Is the wildland pack test hard?
Based on your role, the fitness requirements that you must fulfill will either be defined as arduous, moderate, or light. Due to the intense physical demands that wildland firefighters must meet while fighting forest fires, they must complete the most difficult test: the arduous test.
How do you pass a pack test?
For the Pack Test, begin by hiking a 3-mile flat course without a pack. When you can cover the course in less than 45 minutes, add a pack with about 25 pounds. Increase the weight until you can hike 3 miles in 45 minutes while carrying 45 pounds. Also, hike hills with a pack to build leg strength and endurance.
Is the pack test difficult?
The arduous pack test is the most physically demanding of the three tests. It is designed to test the physical capabilities of firefighters who work in extreme temperatures, altitude, and rugged terrain.
What does the pack test consist of?
Pack Test (Arduous): This is a job-related test to determine an individual's ability to perform the minimum standards of arduous duty. It consists of completing a 3-mile walk over level terrain in 45 minutes or less while carrying a 45-pound pack.
What is the physical test for wildland firefighters?
The Work Capacity Test (WCT), known informally as the pack test, is a U.S. Forest Service physical test for wildland firefighters. The pack test is intentionally stressful as it tests the capacity of muscular strength and aerobic endurance of the firefighter. There are three tests known as arduous, moderate, and light.
How much weight does a wildland firefighter carry?
According to The Times News' report on the weight of firefighter gear, the average weight of a structural firefighter's protective equipment is between 66 to 70 pounds. In contrast, the average weight of a wildland pack is about 25-40 pounds. So, what do they wear as PPE?Apr 9, 2021
How difficult is wildland firefighting?
Wildland firefighters have rigorous schedules which often have them working for 14 days in a row before they get a couple of days off. Firefighters who fight wild fires usually also work long hours like double shifts. Exhaustion combined with severe stress increases the frequency and intensity of PTSD in firefighters.
Is being a wildland firefighter hard?
While some wildland firefighters work year-round and some work only during the fire season, the work is always strenuous and positions are always highly competitive. Prospective workers can often increase their chances of securing a job by earning a certificate or degree in fire science.
Is wildland firefighting stressful?
Wildland firefighters work in arduous, stressful environments. Like most emergency responders, they are expected to be calm and level-headed in the face of challenging, dangerous situations.Jun 30, 2022
Can you run during a pack test?
This test level is accepted by most states and by the U.S. Forest Service under some cooperative agreements. Requirements: 2-mile walk with 25 lb pack in 30 minutes. No jogging or running.
What is a moderate pack test?
Field Test (Moderate): This is a job-related test to determine an individual's ability to perform the minimum standards of moderate duty. It consists of completing a 2-mile walk over level terrain in 30 minutes or less while carrying a 25-pound pack.