CPAT Event: Stair Climb
Purpose of Evaluation

This event is designed to simulate the critical tasks of climbing stairs in full protective clothing while carrying fire fighting equipment, specifically a high-rise pack (hose bundle). This event challenges the candidate's aerobic capacity, lower body muscular endurance and ability to balance. This event affects the aerobic energy system as well as the following muscle groups: quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, calves, and lower back stabilizers.

Event Description
  • During this timed event, the candidate is required to wear two 12.5-pound (5.67-kg) weights on the shoulders to simulate the weight of a high-rise pack.
  • Prior to the start of the event, the candidate has a 20-second warm-up on the StepMill at a set stepping rate of 50 steps per minute [Level 3].
  • During this warm-up period, the candidate is permitted to dismount, grasp the rail or hold the wall to establish balance and cadence. If the candidate falls or steps off the StepMill during the 20-second warm-up period, the candidate is required to remount the StepMill and restart the entire 20-second warm-up period. The candidate is allowed to restart the warm-up period twice.
  • There is no break in time between the warm-up period and the actual timing of the test. The timing of the test begins at the end of this warm-up period when the proctor calls out "START."
  • For the test, the candidates are required to walk on the StepMill at a set stepping rate of 60 steps per minute [Level 4] for 3 minutes. This concludes the event.
  • The two 12.5 pound (5.67-kg) weights are removed from the candidate’s shoulders. The candidate walks 85 feet (25.91 m) within the established walkway to the next event.
Failures
  • If the candidate falls or dismounts the StepMill three times during the warm-up period, the candidate fails the test.
  • If the candidate falls, grasps any of the test equipment or steps off the StepMill after the CPAT begins, the test time is concluded and the candidate fails the test.
  • During the test, the candidate is permitted to touch only momentarily the wall or the handrail for balance. However, if the wall or handrail is grasped or touched for an extended period of time or if the wall or handrail is used for weight bearing, the candidate is warned. Only two warnings are given. The third infraction constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded and the candidate fails the test.
The Eight Sequential CPAT Events
  1. Stair Climb
  2. Hose Drag
  3. Equipment Carry
  4. Ladder Raise and Extension
  5. Forcible Entry
  6. Search
  7. Rescue
  8. Ceiling Breach and Pull

The CPAT Preparation Guide (PDF) is a valuable resource in preparing for the test.


For More Information

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