THE IMPORTANCE OF PHYSICAL CONDITIONING

The statement "the chain is only as strong as its weakest link" holds true for the search and
rescue business. Teamwork in the field is our key to success. Those who cannot perform the
often required rigorous tasks associated with field function become a liability to themselves as
well as the entire team. Physical condition and safety work hand in hand. The physical agility
test you will experience allows each candidate to demonstrate a minimum level of fitness
necessary to perform the various functions you may be assigned to carry out. Although no
single component of this test is pass or fail, a total minimum score is required to advance to
the level of being field qualified. Physical agility will be evaluated over the course of your
academy training as there are several "field days" involved. Things you will do include
hiking endurance, injured person carry out techniques, etc. Evaluation is very reasonable and
the average person should pass. If you are going to advance to the reserve level, a second more
difficult test is required which will be explained to you later.