Firefighter Fitness and Medical Requirements

Fitness is extremely important throughout a firefighter’s career. It allows them to do their job in a way that is safe for themselves and others.

Our medical and fitness requirements have been set to ensure safety. Our requirements are based on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1582 Standard. The NFPA standard also lists ​disqualifying medical conditions. If you have, or think you may have, any of the disqualifying medical conditions in the Standard, bring the NFPA information to your healthcare provider to be assessed. Applicants who are successful in reaching Step 10 of the Firefighter Pre-Screening Process will be required to attend a medical assessment. Applicants with disqualifying medical conditions and those who do not meet the requirements will be deemed not fit to do the job.

To prepare for the intense physical demands of recruit training and a firefighting career, you should have already made a commitment to life-long fitness and self-improvement in the areas of:

  • Flexibility
  • Muscle endurance
  • Muscle strength and power
  • Cardiovascular endurance
  • Healthy body composition
  • Fundamental movement techniques (pushing, pulling, lifting, squatting, lunging, carrying and dragging)

Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)

The CPAT has eight separate stations that simulate events at a fire scene. It is one of two pre-employment fitness assessments that measure if you meet our minimum physical fitness level. It also tests your ability to perform essential tasks at emergency scenes. You will need to complete the CPAT if you reach Step 7 of the Firefighter Pre-Screening Process.

For more information, view the IAFF CPAT guide. We recommend you focus on the CPAT Orientation and Preparation Guides (Appendix A and Appendix B).

If you have any questions about the CPAT, contact our Wellness Centre by e-mail at CPAT.info@calgary.ca.
 

Medical & Fitness Assessment

If you complete the pre-screening process, you will go through a complete physical exam and treadmill assessment at our medical centre. The treadmill assessment is a VO2 test, measuring your oxygen use, and requires maximum effort. You must reach a minimum of 12 minutes and 30 seconds on the treadmill while wearing a mask that will measure how efficiently your body uses oxygen. Failure to complete the test will result in your job offer being rescinded.

​​​

Required Immunizations

Immunities will be checked as a condition of employment and may be cause for rescinding a Conditional Job Offer and/or removal from the application process.

​Vacci​​ne ​Dosage ​Where to get vaccinations
Vaccine: ​Diphtheria / Tetanus / Pertussis (dTap) - Adacel or Boostrix  Dosage:
  • ​Primary series, and at least 1 booster every 8 – 10 years

Note: Individuals need at least 1 dose of dTap over the age of 18 yrs 

Where to get vaccinations ​

  • Physician
  • Travel Clinic
  • Pharmacy (with prescription)
  • Public Health Facility
Vaccine: ​Hepatitis B - Energix, Recombivax, or Twinrix (A&B) Dosage:
  • ​Primary series
​		 Where to get vaccinated: ​
  • Physician
  • Travel Clinic
  • Pharmacy (with prescription)
Vaccine: ​Measles / Mumps / Rubella (MMR) - Priorix Dosage: ​
  • Two (2) doses if born in 1970 or later
  • One (1) dose if born before 1970

Where to get vaccinated: ​

  • Physician
  • Travel Clinic
  • Pharmacy (with prescription)
  • Public Health Facility
Vaccine: ​Varicella (chickenpox) Dosage: ​Adults 18-49 yrs of age:
  • Been vaccinated or had the disease​
Where to get vaccinated:  ​
  • Public Health Facility​
  • Travel Clinic

This list is subject to change. Check back to be sure you have the most up-to-date information.

​ ​​​​​​​​​​​
undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null