Being a firefighter can be physically challenging. Your fitness levels will be assessed during the recruitment process and you will need to maintain good levels of general fitness as a serving firefighter.
The simulated exercises represent activities you may be involved in when called out to an emergency, and test your level of fitness, strength and manual dexterity. On top of this you have the chance to test your confidence levels.
Using the correct lifting technique you will lift a 30kg weight, you will then hold in position for 40 seconds, before lowering the weight to the ground.
You will drag a 55kg dummy by the straps around a 30-metre course walking confidently and backwards guided by an instructor. This test will simulate the techniques and key skills needed to get a casualty to safety.
You will be given a demonstration and a briefing before then assembling and disassembling the equipment yourself.
In a breathing apparatus harness, with cylinder attached and a breathing apparatus face mask blacked out, you will negotiate a confined space.
In a working at height harness you will ascend the 13.5m ladder with correct technique and perform a ‘leg lock’ with both legs.
Using four different pieces of equipment you will complete a series of shuttle runs.
Remember there are lots of benefits to being fit. Exercise can be enjoyable, rewarding and have a positive impact on all aspects of day-to-day life.
On top of this, there are many ways to improve fitness and there of lots of resources online to help you. A good place to start is by taking a look at www.fireservice.co.uk/fitness
