Job Related Fitness Test

Applicants must meet the standard for each task, in order to continue in the selection process. Standards are the same for men and women because the job of a Paramedic is the same for each.

RATIONALE: The test would attempt to recreate the demand encountered in a cardiac arrest situation dealing with a 180 lb. male.

EXERCISE #1 - Carry a defibrillator, trauma bag, and oxygen bottle up and down one flight of stairs. (Complete non-stop and under control)

The applicant would be required to pick up a defibrillator (approximately 25 lbs) in one hand, the oxygen bottle (approximately 10 lbs), and the trauma bag (approximately 10 lbs) in the other hand, go up and down one flight of stairs.

The applicant would have to move briskly, not stop, and set the equipment down.

This exercise would simulate carrying equipment into a cardiac arrest situation in a large department store.

This exercise would test cardiovascular fitness.

EXERCISE #2 – Do adequate cardiac compressions on a mannequin for 3 minutes. (Complete non-stop and under control.)

The applicant would be required to do adequate cardiac compressions on resusi Anne doll for three minutes.

The applicant would perform compressions non-stop at a rate of 80-100 per minute, to a depth of 1.5 – 2 inches.

This exercise would simulate doing CPR at a cardiac arrest.

This exercise would test agility, motor skills, and cardiovascular fitness.

EXERCISE #3 – Stairway ascent and descent both forward and backward carrying a 110 lb barbell. (50kg) (Complete non-stop and under control.)

The applicant would be required to pick up a 110 lb barbell and carry it forward up a selected number of stairs, then descend backward down the stairs. Upon reaching the bottom and without putting the barbell down, immediately turn around and ascend the stairs backward followed by descending forward down the stairs and, finally, putting the barbell down in a controlled manner on the floor.

The applicant would have to carry the weight at waist height and complete the test in a steady and controlled manner. At no time should the applicant stop, until the exercise is completed.

This exercise would simulate carrying the stretcher with a cardiac arrest victim on it up or down a number of stairs.

This exercise would test strength, cardiovascular fitness, and agility.

EXERCISE #4 – Weight transfer at various heights – 80 lbs. (torso carry-bag) (Complete non-stop and under control.)

The applicant would be required to pick up a weight of 80 lbs and transfer it from one height to another position of various heights.

The applicant would perform the task in a smooth, controlled manner. At no time would the applicant stop.

This exercise would simulate the transfer of a cardiac arrest victim from the ambulance cot to the hospital stretcher.

This exercise would test strength and agility. From table to stretcher – from stretcher to table (15 feet apart)

NOTE: Job-related physical tests exercise 1 through 4 will be completed consecutively by the applicant.

The job-related test may directly follow the fitness test.