Transcript MED PAT - Ridge Fire Academy

RIDGE FIRE ACADEMY
Single Certification Emergency Medical Service
Physical Agility Test
Preparation for the Physical Ability Test
 The Physical Ability Test consists of seven critical physical tasks that
simulate actual job duties in the emergency service. This test is
physically demanding and requires that you be physically fit to be
successful. This guide was developed to assist you with physically
preparing yourself for the test.
What is physical fitness in Emergency Services?
 Physical fitness is the ability to perform physical activities, such as job
tasks, with enough reserve for emergency situations and to enjoy
normal activities when off duty.
What are the major areas of fitness?
The major areas of physical fitness include:
• flexibility
• cardiopulmonary endurance
• muscular strength
• muscular endurance
Body composition is also considered an area of physical fitness. It should
be noted that excess body fat increases the workload placed upon the
body and decreases the body’s ability to dissipate heat. A proper
physical fitness program should be specific for the job of EMS provider.
It should include all of the major areas of physical fitness mentioned
above and be a total body program.
Although this is best accomplished at a gym with an array of equipment,
this guide also includes exercises that require little or no equipment.
Hydration
 Proper hydration is critical. All candidates should drink water before
exercise, during exercise and after exercise. Additionally, you should drink at
least one liter of water one hour before your PAT.
Warm-up & Flexibility
 A warm-up serves several functions, including:
• increased blood flow to working muscles and joints
• decreased likelihood of injury
• decrease in pre-event tension
• possible improved performance
• Improved flexibility
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
A proper warm-up should begin with a few of minutes of the same type of
activity you are about to do at a very light exertion level. For example, if you
are preparing to go running you should run in place or for a short distance at
a very easy pace. The next step is to stretch to improve flexibility and further
your warm up.
There are two phases of stretching. The first phase is the easy stretch. In this
phase, you should hold the stretch for 10 seconds in a range of motion that
produces only mild tension. This prepares you for the second phase, the
developmental stretch. In this phase, you should move slightly farther to the
point where you feel a little more tension. This should be held for another
10 seconds.
CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT:
The School Board of Polk County

Ridge Fire Academy is part of and governed by the School Board of Polk
County. All rules of the Polk County School Board and Ridge Fire Academy
will be followed and enforced per the CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT.

No MP3 Players , Cell Phones or Watches are allowed during testing.
No tank tops, cut off shirts, or sports bras (must have a over shirt). Running
shoes, t-shirt, and shorts are recommended.

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There will be two Instructors grading per candidate.
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The Instructors will not talk to the candidates during testing unless it
is a safety issue.
Orientation Guide
Overview
This physical ability test (PAT) consists of eleven separate events. The
PAT is a sequence of events requiring you to progress along a
predetermined path from event to event in a continuous manner. This
test was developed to allow the Department(s) to obtain pools of
candidates who are physically able to perform essential job tasks at
emergency incidents. This is a Pass/Fail test.
Throughout all events you must wear footwear with no open heel or toe.
Gloves are recommended but not required. All props were designed to
obtain the necessary information regarding your physical ability. The
tools and equipment were chosen to provide the highest level of
consistency, safety and validity in measuring your physical abilities
A schematic drawing of the PAT is included in this orientation material;
however, the course layout may vary in order to conform to the
Department's test. The events and distances between events are
always the same. The events are placed in a sequence that best
simulates emergency scene events while allowing a brief walk between
events.
To ensure the highest level of safety and to prevent exhaustion, no
running is allowed between events.
Test Forms
You must present valid identification and sign in before taking the PAT.
Prior to the start of the PAT you must provide medical authorization
from your physician indicating you’re medically cleared to take the PAT
test. It is your responsibility to ask questions if you do not understand
any parts of the test events or procedures. You are required to
complete the Waiver and Release Form.
Evolutions: Running or other unsafe acts will result in a “failed”
evolution. Candidate will be given one warning. Candidate SHALL pass
all evolutions in a safe act. Not completing an evolution is a automatic
failure.
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Do not stop until told to do so by an Instructor.
Listen to all the commands given by the Instructors.
Evolution 1
Unload Gurney:
Candidate will unload the gurney (200 lbs)
from the back of a Medic unit and move it to a marked square.
Failures:
 Candidate is unable to unload the gurney in a controlled manner
 Candidate is unable to maintain control of the gurney
 Gurney falls over
Evolution 2
The Medical Equipment Carry: Candidate will carry a jump bag (50
lbs) and a defibrillator (20 lbs) through a course of cones. Candidate
will have to lift the equipment over the green cones with out hitting
them. The cone course will be 200 feet total.
Failures:
 Candidate unable to carry in one continuous attempt
 Candidate drops one or both objects before reaching the destination
Evolution 3
Gurney Lift:
Candidate will lift the gurney (200lbs) and
place it in the three different settings (lowest, middle, top/load) and
then back down. Candidate will be at the foot of the gurney and an
instructor will be at the head to assist in the lifting.
Failures:
 Candidate is unable to lift in a controlled manner
 Candidate is unable to lower in a controlled manner
Evolution 4
Gurney Move:
Candidate will move the gurney (200lbs)
through a course of cones and then back. The cone course will be 300
feet total.
Failures:
 Candidate is unable to maintain control of the gurney
 Gurney falls over
Evolution 5
Stair Climb:
Candidate will carry a jump bag (50 lbs)
and a defibrillator (20 lbs) up three flights of stairs and then return to
the ground floor.
Failures:
 Candidate stops on any of the landings or stairs
 Candidate unable to carry in one continuous attempt
 Candidate drops one or both objects before reaching the destination
 Candidate loses balance ascending or descending the stairs more than
once
Evolution 6
Gurney Lift:
Candidate will lift the gurney (200lbs) and
place it in the three different settings (lowest, middle, top/load) and
then back down. Candidate will be at the foot of the gurney and an
instructor will be at the head to assist in the lifting.
Failures:
 Candidate is unable to lift in a controlled manner
 Candidate is unable to lower in a controlled manner
Evolution 7
CPR:
Candidate will perform chest compressions
at a rate of 100 compressions per minute. The evaluator will start the
clock as soon as the first compression is completed. The candidate will
continue to compress the manikin’s chest for two minutes. The
evaluator will advise the candidate when two minutes has elapsed.
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Failures:
Candidate is unable to perform proper CPR
Candidate Is unable to keep a rate of a 100 compressions per minute
Evolution 8
Oxygen Tank Lift and Removal: Candidate will lift and place an M
size oxygen tank onto a box and then remove the tank back to the start
point.
Failures:
 Candidate drops the oxygen tank
 Candidate is unable to lift in a controlled manner
 Candidate is unable to lower in a controlled manner
Evolution 9
Dummy Drag:
Candidate will lift and drag a 185lb dummy
to a drum and back to the start for a total of 50 feet.
Failures:
 Candidate unable to carry/drag dummy in one continuous attempt
 Candidate drops the dummy more than once before reaching the
destination
Evolution 10
Equipment Move:
Candidate will lift and move off of a
gurney, two Medical bags (each 50lbs) and a defibrillator (20lbs) to a
location 20 feet away on the ground and then back to the gurney.
Failures:
 Candidate unable to carry equipment in one attempt
 Candidate drops one or both objects before reaching the destination
Evolution 11
Load Gurney:
Candidate will move the gurney from the
marked square and load the gurney (200 lbs) into the back of a Medic
unit.
Failures:
 Candidate is unable to load the gurney in a controlled manner
 Candidate is unable to maintain control of the gurney
 Gurney falls over
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The Total Time allowed to complete is: 13:30 minutes
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This concludes the MED PAT.
The candidate will be escorted to a rehab station & told to remain
there for no less than 10 minutes.
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Any Questions?