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A selection procedure is in place that aims to identify suitable candidates capable of carrying out the rigorous and strenuous work undertaken by an Airport firefighter.
Fitness tests are carried out which assess the following: strength, flexibility, aerobic capacity, the ability to work at height and the ability to work in confined spaces. This page outlines the tests in greater detail and has been designed to assist potential candidates in achieving the high standards required by Leeds Bradford International Airport.
Fitness Guidance - Preparing for the Physical Tests
The nature of the firefighter's role can often make significant physical demands upon the individual. The range of these demands is wide and varied, some examples are: adrenaline induced stress associated with the rapid response required, prolonged physical activity in hazardous environments and extensive manual handling operations. These activities dramatically increase heart rate, blood flow, blood pressure and breathing rate. Aerobic capacity may drop by up to 30% due to firefighting operations.
The major components of Physical Fitness are universally recognised as Strength, Flexibility and Endurance, all of which are required by Firefighters to meet the demands described above. For this reason, you must be able to pass a number of physical tests. These tests are designed to assess your current level of fitness, together with your potential to meet the demands placed upon you throughout your Fire Service career should you be successful with your application.
The general tests used are:
The Chester Step Test
Designed to measure your aerobic capacity (i.e. your body's ability to use oxygen efficiently to activate the aerobic energy system which provides energy to the muscles for prolonged periods). This test is also an accurate indicator of the health of your cardiovascular system (i.e. your heart, lungs and blood circulation). You will be required to step on and off a 30cm step for a period of up to ten minutes. During the test your pulse rate will be continuously monitored. Every two minutes the pace is increased and your pulse rate is recorded. Following the test your recorded pulse rate will be used to calculate your Aerobic Capacity. The minimum acceptable standard upon entry to the Fire Service is 45 millilitres of oxygen per kilogram of body weight per minute. Applicants should appreciate that this standard rates individuals as at an 'above average' level of fitness and applies to both males and females regardless of age. As a general guide, to reach this level of fitness, you should be able to perform one of the following three tasks:
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Jog for two miles, three to five times a week, in a time of between seventeen to twenty minutes
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Swim approximately six hundred metres, three to five times a week, in a time of between eighteen to twenty one minutes
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Cycle for a distance of eight miles, three to five times a week, in a time of between twenty nine to thirty three minutes.
It must be appreciated that being able to undertake the above, will not automatically guarantee you meet the required standard as other factors such as percentage body fat may adversely affect your level of fitness.
The best preparation for this element is to practice the test.
Work Related Tests
These tests are more specific to the requirements of the role of the Firefighter. They give us a measure of your potential to perform specialised tasks related to carrying out firefighting. They will also give you some experience of the nature and demands of the role to help you decide if it is the right career for you. These tests will be performed wearing full firefighting kit including fire tunic, overtrousers, helmet and gloves. The tests include:
Hose Running - Involves running out and making up a 25 metre length of Fire Service Hose ten times consecutively.
Claustrophobia Test - Involves traversing a physically challenging progressive route wearing breathing apparatus with a mask which obscures your vision.
Acrophobia - Involves climbing a fully extended Fire Service ladder and performing a manual task on the ladder.
Strength Test - Involves carrying a combined weight of 25 kilos over a set distance.
For each of the above tests you will receive full instructions and demonstrations where appropriate.
Summary
It is vital that you prepare for the physical tests in plenty of time if you are to give yourself the best chance to succeed. The role of Firefighter requires you to be of an above average level of fitness. Dependent upon your current level of fitness it may take some considerable time to reach the required standard which may not be achievable for all. With regard to flexibility, it is vital that you carry out an appropriate warm up/cool down routine prior to and after any physical activity. With regard to your personal health and safety, if you are unsure about how to prepare yourself you are advised to consult a suitably qualified person.
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