The fitness test for Canadian firefighters

WFX-FIT test ramp
The ramp used in the WFX-FIT test

The two articles about the fitness test for wildland firefighters in the United States published yesterday on Wildfire Today have generated significant interest so far, judging from the number of comments left by our readers in the last 24 hours. The fitness test we are referring to is the Pack Test version of the Work Capacity Test which requires carrying 45 pounds (20.4 kg) for three miles on flat ground (4.83 km) in less than 45 minutes. Federal land management agencies in the U.S. and some fire departments require that firefighters pass the test each year in order to work on the fireline.

It was a coincidence that the two articles appeared on the same day. Rae Brook’s piece about a possible new and tougher version of a fitness test for hotshot crews had been in the pipeline for weeks and was just completed yesterday, about the same time that we received word of the unfortunate fatality of someone who was attempting to take the test two days earlier.

We learn a lot from comments left by our readers. “BC Initial Attack” informed us about the fitness test required of Type 1 Firefighters in Canada. The WFX-FIT, which first saw widespread use in 2012, is described as “a valid job-related physical performance standard used to determine whether an individual possesses the physical capabilities necessary to meet the rigorous demands encountered while fighting wildland fires.”

The components of the  WFX-FIT, after pre-participation screening are:

WFX-FIT circuits

The pump, or simulated pump, weighs 62.7 pounds (28.5 kg). The simulated hose that is dragged is represented by a 40.7 pound (18.5 kg) weighted sled. The hose pack weighs 55 pounds (25 kg).

WFX-FIT hose drag

Firefighters must be able to complete the test within 14 minutes and 30 seconds to be eligible for the National Exchange. The  Ontario Provincial Standard is 17 minutes and 15 seconds, the Alberta Provincial Standard is 14 minutes and 20 seconds, and the British Columbia standard is 14 minutes and 30 seconds. A score between 14 minutes and 31 seconds and 17 minutes and 15 seconds will meet the Ontario Provincial Standard but will not permit deployment outside of Ontario.

The photos are from the WFX-FIT website and the above video.

Exercise physiologist to recommend tougher work capacity test for hot shots

The following article was contributed by Rae Brooks.

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Hotshots could face a tougher work-capacity test in the future, including carrying a heavier pack over hilly, instead of level, terrain and performing pushups to demonstrate upper-body strength.

Dr. Joe Domitrovich, an exercise physiologist at the U.S. Forest Service’s Missoula Technology & Development Center in Missoula, Mont., will recommend this summer to the U.S. Forest Service and other agencies that the work-capacity test for hotshot crews be upgraded.

“I don’t think I’ve had a hotshot tell me that they don’t agree with a fitness requirement that’s a little more strenuous,” said Domitrovich, himself a former hotshot. “They feel it will better prepare young firefighters for what the physiological demands of the job actually are.”

The new test would require a hotshot to carry a 55-pound pack over mountainous terrain in a time calibrated according to the elevation gain. Domitrovich hasn’t yet finalized the pushup requirement, but expects it will be “in the mid-teens.”

The current arduous pack test requires firefighters to walk a three-mile flat course, carrying a 45-pound pack, in 45 minutes or less. There is no pushup requirement.

Although more than 20 incident command positions currently require the arduous category test, the recommendation for the new test will apply only to hotshots. Hotshots already rank among the fittest people in the country, placing within the top 10 to 15 percent of national fitness norms. Some female hotshots rank in the top 5 percent.

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Fatality during Work Capacity Test in Arizona

There has been another fatality of a person attempting to take the Work Capacity Test. There are three versions of the test — the most strenuous, the Pack Test, is required for federal wildland firefighters in order to become qualified to serve in a position which involves direct action on a wildland fire.

Below is the text from a preliminary 24-hour briefing from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:

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“THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Location: Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, Sasabe Arizona
Date of Occurrence: June 6, 2015
Time of Occurrence: Approximately 0800 hours
Activity: Work Capacity Test
Number and type of injuries/fatalities: One, Fatality
Property loss: None

Narrative:

At approximately 0800 hours on June 6, 2015, a 31 year old Student Conservation Association (SCA) employee, Veteran Fire Corps crewmember, collapsed 200 yards from the finish line while participating in the Wildland Firefighter Work Capacity Test. Medical care was immediately rendered by on-site, local EMS including the utilization of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The individual was loaded in the Ambulance, which had been staged on-site for the test, within 5 minutes of his collapse and transported to an Advanced Care Facility.

The cause of death has not yet been determined.

The name of the deceased has not yet been released pending family notifications.” (end of report)

(UPDATE, June 9, 2015: the name of the firefighter has been released.)

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Here are examples of five other fatalities while taking the Pack test.

In 2012 there was a near fatality during the test when a firefighter in Indiana suffered a full cardiac arrest. Thankfully, as a result of the precautions that were in place, including the presence of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), there was a positive outcome.

Related:
Articles on Wildfire Today tagged “Pack Test”.

Wyoming firefighter dies while taking Pack Test

(UPDATE: May 19, 2104)

Below is a news release issued today:

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For Immediate Release

Wyoming State Forestry Division Employee Line of Duty Death

May 19, 2014

Contact: Bill Crapser, Wyoming State Forester 307-214-7843

(Newcastle, Wyo.) — The Wyoming State Forestry Division employee that died in the line of duty on May 17, 2014, in Newcastle, Wyoming has been identified as Honor Conservation Crew Supervisor Ted Drake.

Mr. Drake was participating with other employees in the annual firefighter work capacity test (pack test when he suffered a heart attack and attempts to revive him on scene were not successful.

Mr. Drake was 63 years old and had worked for the Wyoming State Forestry Division as a Crew Supervisor since June 2006.

“The Wyoming State Forestry Division is deeply saddened by this tragic event,” Bill Crapser, Wyoming State Forester said. “Our hearts go out to his family, friends and co-workers. The support from the fire service in Wyoming and the wildland fire service nationally is greatly appreciated.”

According to the Billings Gazette Mr. Crapser said Mr. Drake was the first worker to have died in service to the department since it came into existence in 1952.

A memorial service for Mr. Drake will be held Tuesday at Newcastle Assembly of God church.

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(Originally published May 18, 2014)

The Billings Gazette is reporting that a firefighter with the Wyoming State Forestry Division died Saturday, May 17 while taking the Pack Test.

The man, whose name has not yet been released, suffered an apparent heart attack during the test, and attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. The test requires that a person walk three miles in less than 45 minutes while carrying a 45-pound pack.

Wyoming State Forester Bill Crapser said in a press release, “The Wyoming State Forestry Division is deeply saddened by this tragic event. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and co-workers.”

Our sincere condolences go out to the firefighter’s friends, family, and co-workers.

 

 

Thanks and a hat tip go out to Chris.

Arizona firefighter dies while taking pack test

On Saturday, March 8, 61-year old  volunteer firefighter Bobby Mollere of the Hellsgate Fire Department in Star Valley, Arizona collapsed and died while taking the pack test version of the Work Capacity Test, which requires a person to carry a 45-pound pack for three miles in less than 45 minutes. The cause of death was listed as “stress/overexertion” and heart attack.

Below is the official notice from the U.S. Fire Administration:

While performing a Wildland Pack Test, Lieutenant Mollere collapsed on the Payson High School track. Fellow firefighters on scene initiated a medical assessment and found Mollere in cardiac arrest. The EMTs and Paramedics began advanced life support immediately on scene. Lieutenant Mollere was transported to the Payson Regional Medical Center where resuscitative efforts continued until he passed away. Incident Location: Payson High School track, AZ (U.S. National Grid: 12S VC 6952 8857)

Our sincere condolences go out to Mr. Mollere’s family, friends, and fellow firefighters.

Previously we have written about other fatalities and serious injuries that occurred while taking the Pack Test. Federal land management agencies and some other organizations require that their on-the-ground firefighters pass the test once a year in order to be qualified to fight wildland fires.

Laguna Hot Shots taking Pack Test
File photo of the Laguna Hot Shots, based at Descanso, California, taking the Pack Test while wearing weighted vests. Photo by Laguna Hotshots.

Fatality in New Mexico while taking Work Capacity Test

A firefighter taking the Work Capacity Test (WCT) at the Northern Pueblos Agency in Ohkay Owingeh, New Mexico collapsed and died Wednesday, July 24. According to the preliminary 24-hour report, Emergency Medical Personnel that were on scene monitoring the test immediately initiated CPR and other lifesaving measures with assistance from the Agency Staff. The patient was transported to the Espanola Hospital four miles away where he was pronounced dead.

The report does not specify if the individual was a firefighter or was attempting to qualify for another fire-related position.

Our sincere condolences go out to the person’s family and co-workers.

There are three versions of the WCT, for firefighters and those who will be in less strenuous jobs. Firefighters have to take the Arduous Pack Test version, which requires hiking 3 miles in less than 45 minutes while carrying 45 pounds.

According to the report “Wildland Firefighter Fatalities in the United States: 1990–2006” (NWCG 2007) 11 fire personnel died during that seven-year period while preparing for or taking the work capacity test. Another died in 2007. In 2011 a firefighter taking the test suffered a non-fatal but severe case of rhabdomyolysis, which if not treated early can lead to irreversible muscle damage, permanent disability, kidney failure possibly requiring lifelong dialysis, and even death.

Creation of arduous duty EMT Fireline positions

EMTThe National Wildfire Coordination Group’s Risk Management Committee has distributed a memo announcing that new positions have been created — Line Emergency Medical Technicians with the requirement of passing the Pack Test at the arduous level. The three positions are, EMT Fireline, Advanced EMT Fireline, and Paramedic Fireline.

Below are the first two pages of the memo. Details about the qualifications can be found at the NIFC site.

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“Safety Advisory

Date: May 28, 2013

Subject: Creation of Arduous Duty Line Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Positions

Issue: The Risk Management Committee has agreed that the creation of these new positions is in the best interest of the wildland fire community. Federal members have worked with agency Training and Qualifications staff to incorporate them into the Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) as Technical Specialists.

Consideration was given to the need for these positions to maintain an Arduous Fitness level:

1. Line going emergency care providers will carry all the prescribed medical equipment and their line gear to sustain them through a work shift requiring above average endurance and superior conditioning.

2. The very purpose of providing emergency medical care to an employee in the fire environment means they may be called upon to respond on foot at a rapid pace in adverse environmental conditions. The pace of this work is set by the emergency.

3. Once on scene, the EMS resource will provide for patient care. The physical action of transporting the patient will typically be carried out by fireline resources on scene; however the physical demands of maintaining patient care may last for an extended period of time in adverse environmental conditions while carrying fireline gear.


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Full cardiac arrest during Pack Test

A firefighter in Indiana suffered a full cardiac arrest while taking the Work Capacity Test, or Pack Test, in March. Thankfully, as a result of the precautions that were in place, including the presence of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), there was a positive outcome.

Here is the text of an After Action Review.

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March 6, 2012

This AAR was prepared for Drew C. Daily, State Fire Coordinator for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, Fire Control Headquarters by Stephen W. Creech (State Fire Coordinator Retired). Drew is serving as the Operations Section Chief for the Department of Homeland Security following the tornado events that took place on Friday, March 2, 2012. I was present during the medical emergency and Drew requested that I prepare this document.

After Action Review for Medical Emergency during Work Capacity Test

On Friday, March 2, 2012 the IDNR, Division of Forestry held one of their “Annual Refresher” training courses at Prophetstown State Park, Lafayette, Indiana. Due to impending severe weather the Work Capacity Test (WCT) scheduled immediately following the training was moved up to 0900 hours. Weather forecasts indicated that a severe line of strong thunderstorms were scheduled to move through the area at approximately 1030 hours. The course that was selected for the WCT had been accurately measured and marked and was a closed loop course. Participants completed their health screening questionnaire and they were checked by Drew Daily and Darren Bridges and signed. There were no indications that any of the participants suffered from any conditions that would preclude them from participation. The test was started at approximately 0915.

A lead vehicle was provided to guide participants through the course and the Emergency Medical Technician (EMTB) was in this vehicle. A trail vehicle was used to follow the final participant and was operated by one of the Prophetstown employees. The lead vehicle was equipped with an Emergency Warning System (EWS) and VHF mobile radio. The trail vehicle was only equipped with a VHF radio. The medic was also equipped with an 800 MHz portable radio and had contact with the ambulance service. Timers were provided and time splits were given at .5 mile increments. I was personally stationed at the 2.5 mile marker and had cleared all but a couple of participants when the medical emergency occurred.

Approximately 100-meters short of the 2.5 mile marker one of the participants suddenly fell forward and landed face down on the pavement. The medic was approximately 100-meters in front of the victim and was at the victim’s side within seconds. The medic assessed the situation and immediately called for assistance on the radio. The medic advised that the victim was in “full arrest”. Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation was started immediately and 911 dispatch was notified via the 800 MHz radio. The medic hooked up an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) and intubated the victim. The AED indicated that a “shock” was advised. Aid givers cleared the patient and the shock was administered. After the shock, CPR was resumed but we could not get a pulse nor was the victim breathing on his own. During the next several minutes (2 – 3 minutes) the AED analyzed the patient several times, but advised that a shock was not recommended. Just as we were getting ready to switch individuals providing CPR the patient seemed to involuntarily convulse a single time. Immediately following this episode the patient started to breathe on his own and a carotid pulse was detected. At this point we could still not get a radial pulse. The approximate time lapse from full cardiac arrest to now was 3 – 4 minutes.
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Wildland firefighters: rhabdomyolysis or “rhabdo” can be extremely serious

Employee's left leg after 5 surgeries
From the FLA. Employee’s left leg after 5 surgeries

I will have to admit that when the National Wildfire Coordinating Group’s Risk Management Committee distributed some information earlier this year about rhabdomyolysis, which is frequently referred to as “rhabdo”, I didn’t pay much attention. But today when the Wildfire Lessons Learned Center announced that a Facilitated Learning Analysis (FLA) for a severe case of rhabdo was available, I read it carefully and am now converted. The injury in the FLA occurred September 21, 2011 while a firefighter was taking the Work Capacity Test, or “pack test”. I have seen the light and realize how serious this condition can be.

Left untreated, or if not treated early enough, rhabdo can  lead to irreversible muscle damage, permanent disability, kidney failure possibly requiring lifelong dialysis, and even death. Up to 8% of cases of rhabdomyolysis are fatal according to a NIOSH report. And all of this can be the result of exercising hard or engaging in a strenuous fire assignment if other risk factors are also present.

Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of muscle fibers resulting in the release of muscle contents (myoglobin) into the bloodstream which are harmful to the kidneys and may lead to kidney failure.

The link between rhabdo and “compartment syndrome”, the condition that is emphasized in the FLA, is certain, but it is not clear to me, having much more fire training than medical training, if compartment syndrome leads to rhabdo or vice versa, and my research found conflicting information. But that is not really important, in that both conditions are similar in that they are caused by damaged muscle tissue. Compartment syndrome occurs when the damaged muscle is inside an enclosed compartment in a fibrous sheath with other muscles, as is found in the arms and legs. Rhabdo can occur with any muscles, but both can lead to the same outcome, including death.

I was disappointed that the recently released FLA did not state the cause of the injured employee’s compartment syndrome/rhabdo, nor did it provide much useful information about how to prevent a similar occurrence, other than to “prioritize staying physically fit”, and the “incorporation of healthy lifestyle choices and better nutrition”. So I attempted to gather some information here in one place that will hopefully be useful for wildland firefighters, to increase their chances of avoiding rhambdo, or diagnosing it if it occurs.
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