing harness. The candidate will drag the dummy across a concrete surface for 100 ft. Upon reaching the 100' mark, the candidate will progress to the next station.

Job Relatedness: Job Relatedness: A firefighter may be required to effect a lone rescue of a fallen firefighter or civilian victim.

Hose Drag

The candidate will approach 150 feet of dry 2 1/2 inch line, with nozzle attached, that is folded in accordion fashion. The candidate then drags the hose forward to the designated finish area which is 100 feet away. Candidate will stop at the designated point, kneel, and pull the remaining 50 ft by hand until the coupling crosses the line.

Job Relatedness: Firefighters are required to stretch attack lines from engines to the fire. The length of these lines is often 150 feet or greater in 11/2 and 2 1/2 inch diameters.

Ladder Handling

The candidate must remove the 14 foot extension ladder from the engine, at about seventy-two (72) inches high, and place it on the ground without dropping or slamming the ladder down(the ladder is approximately Thirty (30) lbs. The ladder must be replaced on the rack to its original position.

Job Relatedness: The ladders on ERFD engines are stored at an average height of seventy-two (72) inches. The firefighters must be able to remove and handle these ladders by themselves as well as working as a team member.

Hose Coupling Drill

The candidate will be given various hose and hose-appliances and after given an example of the assembled parts, will duplicate the example given to the best of their ability. Hose and hose appliances may include: (1)11/2 inch nozzle, (I) 11/2 inch dry hose, (1) 2 1/2 inch dry hose, (1) 2 1/2 to 11/2 inch gated wye, (1)21/2 to 11/2 inch reducer.

Job Relatedness: Firefighters must be able to connect hose and hose appliances at a fire scene.

When all stations have been satisfactorily completed, the test will end and time recorded. The candidate will receive a passing score if the test is completed within the required time of 8 Minutes 30 Seconds(8:30).