ACT firefighters pushed to their limits in new fitness screening test
A new fitness screening test has pushed firefighters to their limits in an effort to help the ACT recruit the best candidates for one of the toughest jobs.
Every year ACT Fire and Rescue receives hundreds of applications for just 16 firefighter positions.
Today, the emergency service trialled a new 18-minute obstacle course from interstate in a bid to improve screening and workforce diversity.
The Physical Aptitude Test has been the result of a collaboration between NSW firefighters and sports scientists.
"The technique has been taken out so it comes down to physical capabilities," said NSW Chief Superintendant Craig Brierley.
He said the test was introduced in NSW four years ago and they had since been sharing the technique with other jurisdictions including the ACT.
ACT firefighter for four years Kari Harlovich attempted the test and said it reflected the challenges of the role.
"It is a pretty good example of what it might be like in the first 15 minutes of a job," she said.
"You get into it, you are moving, you are carrying things, you are dragging things, your heart rate shoots up to a million miles an hour.
"It was tough but it is pretty job specific."
Initially, others like ACT firefighter Jeffery Challis, 37, were sceptical about the new technique.
"With any sort of change, you feel like they are just going to make it easier in a way," he said.
"[There was] a general sense that they were trying to dumb down the assessment.
"[But] that was actually quite tough. This test does push you to the limit and forces you to dig deep."
Encouraging workforce diversity
There are just seven female firefighters among the ACT's staff of 343.
During the past recruitment intake, 26 women applied, but none were successful.
"A lot of people who may have missed out before, females included, are able to do this test," NSW Chief Superintendant Brierley said.
ACT Fire and Rescue Acting Chief Officer Conrad Barr said the test aimed to be "gender neutral in its impact".
But Ms Karlovich said she did not think the new physical assessment would make much difference to gender diversity.
"I think to get more women applying we need to get awareness out there," she said.
"We need to get more women thinking 'Oh that job looks good', like I did."
Ms Karlovivch said she was inspired to pursue her career after working with fire fighters in the mining industry earlier in her life.
"I was one of the lucky ones who got in on my first time, it doesn't happen all that often but I put a lot of preparation in," she said.
While there was no move to introduce annual physical testing for all ACT Fire and Rescue staff, their NSW counterparts hoped the test could help select recruits that were more likely to remain fit throughout their careers.
"If you are at a high level when you come in, in general you will deteriorate at a slower rate over time and maintain the appropriate level throughout your career," Acting Chief Officer Barr said.
"We want fit, intelligent, well rounded adults and that's basically what we want coming in the door."
