Physical Ability Requirements Emergency Medical Technician

Emergency Medical Technicians may be required to perform extremely physically strenuous activity without advance notice. EMTs' must poses the ability to function in cramped and confined spaces, hazardous environments such as those created by fire, traffic collisions, mechanical collapse, weather, and human acts. On a daily basis the EMT must be able to facilitate the lifting and movement of patients in excess of 200 pounds. Cardiovascular conditioning is of paramount importance in the extended performance of cardiac chest compressions, maneuvering and lifting of the gurney and other transport tools, and transport of medical equipment and patient belongings.

Pre-Employment and Annual Physical Abilities

Test All components are directly related to performance of the position as identified in the California Code of Regulations, Title 22 and Department of Transportation Regulations.

This agility test simulates the response to a call, the preparation and movement of the patient, and the response to an unplanned cardiac arrest.

You are called to the home of a 58 year old male complaining of chest pain and shortness of breath. The residence is located atop a long driveway which the ambulance is unable to manuver. The patient is located in the back of the house in a confined space. You will need to:

 

1. Run/Jog

The candidate will be required to run a predetermined distance in an allotted time period. The candidate will then proceed directly to the flat lift skill without a rest period.

2. George Street Lift

The candidate will be required to lift 100 pounds, mounted on a platform, from ground level to gurney level, then from gurney level to high-bed level, then from high-bed level back to ground level. This is an unassisted lift. This skill to be repeated two times without rest.

3. Hallway Maneuvering

This skill imitates maneuvering a simulated patient through a hallway or tight space while secured to a flat. The candidate will be required to lift the flat (weighted to 200 pounds), unassisted from the horizontal position to the vertical position and then rotate the flat, while continuously maintaining control, 90 degrees, pausing and then rotating another 90 degrees. The station is ended when the flat is returned safely to the horizontal position. No rest is permitted after completion of this skill.

4. Flat Lift

The flat lift simulates lifting an average size patient while secured to a long spine board. The candidate will be required to lift 200 pounds with the assistance of a partner. The candidate will lift the long spine board from its position flat on the ground, to no lower than belt-level of the candidate. The board will be held for no less than thirty seconds and will be repeated six times without rest. Two minutes of rest are allotted before proceeding to the next skill.