Uk Fire Selection Tests

The different fire services that make up the UK fire service are now adopting a national standard of physical testing for new applicants.
Most brigades are now using the following tests, but please check with your individual brigade.

Ladder Climb
This is a physical test of confidence and the ability to follow instructions. Applicants must ascend a 13.5 metre (45 foot) Fire & Rescue Service ladder to a point two thirds of the full working height, take a leg lock and remove their hands from the ladder and look down to the assessor to identify a symbol placed flat on the ground at the foot of the ladder. Applicants will be assisted if necessary by the safety officer.

Casualty Evacuation
This is a physical test of upper and lower body strength and co-ordination. A 55kg (8½ stone) dummy is dragged backwards around a 30 metre (100 foot) course around four cones guided by a safety officer. Applicants will need to complete this exercise in a given amount of time.

Ladder Lift
This is a physical test of upper and lower body strength and co-ordination. The bar of a ladder lift simulator weighing 30kg (4½ stone) is to be raised to a height of 182cm (6 foot) assisted if necessary by the safety officer.

Enclosed Space
This is physical test of confidence, agility and identification of claustrophobic tendencies. Applicants wear a breathing apparatus facemask and negotiate a crawl and walkway with clear vision. Halfway through the route their vision is obscured and they retrace their steps to the start/finish point. A safety officer will provide assistance if necessary. Applicants will need to complete this exercise in a given amount of time.

Equipment Assembly
This is a physical test of manual dexterity. Applicants must assemble and then disassemble a portable pump following a demonstration by the safety officer.

Equipment Carry
This is a physical test of aerobic fitness, stamina, upper and lower body strength and co-ordination. Applicants will need to carry items of equipment over a 25 metre (82 foot) course around two cones. This is not a test of memory as the safety officer will remind applicants of the sequence of events. The equipment will consist of one 30 metre (100 foot) hose reel tubing on a drum, two coiled 70mm soft suction hoses, one 100mm hard suction hose and suction strainer in a basket and one 33kg (5 stone) barbell. Applicants will need to complete this exercise in a given amount of time.