EMS CREW CANDIDATE PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST INSTRUCTIONS

This physical ability test (PAT) consists of eleven (11) continuously-timed events. The candidate will watch a brief video which includes a thorough walk-through prior to testing.

The validated maximum time allowed to complete the course is 13 minutes; any candidate that completes a time greater than 13:00 will fail the PAT and will not be allowed to continue in the application process. Each of the eleven events are validated and based on EMT-Basic skills & abilities.

Supplied mandatory equipment consists of a helmet. The candidate may wear appropriate PT clothing to include shorts, and T-shirt (no tank tops), and footwear (no open heel or toe).

Candidates are not allowed to run between or within the test events. 

STATION 1: AMBULANCE EXIT

Candidate will start with the test sitting in the ambulance with the seat belt secure and the door closed. The PAT Proctor will give the candidate a thumbs up to start, and the Candidate will exit the truck and move to the back of the ambulance. 

STATION 2: STRETCHER UNLOAD

Candidate will go to the back of the ambulance and open the doors, and remove the stretcher from the ambulance. Candidate will unlock the stretcher and pull it out until it fully engages the safety stop. At this point, candidate will be instructed to hold the position for 5 seconds. After 5 seconds, candidate will be instructed to lower the carriage and set the stretcher onto the ground.

The stretcher will remain secure to the safety stop. 

STATION 3: GEAR BAG LIFT 

As soon as the candidate lowers the stretcher down, turn to the right and pick up the 2 pieces of gear (Airway Kit and Cardiac Monitor) by the handles. Proceed to the base of the stairs. Candidate must enter the taped box from the rear as you approach the base of the stairs. 

STATION 4: STAIR CLIMB

While holding the gear, candidate will start by facing the stairs and standing in the square marked with tape on the floor. Climb to the top of the stairs, turn around and walk back down to the square on the floor. While still holding the gear, lunge to the floor with your left leg in front and your right knee down. Then stand up, turn around and repeat your ascent and descent up and down the stairs. At the bottom, squat down and set the gear on the floor and leave it there. Then turn around to face the stairs. Lunge to the floor with your right leg in front and your left knee down and pick up a gear. Then repeat your ascent and descent up and down the stairs. At the bottom, still inside the square on the floor, lunge with your right leg in front and your left knee to the floor. Let go of the gear and stand up. 

STATION 5: CPR (3 Minutes)

Candidate will use a training mannequin with a CPR device to measure depth. Candidate will perform CPR at an adequate depth for 3 minutes. A CPR feedback device will be used to measure adequate depth. The PAT Proctor will inform the candidate when there is 1 minute left and when time is up. 

STATION 6: STEP TEST (3 minutes)

Candidate will walk back to the base of the steps. Place your right foot on the first step and begin stepping up and down for 1 ½ minutes. 

After 90 seconds candidate will be instructed to switch feet and lead with your left foot for another minute and a half.

In total candidate will perform the step test for 3 minutes. Candidate will need to maintain a steady pace without stopping. 

STATION 7: SIMULATED STAIR CHAIR CARRY

Candidate will walk over to the easy curl bar which will have tape wrapped on the bar 18 inches from the center indicating your grip area. Using proper lifting technique, pick up the 75-pound bar with your hands on the tape, using a palm up-grip. Move to the base of the stairs and walk backwards up the stairs. At the top of the platform, turn around and walk backward down the stairs. Using proper technique, replace the bar back down to its original position on the floor. Candidate will have spotters at this station for safety purposes. 

STATION 8: BACKBOARD LIFT

Candidate will walk to the side of the stairs to where the foot end of the spine board is resting against the stair platform. There will be 135 pounds of weights strapped to the backboard at the torso position. Using proper technique, lift the board from the floor until you are standing upright, with your arms extended or straight. Hold the board for 5 seconds and then using proper technique, replace the board gently to the floor.

 STATION 9: STRETCHER LOAD

The stretcher will already be placed outside of the truck and secured with the safety latch. Weights equaling 165 pounds will already be secured on the stretcher. Candidate will lift the stretcher and hold for 5 seconds. When instructed, press the button and retract the carriage until it locks. Then load the stretcher into the ambulance and secure it into the ambulance. 

STATION 10: BAG VALVE MASK

Candidate will step into the ambulance, assemble the regulator on the oxygen tank and turn the tank on. Remove the BVM from the bag and assemble it. Secure the tubing to the oxygen regulator, place the BVM on the mannequin, and provide 10 breaths. It is important to know that your clinical skills and using the bag valve mask is not being measured at the station instead the goal is to assess whether you can use your fingers and fine motor skills after performing other physical tasks.

STATION 11: STRETCHER UNLOAD

Candidate will step out of the ambulance, release the stretcher and pull it out until it catches on the safety stop. Hold for 5 seconds, when instructed press the button and lower the carriage to the floor. Set the stretcher down and remove your hands. 

The PAT is complete. 

Firefighter & EMS Crew Interview

The interview board consists of a Battalion Chief, Division Chief and at-large firefighter (Lieutenant, Driver or Firefighter rank).  The structured interview is approximately 30-45 minutes.