Boulder Rural Fire Department

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Training

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Physical Abilities Test

The Physical Abilities Test [PAT] consists of a structural firefighting component followed by a wildland component. Each component is designed to assess cardiovascular, muscular strength, and endurance capability while performing job-related tasks. Each component of the test is timed. The structural component must be completed in less than 4 minutes and 30 seconds, and the wildland component must be completed in less than 3 minutes and 50 seconds. If at anytime during the test the time limit is exceeded, the candidate or member will be asked to stop. A four minute rest period is provided between the two components.

Everyone who attempts the PAT will be fitted with the necessary equipment. For the structural section, a bunker coat, fire gloves, a fire helmet and a SCBA pack will be provided. For the wildland section a wildland helmet, wildland shirt, and a 45-pound weight pack will be provided. Members and candidates should wear comfortable sweats and tennis shoes and are not permitted to wear shorts. A proctor will accompany each person attempting the PAT.

Stair Climb The test begins when you pick up a Hi-rise hose pack. You will be asked to ascend and descend a flight of stairs three times with the hose pack. You may run if you choose and use the rails when going up and down, but you must hit every step going up and down. On the third trip to the top, you will stop at the top landing and place the Hi-rise pack on the ground.

Hose Roll Raise The hose roll will be hoisted from the ground to the top of the stairs, over the top railing, and then lowered to the ground in a controlled manner. If the hoisting rope slides out of your hands, you will be asked to complete the hose roll raise section again.

Ladder Extension The ladder must be fully extended and lowered. It must be lowered in a controlled manner. If the ladder slips, you will be asked to complete the ladder raise section again.

Charged Hose Line Pull A fully charged 1 3/4 inch hoseline will be advanced 75 feet to a safety cone and then returned back to the starting line. You may run if you choose.

Dummy Drag A 165 lb. dummy will be dragged 35 feet, turned 180 degrees, and then dragged back to the starting line. Webbing is attached to the dummy for ease of dragging. The dummy's feet must stay on the ground and the dummy cannot be picked up or carried on your back or shoulder.

Pike Pole Push A pike pole will be used to complete four sets comprised of pushing up 3 times and pulling down 5 times on a 60-lb. weighted hinge in a controlled manner.

Wildland Walk You will walk, not run, at a brisk pace for a quarter mile.

This movie shows how it looks when done continuously.