You will be asked to attend a medical where you will be examined by the Fire and Rescue Service Doctor and your medical records obtained from your GP.
You will be asked to complete a questionnaire covering your medical history and will then be subject to a series of tests including:
- Hearing Test - you will sit in a sound proof booth wearing headphones and will be asked to press a button when you hear a sound.
- Step Test - you will be asked to step up and down on a box whilst your heart rate is monitored and the rate of step is gradually increased.
- Lung Function - you will be asked to blow hard and long down a hollow tube until all your lung capacity is fully exhaled - a reading is taken and assessed accordingly.
- Physical Stamina - you will be asked to squat on a machine designed to test your back and thigh strength and then pull a specified measurement.
- General Tests - you will finally see the doctor who will test your reflexes and discuss your medical questionnaire with you.
We receive 100s of emails each year from potential applicants enquiring whether particular medical conditions will exclude them from joining the Fire and Rescue Service as firefighters.
I am afraid that we are unable to give definitive answers to medical questions as we are far from qualified to make any opinions based on an email.
We suggest that any applicant who has any concerns over a medical condition, either current or in the past should telephone their local Fire and Rescue HQ and ask to speak to the Occupational Health Department.
It must be understood that all cases will be viewed individually and consultation between brigade Doctors and GPs will decide if an applicant is suitable to carry out the role of a firefighter.
References
References will only be sent for if you are successful at interview, prior to your medical. You will need to supply one personal referee and details of your current or previous employer for references to be obtained.
Discuss the Medical Stage in more detail on our