The Firefighter Files: Physical Agility Test

I didn’t realize I was so stressed about the Fire Department’s physical agility test.

No one seemed concerned that I wouldn’t pass, so I was determined not to be concerned, either. But the simple fact is that the unknown is (all in itself) stressful. And even though I’d gotten a short rundown – in words – of what would take place, I’ve found that reality can be quite different.

So on the morning of the test I found myself both wanting to put it off and wanting to get it over with.

The agility test is conducted every year and is a timed test (and yes, I passed!) conducted in your jacket, gloves, helmet and oxygen tank (thankfully not the mask!). Your blood pressure is taken before and after (interestingly, mine actually dropped a tad, presumably because my stress level was lower after the test).

If you want to know more about what a part-time volunteer firefighter’s agility test entails (at least in my neck of the woods), check out the video below.

The things I found most difficult were:

Sledge hammering a log into place (my upper body was in great shape when I used to play the taiko drums, but not so much nowadays) and
the “belly crawl” under the table, similar to the photo above (I have some impressive bruises on my knees from that!).

I would not say the test is “hard” (honestly, if it was it would be difficult to get enough firefighters to do the job – it’s not like it pays a lot). But I think it’s a good reminder that we need to pay attention to our own health and keep ourselves in shape, because the job can be physical.

Now I’m wondering just how physical the firefighter training (which I start July 11) is. The agility test was only five-and-a-half minutes of intensity; how will I handle longer periods?

It’s probably good that I’ll be starting to referee soccer in a couple weeks; I’ve heard refs can log 5-7 miles in a single game! And maybe I need to go back to banging on my taiko drums to keep my upper body and arms strong!