www.bfa.edu | 2600 SW 71 Terrace | Davie, FL 33314 | 754-321-1300

COUNTY WIDE PHYSICAL ABILITY

FEE:  $44.00

JUNE 1, 2013       SECTION 39AF

*PROOF OF FIREFIGHTER I & II REQUIRED

HOW TO REGISTER FOR THE COUNTY WIDE PHYSICAL ABILITY:  

  1. CLICK HERE FOR COUNTY WIDE PHYSICAL ABILITY REGISTRATION APPLICATION 
  2. ATTACH PROOF OF FIRE FIGHTER CERTIFICATION TO APPLICATION AND APPLY IN PERSON AT BROWARD FIRE ACADEMY  2600 SW 71 TERRACE DAVIE, FLORIDA 33314 MONDAY -FRIDAY 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.  ALSO, YOU CAN FAX OR EMAIL REGISTRATION PACKET.

COUNTY WIDE PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST REQUIREMENTS:

  1. CLICK  HERE TO PRINT THE COUNTYWIDE PHYSICAL ABILITY OUTLINE, COMPLETE THE PHYSICIANS STATEMENT AND HOLD HARMLESS FORMS (REQUIRED ON TESTING DAY)  PLEASE DO NOT FAX THESE FORMS WITH YOUR REGISTRATION PACKET.
  2. BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WITH YOU  ON YOUR TESTING DAY BEFORE 7:00 A.M.: 
    (It is your responsibility to show up for the testing date you registered for)
  • TEST CHECK IN STARTS AT 7:00 A.M.
  • PHOTO ID
  • NOTARIZED HOLD HARMLESS (MUST BE NOTARIZED & DATED WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF TEST DATE).  KEEP A COPY FOR YOUR RECORDS; WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR DOCUMENTS.
  • SIGNED PHYSICIANS STATEMENT (MUST BE SIGNED BY A DOCTOR & DATED WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF TEST DATE).  KEEP A COPY FOR YOUR RECORDS; WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR DOCUMENTS.
  • TOWEL
  • PANTS FOR POOL
  • CHANGE OF CLOTHING
  • FOOD AND WATER
  • PERSONAL TIMING DEVICES ARE NOT ALLOWED
  • CELL PHONES ARE NOT ALLOWED DURING TEST

NOTICE:  REGISTRATION CLOSES THE WEDNESDAY PRIOR TO TESTING DATE AT 2:30 P.M. or ONCE MAXIMUM ENROLLMENT OF 100 APPLICANTS IS MEET, which ever comes first.

REFUNDS:  Refunds will only be processed in person.  It is your responsibility to come to the Broward Fire Academy Registration office Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. prior to your testing date to request a refund.  If you registered by fax your registration application and receipt will be in the front office.  Applicants that registered in person will need to bring the registration application (#3&4) and receipt given to you at the time of registration.   The $20.00 registration fee is non-refundable and you will receive a $24.00 refund only if you bring the required documents prior to your testing date.  No refunds or class changes will be permitted after your scheduled testing date.

DESCRIPTION:

The Broward Fire Academy Physical Test is based upon a comprehensive job task analysis; this determined tasks that are deemed critical, ones performed frequently by firefighters.

Part I, the On-Target Combat Task Test, was developed by Paul O. Davis, PhD and Charles Dotson, PhD of ARA/Human Factors, Inc.  This validated job-simulation test is used to objectively measure firefighter performance.  The tasks are performed sequentially, and accurately reflect the metabolic demand imposed on a firefighter during actual emergency situations.

ARA/Human Factors, Inc. have monitored heart rate responses and pulmonary requirements for these and other firefighter activities.  Not all fires are the same, and it is not possible to anticipate every emergency scenario.  However, a firefighter who can complete the tasks listed below within the recommended time frame possess the level of fitness necessary to meet most emergency demands.

Part I - The On-Target Combat Task Test is done wearing a 22 pound weighted vest.  The events are done sequentially and must be completed within 7 minutes.  The clock does not stop until all five events are completed.  However, a candidate should pace his/her self and no running is allowed at any time during the entire test.

Part II - Consists of four separate exercises that will test a candidate's ability to perform as a firefighter.

This ability test is designed so a candidate must walk at all times.  Automatic failure will occur if:

   1.  The 7 minute time limit is exceeded.  At this point the clock will stop and the test is completed for that individual.
   2. Equipment is abused by unnecessarily dropping a nozzle, hose or sledgehammer on the ground.  All equipment shall be properly set on the ground.
   3. Failure to comply with specific instructions given by the staff of the Broward Fire Academy.

PART I


Task 1 - High-rise Stair-Climb Evolution

Start behind the red line.  The high-rise hose pack shall be placed on the left shoulder.  The free right hand is to be used on the handrail for balance only.

NOTE:    The handrail cannot be used to pull yourself up or pivot around  landings.

Contact must be made with every step.  Do not skip a step ascending or descending.  The hose pack must be deposited on the fifth floor landing at the spot marked with an X.

TASK 2 - Hoist Evolution

Walk to the fifth floor window; step up and out onto the balcony.  Stand behind the red line; use a hand-over-hand method to pull the rolled hose to the top of the railing.  Walk forward and lift the hose roll over the railing and place it on the floor.

NOTE:    Do not place your feet on the concrete edge that is painted red.

Return to the fifth floor landing and place the high-rise hose pack on the right shoulder.  Descend the stairs using the handrail for balance only.

NOTE:    Contact must be made with every step.  Do not skip a step or run at  anytime.

Once at the base of the stairs, place the high-rise hose pack on the ground and proceed to the Forcible Entry Evolution.

TASK 3 - Forcible Entry Evolution

Position both feet on the diamond plate so your toes are even with the weighted slide.  Bend forward so you can see the end of the slide at all times.  With ten pound dead-blow hammer, using short hard strokes, drive the slide five (5) feet until it clears the numbered markings.

NOTE:    The body must be kept in the bent forward position and the eyes on the target at all times.  The hammer head cannot be raised higher than the 10 o'clock position, and the hands must not move on the hammer handle.  Carefully set the hammer down and proceed to the Hose Advance Evolution.

Task 4 - Hose Advance Evolution

Pick up the nozzle and place it over either shoulder and drag a charged 1.75 inch hose line straight forward 75 feet.  The evolution is finished when the nozzle completely crosses the line between the cones.  If you should slip, get up and continue on.

NOTE:    Hands should be placed on the hose or coupling, not the nozzle and the nozzle should reach the waist.

Place the nozzle on the ground and walk around the cones to the Victim Rescue Evolution.  Automatic failure will occur if the nozzle is dropped.

Task 5 - Victim Rescue Evolution

Pick up the rope of the 175 pound victim and drag it, walking backwards only, 100 feet to the marked finish line.  This evolution and Part I of the test are completed when the victim completely clears the finish line.

NOTE:    If you should slip, get up and continue on.

PART II

Task 1 -  Ladder Exercise

Stand behind the cone; pick up a 24' extension ladder and using a low shoulder carry walk 50 feet to the marked area.

Place the ladder on the ground, walk to the 50 foot Bangor ladder where a safety lines will be attached.  Climb to the top, put in a leg lock with the left leg and touch the red mark with the right hand.  Descend the ladder where the safety line will be removed.  No time limit.

NOTE:    Proper technique must be employed for the carry and placement of the 24 foot ladder and for the climbing of the 50 foot ladder.

Automatic failure will occur if:

  1.     A fear of heights is exhibited or stops on the ladder are made without authorization.
  2.     Running, skipping rungs, or disobeying instructions from test administrators is observed.
  3.     Climbing with both hands and/or both feet on the same rung.
  4.     The exercise is not properly completed.


Task 2 - Extrication Exercise

Using the appropriate handles, pick up the Hurst Tool Spreader.  Walk to the wall and place the tips into each of the four holes indicated.  Keep the tips parallel with the red marks.  Return the tool to the point of origin.

Automatic failure will occur if:

  1.     The body is used for support.
  2.     Instructions for the test administrators are not observed.
  3.     The exercise is not properly completed.

Task 3 - Confined Space Crawl Exercise

Crawl through an unobstructed portion of the darkened maze.  Follow the instructor to the "start" and crawl through the maze using a left hand pattern.  "Stop" when told.  Follow the instructor out.  No time limit.

NOTE:    A hard hat and gloves are to be worn for this exercise.

Automatic failure will occur if:

  1.     Unauthorized stops are made.
  2.     Claustrophobic tendencies or a fear of the dark is exhibited.

Task 4 - Water Survival Exercise

Jump off platform one meter above the surface of the water.  Tread water for 3 minutes.  At the instructor's signal, using any stroke, swim to the north end and back to the south end of the pool.  Exit the pool.

NOTE:    A pair of long pants and tee shirt are to be worn for this exercise.  If anyone is a poor swimmer, please notify an instructor so you can be placed near the edge.

Automatic failure will occur if:

  1.    The exercise is not properly completed.