Event 1: Stair Climb

Using a StepMill stair-climbing machine, this event is designed to simulate the critical task of climbing stairs in full protective clothing while carrying a high-rise pack (hose bundle) and firefighter equipment. This event challenges aerobic capacity, lower body muscular endurance and the ability to balance.

Participants wear a 12.5-pound weight on each shoulder to simulate the weight of a high-rise pack. Immediately following a 20-second warm-up period at a rate of 50 steps per minute, the timed part of the test starts as indicated by a proctor. There is no break in time between the warm-up period and the actual timing of the test. During the warm-up period, dismounting, grasping the rail, or holding the wall to establish balance and cadence is permitted. The timed part of the test lasts three (3) minutes at a stepping rate of 60 steps per minute.

Failure can occur by falling or dismounting three times during the warm-up period, or by falling or dismounting the StepMill after the timed CPAT begins. During the test, the participant is permitted to touch the wall or handrail for balance only momentarily; if that rule is violated more than twice during the test, failure will result.