|
Numerous studies of wildland fire fighting and related job tasks have confirmed the relationship between high levels of aerobic and muscular fitness and work place productivity and safety. Workers with greater physical capacity are better prepared to deal with adverse fire fighting conditions such as hard, repetitive physical labour, exposure to extreme heat and smoke, altitude, and long work hours with reduced sleep and rest. Aerobic and muscular fitness, combined with thorough training and experience, are two of the most important factors in determining an individual’s ability to perform safely and efficiently as a fire fighter in B.C.
For these reasons, anyone hired for the specific purpose of initial attack and/or sustained action fire suppression on a BCFS crew must meet and maintain the following pre-employment fitness standard. The standard is comprised of two main tests*:
1) Pack Test: a job-specific test where participants must carry a 20.43 kg (45 lb.) backpack over a measured, level, 4.83 km. (3 mile) course in less than 45:00 minutes. This test measures both muscular and aerobic fitness in individuals.
2) Pump and Hose (PH) Test: a job specific test using standard BCFS fire suppression equipment. Participants carry a Wajax Mark III pump a distance of 100m, and then are timed to carry rolled hose 300m, and drag one end of a charged 1½ inch hose 200m. This test must be completed in less than 4 minutes and 10 seconds.
* Participants are given 15 minutes rest between the Pack Test and start of the Pump Hose Test and failing any component constitutes an overall test failure.
|
