Cayman Islands Fire Service Candidates Complete the Physical Ability Test

Firefighting is a physical job, and 44 Caymanians recently put their fitness to the test to see if they have what it takes to enlist in the Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS).

As part of the recruitment process, candidates were tested in 11 different categories of physical ability over a 7.5 hour time frame.

The potential recruits who took the fitness test, represent persons who scored 80 percent or higher on the written exam last month.

Offered over a four day period, the test started at the Central Fire Station where applicants had to complete 20 step-ups to test their cardiovascular endurance, three chin-ups and 10 push-ups to check upper body strength, as well as drag a 165 pound dummy 100-feet to check lower body strength.

In addition, the applicants had to consecutively swing a six-pound sledge hammer 20 times at a tire on the ground to test their forcible entry skills, lift a 24-foot ladder and unroll two 100-foot fire hoses, all under seven minutes.

The next part of the physical exam consisted of a ladder climb test, where individuals had to climb a 50-foot ladder, hook themselves onto the ladder, and then lean back while raising their hands in the air to test their fear of heights.

Later at the fire training grounds, the applicants had to complete a stair climbing drill while carrying a 100-foot hose up three stories in one minute.

The group was also assessed for claustrophobia through a confined space test that used a maze with limited visibility, and which had to complete in less than three minutes.

A swimming test at the Lions’ Aquatic Centre concluded the last part of the physical exam, in which applicants were asked to swim a length of the 25-metre pool, using the front crawl stroke, without touching the pool’s bottom or sides.

“Firefighting is an intense job with high physical demands,” Chief Fire Officer David Hails said. “We use this physical ability test to gauge if a candidate’s level of fitness is suitable for a career as a firefighter, by simulating the actual work they would do on a regular basis.”

A total of seven candidates, including one female, progressed to the physical test in Cayman Brac, in hopes of becoming a firefighter for the island’s local fire station.

Chief Hails said he was extremely impressed with the potential recruits from both islands.

“The Cayman Islands Fire Service is now one step closer in the recruitment process to finding candidates who will protect and serve this country,” he explained. “There is a lot of potential among this group, and I am happy to see so many individuals work hard in hopes of gaining a spot with this department.”

The official interview process will begin for Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac in January 2017.