The Conway Fire Department (CFD) in Conway, Arkansas, performs a department wide physical agility test semi-annually. The purpose of the test is to ensure the physical readiness and progression of the members of the department and to evaluate the fitness program which is in place at the time.
CFD Driver Fred Nutt, shown above, came to his agility test “fully prepared.” Nutt shows his sense of humor by arriving with a homemade IV attached to his turnout gear in preparation for his test. Driver Nutt did however perform his agility test with the proper PPE; leaving behind his homemade survival kit.
The personnel of the Conway Fire Department knew they had a very demanding task ahead of them; not only did they have their semi-annual physical agility test to perform, but they had to perform it while measuring their air consumption. This can be extremely difficult for a firefighter of any age in optimal physical shape. To meet new standards, Conway’s training division implemented air management in an effort to educate their personnel.
“We were trying to make them realize that a 30 minute 2216 psi bottle under working conditions only lasts an average of anywhere from 11 to 17 minutes depending on the individuals’ physical condition,” said training Captain Buster Cooper. The objective was to make them realize that they needed to exit the unsafe environment before their SCBA’s low air alarm sounded. The outcome of testing air management lets personnel know their average air consumption rate; therefore, giving them the knowledge of when to begin exiting the structure. This knowledge provides for safe personnel and better firefighting abilities.
“The guys were surprised at the outcome of the test,” Training Division Chief Brian Moix said. “They realized it was not as hard as they anticipated, and their average time was no more than one to two minutes longer than their previous agility test without air.”
This training exercise is a direct benefit of attending the annual Fire Department Instructor Conference (FDIC), where Conway personnel learned the benefits of testing air management. Conway Fire Department proves that continued education is always beneficial, especially while being involved in emergency services.
More: http://www.cityofconway.org/departments/fire/fire.html
