Fire Recruit Training: Physical Ability Evaluation

By Mike Berry, President/Owner of Power-Up USA, Inc. (MFD-Ret), T. Matic, CSCS (MFD-Bn. Chief-Ret.)

The mission statement of every fire department is to save lives and to protect property. This twofold task demands that each firefighter posses the necessary training, experience and physical abilities to perform their duties safely and effectively. The Firefighter Profiles evaluation was developed as practical tool that measures the basic physical abilities that are required for fire fighting in an objective and relevant manner. The Firefighter Profiles evaluation is based on the concept that the tools, tactics and strategy of fire fighting have over the years evolved around the physical abilities of the typical firefighter. Theoretically, the physical requirements for safe and effective fire fighting physical performance could be known, if these qualities were accurately identified.

First in order to accomplish this, published research studies that provided a detailed description of the physical characteristics of the typical firefighter and also identified thoroughly the demands of fire fighting were located. Next, raw data was collected at the Training Academy and with the help of computer aided mathematical procedures, an original physical ability evaluation for firefighters was created. Finally, using critical minimal physiological markers identified in the scientific literature by researchers, a cut-off score that fell within the Poor Category (300-399 points) of the Fire-Power-Index was determined.

A Fire-Power-Index score in the Very Poor or Poor categories is used to identify individual recruits who may be physically deficient and at increased risk for serious injury during the initial stages of recruit training. In practice, no recruit has ever successfully completed recruit training with a Fire-Power-Index score lower than the Fair category (400-499 points). The Firefighter Profiles physical ability evaluation has also been cross-validated to roof ladder performance and the nationally known Combat Test®.

In summary, the primary goals of the Firefighter Profiles evaluation is to provide a objective and relevant assessment of the basic physical abilities required for safe and effective fire fighting performance and help identify and protect individual firefighter recruits who may be at greater risk of injury during training. Additionally, the Firefighter Profiles evaluation can help motivate and educate the individual recruit or cadet by providing meaningful information in a job-related context.

Testing Criteria

	SAFE
	JOB RELATED
	INEXPENSIVE
	BRIEF
	EASY TO ADMINISTER
	VALID — test what it purports to test
	RELIABLE — give consistent results
	OBJECTIVE — score not subject to interpretation

Source: Sharkey, B.J., Jukkala, A.H., Validation Muscular Fitness Tests, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, 1980.