2022 Evendale Physical Ability Test Description

The Evendale Physical Ability Test’s Guidelines and Instructions

The Evendale Physical Ability Test (EPAT) consists of eight separate events.

It requires you to progress along a predetermined course from event to event in a continuous manner. This is a pass/fail test based on a maximum total time of 10 minutes and 20 seconds. In these events, you wear a 50 pound (22.68kg) vest to simulate the weight of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and firefighter protective clothing. An additional 25 pounds (11.34kg), will be added to the vest which will simulate a high-rise pack (hose bundle).  This extra weight will be placed on your shoulders for the stair climb event only. Throughout all events, work gloves and adequate footwear with no open heel or toe must be worn. Watches and loose or restrictive jewelry are not permitted. Long pants and a helmet are optional.  A helmet will be provided upon request.  All props were designed so as to obtain the necessary information regarding your physical ability. The tools and equipment were chosen to provide the highest level of consistency, safety, and validity in measuring your physical abilities.

The events and distances between events are always the same. The events are placed in a sequence that best simulates fire scene while allowing a short walk (between 65 feet and 95 feet) between events. To ensure the highest level of safety and to prevent exhaustion, no running is allowed between events. This walk allows you approximately 20 seconds to recover and regroup before each event. If you run between events you will receive one warning. A second infraction constitutes a disqualification, the test time is concluded and you fail the test.

To ensure scoring accuracy by eliminating timer failure, two stopwatches are used to time the EPAT. One stopwatch is designated as the official test time stopwatch, the second is the backup stopwatch. If mechanical failure occurs, the time on the backup stopwatch is used. The stopwatches are set to the pass/fail time and count down from 10 minutes and 20 seconds. If time elapses prior to the completion of the test, the test is concluded and you fail the test.

EVENT 1: STAIR CLIMB

EQUIPMENT:

This event uses a StepMill stair climbing machine. The handrails are available for you to grasp while mounting and dismounting the StepMill. Additional steps are placed at the base of the StepMill to assist you in mounting the StepMill.

PURPOSE OF EVALUATION

This event is designed to simulate the critical tasks of climbing stairs in full protective clothing while carrying a high-rise pack (hose bundle) and climbing stairs in full protective clothing carrying fire fighter equipment. This event challenges the candidate’s aerobic capacity, lower body muscular endurance and ability to balance. This event affects the aerobic energy system as well as the following muscle groups: quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, calves, and lower back stabilizers.

EVENT

During this event, the candidate is required to wear the 50 lb weight vest as well as a single 25 lb weight vest addition on the shoulders to simulate the weight of a high-rise pack (hose bundle). Prior to the initiation of the timed EPAT, the candidate has a 20 second warm-up on the StepMill at a set stepping rate of 50 steps per minute. During this warm-up period, the candidate is permitted to dismount, hold the rail to establish balance and cadence. If the candidate falls or steps off the StepMill during the 20 second warmup period, the candidate is required to remount the StepMill and restart the entire 20 second warm-up period. The candidate is allowed to restart the warm-up period twice. There is no break in time between the warm-up period and the actual timing of the test. The timing of the test begins at the end of this warmup period when the proctor calls out “START.” For the test, the candidate is required to walk on the StepMill at a set stepping rate of 60 steps per minute for 3 minutes. This concludes the event. The 25 lb weight will be removed from the candidate’s shoulders. The candidate walks approximately 90 feet within the established walkway to the next event.

The following practices are allowed:

-The candidate is allowed to rest one open hand on the rails during the 3 minute step test within the marked area.

-The candidate is given up to two warnings for holding the handrails or bearing their body weight on the handrails.

-The candidate is allowed to restart the warm-up period twice.

The following practices constitute a failure:

-The candidate falls or voluntarily dismounts the Step Mill three times during the warm up.

-The candidate falls or voluntarily dismounts the Step Mill after the start of the test.

-The candidate receives a third infraction for holding the handrails or bearing weight on the handrails after the start on the test.

Reasons for failure:

-Falling demonstrates poor balance and/ or muscular endurance and could cause injury to the candidate.

-Using the handrails for weight bearing gives the candidate a mechanical advantage that may not be available to them on the fire ground or demonstrates poor balance, conditioning or muscular endurance.

EVENT 2: HOSE DRAG

EQUIPMENT:

This event uses an uncharged fire hose with a hoseline nozzle. The hoseline is marked at 8 foot (2.24m) past the coupling at the nozzle to indicate the maximum amount of hose you are permitted to drape across your shoulder or chest. The hoseline is also marked at 50 foot (15.24m) past the coupling at the nozzle to indicate the amount of hoseline that you must pull into a marked boundary box before completing the test.

PURPOSE OF EVALUATION

This event is designed to simulate the critical tasks of dragging an uncharged hose line from the fire apparatus to the fire occupancy and pulling an uncharged hoseline around obstacles while remaining stationary. This event challenges the candidate’s aerobic capacity, lower body muscular strength and endurance, upper back muscular strength and endurance, grip strength and endurance, and anaerobic endurance. This event affects the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems as well as the following muscle groups: quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, calves, lower back stabilizers, biceps, deltoids, upper back, and muscles of the forearm and hand (grip).

EVENT

During this event, the candidate grasps an automatic nozzle attached to 200 feet of 1 3/4-inch (44mm) hose. The candidate places the hoseline over the shoulder or across the chest, not exceeding the 8 foot mark. The candidate is permitted to run during the hose drag. The candidate drags the hose 75 feet to a prepositioned drum, makes a 90° turn around the drum and continues an additional 25 feet. The candidate then stops within the marked 5 foot x 7 foot box, drops to at least one knee and pulls the hose line until the hose line’s 50 foot mark is across the finish line. During the hose pull, the candidate must keep at least one knee in contact with the ground and knee(s) must remain within the marked boundary lines. This concludes the event. The candidate walks 86 feet within the established walkway to the next event.

The following practices are allowed:

-The candidate is given one warning to keep one knee down.

-The candidate is given one warning to keep the knees in bounds.

-The candidate is given one warning for taking one step out of the box.

-The candidate is permitted to run during the hose drag.

The following practices constitute a failure:

-The candidate fails to go around the drum.

-The candidate travels outside of the marked path.

-The candidate takes two steps out of the back of the box

-The candidate receives a second infraction for not keeping one knee in contact with the ground.

-The candidate receives a second infraction for the knees being outside of the marked boundary.

Reasons for failure:

Running beyond the marked path gives the candidate a mechanical advantage by decreasing the distance required to pull the hose by hand. This advantage may not be available on the fire ground.  This demonstrates a lack of upper body strength by using lower body strength to compensate.

By not keeping their knee on the floor a candidate could compensate for a deficiency in grip and upper body strength by standing up.

EVENT 3: EQUIPMENT CARRY

EQUIPMENT:

This event uses two saws and a tool cart replicating a storage cabinet on a fire truck.

PURPOSE OF EVALUATION

This event is designed to simulate the critical tasks of removing power tools from a fire apparatus, carrying them to the emergency scene and returning the equipment to the fire apparatus. This event challenges the candidate’s aerobic capacity, upper body muscular strength and endurance, lower body muscular endurance, grip endurance, and balance. This event affects the aerobic energy system as well as the following muscle groups: biceps, deltoids, upper back, trapezius, muscles of the forearm and hand (grip), glutes, quadriceps, and hamstrings.

EVENT

During this event, the candidate removes the two saws from the tool cart, one at a time, and places them on the ground. The candidate then picks up both saws, one in each hand, and carries them while walking 75 feet around the drum, then back to the starting point. The candidate is permitted to place the saw(s) on the ground and adjust the grip. Upon return to the tool cart, the candidate places both saws on the ground, then picks up each saw one at a time, and replaces the saw in the designated space on the cart. This concludes the event. The candidate walks 92 feet within the established walkway to the next event.

The following practice is allowed:

-The candidate is given one warning for running.

-The candidate is allowed to set the tools on the ground to adjust and re-establish the grip.

The following practices constitute a failure:

-The candidate drops either saw during the carry.

-The candidate receives a second infraction for running with the saws.

Reasons for failure:

-Dropping the saws could injure the candidate and demonstrates poor grip strength or muscular endurance.

-Running with saws could cause injury if the candidate trips.

EVENT 4: LADDER RAISE AND EXTENSION

EQUIPMENT:

This event uses a 24 foot fire department extension ladder. For your safety, spotters will be present on each side of the ladder.

PURPOSE OF EVALUATION

This event is designed to simulate the critical tasks of placing a ground ladder at a fire structure and extending the ladder to the roof or window. This event challenges candidate’s aerobic capacity, upper body muscular strength, lower body muscular strength, balance, grip strength, and anaerobic endurance. This event affects the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems as well as the following muscle groups: biceps, deltoids, upper back, trapezius, muscles of the forearm and hand (grip), glutes, quadriceps, and hamstrings.

EVENT

During this event, the candidate walks to the top rung (distal from building) of the 24 foot aluminum extension ladder, lifts the first rung from the ground, and walks it up until it is stationary against the wall. This must be done in a hand over hand fashion, using each rung until the ladder is stationary against the wall. The candidate must not use the ladder rails to raise the ladder. The candidate then extends the fly section using the halyard, hand over hand, until it hits the stop. The candidate then lowers the fly section hand over hand in a controlled fashion to the starting position. This concludes the event. The spotters will lower the ladder to the ground. The candidate walks 79 feet within the established walkway to the next event.

The following practices are allowed:

-The candidate is given one warning for missing any rung during the raise.

-The candidate is given one warning for a boundary violation during the ladder extension.

The following practices constitute a failure:

-The candidate receives a second infraction for missing any rung during the raise.

-The candidate allows the ladder to fall to the ground during the raise.

-The candidate releases their grip on the ladder and the safety lanyard activates.

-The candidate receives a second infraction for not remaining within the marked boundary during

-The ladder extension.

-The candidate does not control the halyard in a hand over hand manner.

-The candidate allows the halyard to slip in an uncontrolled manner.

Reasons for failure:

-Skipping rungs would give a taller candidate an advantage over a shorter candidate and is therefore not permitted. It would also allow the candidate to throw the ladder up in the air which is unsafe.

-Failure to completely raise the ladder demonstrates poor grip and muscular strength.

-A candidate could gain an advantage by walking the halyard backward to compensate for poor upper body strength. This is unsafe practice, pulling the top of the ladder away from the building.

-Failure to control the ladder indicates poor grip strength as well as muscular strength and endurance.

EVENT 5: VENTILATION

EQUIPMENT:

This event uses a Keiser Force Machine and a 10 pound (4.54kg) dead blow sledgehammer.

PURPOSE OF EVALUATION

This event is designed to simulate the task of using force to ventilate a roof or to breach a floor. This event challenges the candidate’s aerobic capacity, upper body muscular strength and endurance, lower body muscular strength and endurance, balance, grip strength and endurance, and anaerobic endurance. This event affects the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems as well as the following muscle groups: quadriceps, glutes, triceps, upper back, trapezius, and muscles of the forearm and hand (grip).

EVENT

During this event, the candidate uses a 10 pound dead blow sledgehammer to strike the measuring beam in the target area until the front edge of the beam crosses the marked finish line. The candidate’s feet must remain on the side foot rails. After the beam crosses the line, the candidate places the sledgehammer on the ground. This concludes the event. The candidate walks 65 feet within the established walkway to the next event.

The following practice is allowed:

-The candidate is given one warning for stepping off the rails.

The following practices constitute a failure:

-The candidate fails to maintain control of the hammer while swinging.

-The candidate receives a second infraction for stepping off the rails.

-The candidate does not move beam past finish line.

Reason for failure:

-Failure to maintain control of the hammer indicates poor grip strength and muscular endurance and could cause injury to the candidate and proctors.

EVENT 6: SEARCH

EQUIPMENT:

This event uses an enclosed search maze that has obstacles and narrowed spaces.

PURPOSE OF EVALUATION

This event is designed to simulate the critical task of searching for a fire victim with limited visibility in an unpredictable area. This event challenges the candidate’s aerobic capacity, upper body muscular strength and endurance, agility, balance, anaerobic endurance, and kinesthetic awareness. This event affects the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems as well as the following muscle groups: muscles of the chest, shoulder, triceps, quadriceps, abdominals, and lower back.

EVENT

During this event, the candidate crawls on hands and knees through both a tunnel maze that is of varying dimensions, and open space of not more than 45 feet in length with a single 90° turn. At a number of locations in the tunnel, the candidate navigates around, over and under obstacles. In addition, at two locations, the candidate crawls through a narrowed space where the dimensions of the tunnel are reduced. The movement is monitored/listened to as the candidate advances through the maze. At the end of the confined part of the crawl the candidate will continue to crawl until they reach the door sill at the exit of the hose tower.  If for any reason, the candidate chooses to end the event, the candidate calls out or raps sharply on the wall or ceiling and the candidate is then assisted out. Upon exit from the maze, the event is concluded. Upon completion, the candidate walks 95 feet within the established walkway to the next event.

The following practices are allowed:

-The candidate can return into the tunnel if they exit through the entrance.

The following practices constitute a failure:

-The candidate requests assistance from the proctor requiring the opening of an escape hatch or the entrance/ exit covers.

Reasons for failure:

-Failure to finish the event indicates a lack of confidence in dark or confined spaces.

EVENT 7: RESCUE

EQUIPMENT:

This event uses a weighted mannequin equipped with a harness with shoulder handles.

PURPOSE OF EVALUATION

This event is designed to simulate the critical task of removing a victim or injured partner from a fire scene. This event challenges the candidate’s aerobic capacity, upper and lower body muscular strength and endurance, grip strength and endurance, and anaerobic endurance. This event affects the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems as well as the following muscle groups: quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, abdominals, torso rotators, lower back stabilizers, trapezius, deltoids, latissimus dorsi, biceps, and muscles of the forearm and hand (grip).

EVENT

During this event, the candidate grasps a 165-pound  mannequin by the handle(s) on the shoulder(s) of the harness (either one or both handles are permitted) and drags it 35 feet to a prepositioned cone, makes a 180° turn around the cone, and continues an additional 35 feet to the finish line. The mannequin must go around the cone.  It is permissible for the mannequin to touch the cone. The candidate is permitted to lower the mannequin to the ground to adjust their grip. The entire mannequin must be dragged past the marked finish line. This concludes the event. The candidate walks 95 feet within the established walkway to the next event.

The following practices are allowed:

-The candidate is permitted to grab either one or both handles when dragging the mannequin

-The candidate is permitted to lower the mannequin to the ground to adjust their grip

-The following practices constitute a failure:

-The candidate does not drag the mannequin around the cone or past the finish line.

Reasons for failure:

-Not completing the full route indicates a lack of muscular strength and endurance.

EVENT 8: CEILING BREACH AND PULL

EQUIPMENT:

This event uses a mechanical device that measures overhead push and pull forces and a pike pole. The pike pole is a commonly used piece of equipment that consists of a 6- foot long pole with a hook and point attached to one end.

PURPOSE OF EVALUATION

This event is designed to simulate the critical task of breaching and pulling down a ceiling to check for fire extension. This event challenges the candidate’s aerobic capacity, upper and lower body muscular strength and endurance, grip strength and endurance, and anaerobic endurance. This event affects the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems as well as the following muscle groups: quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, abdominals, torso rotators, lower back stabilizers, deltoids, trapezius, triceps, biceps, and muscles of the forearm and hand (grip).

EVENT

During this event, the candidate removes the pike pole from the bracket, stands within the established boundary, and places the tip of the pole on the “PUSH” area of the hinged ceiling simulator. The candidate fully pushes up the 60 lb. end of the hinged ceiling device with the pike pole three times. The candidate then hooks the pike pole to the 80-lb end of the ceiling device and pulls the pole down five times. Each set consists of three pushes and five pulls. The candidate repeats the set four times. The candidate is permitted to stop and, if needed, adjust the grip. Releasing the grip or slipping from pike pole handle, without the pike pole falling to ground, does not result in a warning or constitute a failure. The candidate may re-establish the grip and resume the event. If the candidate does not successfully complete a repetition (i.e. complete the up or down motion), the proctor calls out “MISS” and the candidate must push or pull the apparatus again to complete the repetition. The event and the total test time ends when the applicant completes the final pull stroke repetition as indicated by the proctor who calls out “TIME”.

The following practices are allowed:

-The candidate receives one warning for dropping the pike pole on the ground.

-The candidate receives one warning for stepping out of bounds.

-The candidate is permitted to stop and to re-establish grip

-The following practices constitute a failure:

-The candidate receives a second infraction for stepping outside of the boundary marked by the testing apparatus.

-The candidate receives a second infraction for dropping the pike pole.

Reasons for failure:

-Stepping out of bounds creates an advantage that may not be available to the candidate on the fire ground, which would allow the candidate to compensate for poor upper body strength.

-Failure to maintain control of the pike pole indicates poor grip strength and muscular endurance.