Jennifer Buehler, Qualified Officer, demonstrates some of the testing that takes place during the Firefighter Applicant Physical Test. (rdnewsNOW/Sheldon Spackman)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Do You Have What It Takes?

City of Red Deer and Red Deer Polytechnic collaborate to provide local firefighting test

Dec 13, 2023 | 3:23 PM

Red Deer Emergency Services and Red Deer Polytechnic have partnered to provide third-party testing of the Firefighter Applicant Physical Test, which is described as a critical requirement all aspiring Firemedics must successfully pass before getting hired.

With this new initiative, officials say individuals aspiring to join Emergency Services Firemedic team can now complete the rigorous testing locally, simplifying the interview process. Previously, applicants had to go to the University of Alberta to complete onsite physical testing.

“This partnership is an excellent example of collaborating to improve local services,” says Chief Ken McMullen, Red Deer Emergency Services. “By working together to provide this testing, we are empowering our peer fitness trainers to be actively involved and are making the process more convenient for candidates.”

The Firefighter Applicant Physical Test includes seven stations for candidates, each with specified time constraints. These stations include a cardiovascular fitness test, equipment carrying, hose drag, sled pull, forceable entry, victim rescue and a ladder climb. Applicants must wear a 45 pound weighted vest while completing the stations, excluding the cardiovascular test.

(rdnewsNOW/Sheldon Spackman)

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“The test is incredibly challenging, but it is crucial that our first responders possess the physical capabilities necessary to safely evacuate victims in any emergency situation,” says Chief McMullen.

(rdnewsNOW/Sheldon Spackman)

While Emergency Services typically has between six and 10 candidates annually, officials note the program is available to everyone and RDP anticipates candidates from neighouring firefighting services.

Curtis Schaefer, Red Deer EMS Deputy Chief, says the first testing event takes place this Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023.

“We’re going to run it every two months through Red Deer Polytechnic, so they’ll be doing eight spots every two months which will help give us the depth we need when we do our hiring for the City of Red Deer,” he explains. “This will be our standard go-to for the physical testing way into the future, unless we change the physical test itself. This will also allow a more even spread of people doing the test.”

(rdnewsNOW/Sheldon Spackman)

“At RDP, we are excited to partner with the City of Red Deer and conveniently offer the Firefighter Applicant Physical Test on main campus, increasing access and opportunities for applicants across central Alberta,” says Trent Rix, Director, Ancillary and Sport Services. “With innovative facilities and knowledgeable staff, we are proud to offer this valuable testing service and contribute to the development of skilled workers in the region and province.”

“As part of our kinesiology program, we actually teach students how to do proper testing of emerging athletes and individuals trying to get back into fitness, and so those facilities already existed,” shares Rix. “This is a collaboration between our kinesiology faculty and the fitness services team. We also do the physical test for RCMP as well, so with those two things, we have the experience to pull this test together and its been an awesome collaboration.”

(rdnewsNOW/Sheldon Spackman)

While the demanding physical test must be passed before a candidate can join the RDES team, officials say continuous training and skills recertification are integral components of ongoing professional development.

(rdnewsNOW/Sheldon Spackman)

For more information about joining the Red Deer Emergency Services team, visit www.reddeer.ca/EMSFire.

Details about the Firefighter Applicant Physical Aptitude Evaluation at RDP, including how to register, visit https://rdpolytech.ca/sport-fitness-and-recreation/community-programs.

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