We run Have-a-go days to allow you to find out more about being a firefighter.
Here’s the sort of thing you can expect – as tried out by our Communications Manager at Burwash Community Fire Station!
Task one
The aim was to carry a length of hose 30 metres.
Elizabeth’s verdict: “Uses your core muscles as much as those in your arms. Found it reasonably easy and am not that fit!”
Ease of task: 9/10
Task two
The aim was to drag a dummy weighing 55kg while walking backwards for 15 metres - a shorter course that for the actual firefighter tests.
Elizabeth’s verdict: “Ok so this was a bit odd as I can be quite clumsy and wouldn’t choose to walk backwards anywhere anyway!
But with help and encouragement from Matt, I managed it and even had a smile on my face at the end.”
Ease of task: 7/10 (who walks backwards on a regular basis anyway???)
Task three
The aim was to lift a 15kg weight.
Elizabeth’s verdict: “Yup – I could do this one. Never lifted a weight like this before but all good! Was given a tip from Matt about how to hold it to make it easier.”
Ease of task: 10/10
Task four
The aim was to navigate my way under a set of tables covered in tarpaulin while wear a breathing apparatus cylinder of compressed air.
Elizabeth’s verdict: “I was told to repeatedly….. remember you’re a triangle now…. What they meant was that I needed to crawl along the floor because I didn’t fit through any other way.
I got the giggles when I had to turn a corner and emerged pretty much in a state of hysterics….
Being small and agile definitely has benefits on this one!”
Ease of task: 7/10 (but only because the laughing didn’t help!)
Task five
Climb a ladder, do a leg lock and climb back down.
A leg lock is a way of hooking a leg onto the ladder so that a firefighter can work safely from the ladder with their hands free while eliminating the danger of falling.
Elizabeth’s verdict: “Climbing was no problem – I loved being able to see so much from up there!
The leg lock was trickier.
As previously mentioned, I’m quite clumsy so my co-ordination at the top of the ladder was not great.
In fact I gave up and came back down to do the leg lock – it’s apparently easier lower down as there is more room to get your leg through.
Will have to practise more!”
Ease of task: 6/10
Task six - Ladder Lift
The ladder lift is designed to test your upper body strength by mimicking the requirement to lift and lower a 13.5 metre ladder on top of a fire engine. For the test, you’ll have to lift a bar weighing approximately 30kg over your head to a height of 1.90 metres in a controlled manner.
Elizabeth’s verdict: "Full disclosure - I have deliberately been avoiding doing the ladder lift! I eventually tried it at our Service Training Centre in Maresfield with some very kind and supportive colleagues. This task relies on upper body and core strength. I have neither!
Enjoy watching how I didn't manage to do this one... there weren't even any weights on it! You will see on the pole on the right hand side, there's a small bit of tape showing where I should have lifted it to - I got nowhere near.
The lesson here is get in the gym and watch lots of videos of people who can do it!"
Ease of task: 1/10