PAT Fitness Training Introduction
Firefighting is a physically demanding occupation. Common duties of a firefighter include carrying heavy equipment upstairs, using heavy manual tools, dragging hoses, lifting and climbing ladders, and performing search and rescue activities, all while wearing up to 23kg of protective gear.
These tasks alone require a high level of cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, core stability and agility.
When combined with stress, heat and limited opportunity to warm up maintaining a high level of physical preparedness is essential to perform safely and effectively under intense physical and mental pressure.
To give you the best chance of meeting the physical fitness requirements of firefighting, you should be committed to following a structured strength and conditioning program that prepares you for the physical requirements.
The videos in this playlist is provided for candidates who are preparing for the Physical Aptitude Test (PAT) as part of the recruitment process for career firefighters in Victoria.
It is recommended that prior to commencing training for the PAT that you consult with your GP if you:
- Are new to regular physical activity and exercise
- Have a medical condition that warrants special advice
- Experience shortness of breath or chest pains during physical activity
- Become faint or experience dizziness during physical activity
Regular physical activity is a vital part of preparing for the PAT as well as for career longevity as a firefighter.