Mesa Fire Department Candidate Physical Ability Test ©

Event 8:  Ceiling Breach and Pull

This event uses a mechanized device that measures overhead push and pull forces and a pike pole.  The pike pole is a commonly used piece of equipment that consists of a six foot long pole with a hook and point attached to one end.  This event simulates the critical task of breaching and pulling down a ceiling to check for fire extension.  It challenges aerobic capacity, upper and lower body muscular strength and endurance, grip strength and endurance, and anaerobic endurance.

After removing the pike pole from the bracket, the participant places the tip of the pole on a 60 pound hinged door in the ceiling and pushes it three times while standing within the established boundary.  Then, the pike pole is hooked to a 80 pound ceiling device and pulled five times.  Each set consists of three pushes and five pulls; the set is repeated four times.  A pause for grip adjustment is allowed.

Releasing one's grip or allowing the pike pole handle to slip does not result in a warning or constitute a failure.  The candidate may reestablish his/her grip and resume the vent.  If a repetition is not successfully completed, the proctor calls out "MISS" and the apparatus must be pushed or pulled again to complete the repetition.  This event and the total test time ends when the final pull stroke repetition is completed and the proctor calls "TIME".

A warning is given for dropping the pike pole to the ground or for feet straying outside the boundaries; a second warning of either violation constitute a failure.

This is a pass/fail test based on validated maximum total time of 10 minutes and 20 seconds.

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