In Training...Help!

[diablo2184]

Hey everyone, I am training for the CPAT test that is coming up in February. Can any of you guys give me some tips or help on what I should do to train for it? Right now I bought the weighted vest and am doing the stairmaster......what did you all do to prepare? I really hope I pass the test. Becoming a firefighter is a dream that I have always had, but anyways, thanks in advanced to everyone!

[XNYTRUCKIE]

definatly hit that stair master with the vest, do road work each twice a day, a ton of situps/crunches and push ups .. go to one of the local high schools and run the stadium with the vest.. all these will help, what dept or schools cpat is this for? email me directly if you like..


Ira G

[diablo2184]

Miami-Dade Fire Dept

[XNYTRUCKIE]

good luck to you, definatly follow the steps i have discussed with you, also you might want to ad hi rep squats to your routine at least a few times a week. once your in the academy you will be doin a ton of running, so start now and dont stop till you get hired either there or somewhere else...

[nam02G]

I'm not familiar with the CPAT what does it entail?

For my departments physical agility test we are now giving candidates the opportunity to come and learn what it is like ahead of time. We show them the different events in the combat course and teach them how to do it easily. That way they can learn where they are deficient and train so that they're not. You're better off to train for the specific events if you can.

[XNYTRUCKIE]

For details on what the CPAT involves click this link.. http://www.pbcc.edu/fire/cpat.pdf

It generaly isnt a hard test on first glance but what hurts most applicants is the stair climb at the start, it usually burns the unprepared down to jello legs then leaving them with no energy for the rest of the events...

here is a link for preparing for the CPAT>>> http://www.pbcc.edu/fire/PreparationGuide.pdf

[MiamiE]

you were one of the 1300 to get a letter congrats! you NEED to pass that CPAT, and then pray a little. do you have your EMT-B or EMT-P? One of these will significantly up your chances. they're going to get about 140-160 of those 1300. Miami-Dade did the lottery this time around and lots of friends who put in the time to get their fire cert, emt, and paramedic did not get a letter. sad if you ask me, but thats the way they chose to do it. best of luck to you.

[MrWithasee]

Originally posted by MiamiE
do you have your EMT-B or EMT-P?

In today's market, if you have your P, you will get hired. It doesn't matter where you live or want to work.

[diablo2184]

I dont have neither. I dont have any certs....

I got really lucky, but now are you saying that if I dont have any certifications, then I wont get chosen?

[MrWithasee]

No no no no no. Not at all. Hell, sometimes the dept. doesn't want you to have any prior training. That way they won't have to "un-train" anything. Just saying there are some qualifications that are desirable that wil help you get on. Certs. that are expensive to get (ie PM, high level haz-mat training) can help open the door for you. Not having them doesn't mean the doors won't be open.

"Good luck on the CPAT and the entire process" is what I meant to say.

[diablo2184]

thank you, I am training for it as we speak, and boy I dont know how you guys did it! I dont know if I am going to pass.....

[MiamiE]

you still have a chance to get chosen, but its tougher because out of those 1300 they need 140-160 and they'll take the paramedics before emts and fire. anyone can learn fire fighting tactics, but it takes someone dedicated to get through paramedics training.(not in any way putting down the fire academy, its tough) working for Miami-Dade Fire Rescue your asked to do both, ride a rescue or an engine. once your on the department as a firefighter you have one year to complete your EMT cert. what you do after that is up to you. i would personally finish my paramedic, and get that raise!

[sprmedic69]

Add some ankle weights to your routine with the vest on the stairmaster.

If you have access to an SCBA, put it on instead of the vest and work out with it on.

5 years from now, you will be an out of shape piece of crap like the rest of us, and the only exercise you will get is pulling the handle on the recliner at the firehouse and walking to the fridge when you get hungry.

Eat until you are sleepy, and sleep until you are hungry. That will be your cree in a few years.

Good Luck!

[nam02G]

Thanks for the info on the CPAT, I've never seen that before. My departmet uses a physical agility test similar to the Firefighter Combat course. After reading about the CPAT it doesn't really sound all that hard, but I'd rather do the combat course.

[gloxter]

While all of the above have offered great information, let me share with you the trend I've seen since I work as a CPAT proctor on some of my days off duty. Probably 75% of the people I see fail have NEVER attended either the orientation date or the practice date, or both. They literally come in cold and hope to pass. One guy only lasted a minute and a half on the stairmill. Others die off by the time they get to the dummy drag. It also appears that some of these "kids" (I'm 37) lack what I would consider "heart" or determination. The CPAT is very doable. What is key is that you keep moving from event to event.

Take advantage of the "easy" manipulatives such as extending the ladder and throwing the other against the wall. You can do both within 10-15 seconds. Keep up a good pace between events; run during your hose drag; walk BRISKLY and with a purpose when carrying the equipment. Don't go easy on the props, particularly with the ceiling breach and pull.

Take the time and become intimately familiar on what is and isn't allowed on test day. Take advantage of your practice day(s) to work with the props. Make sure all of your equipment fits! If you are slight of frame, use duct tape around your weight vest. DO NOT wear so called break-away sweats, as they will do just that at the most unopportune time, probably in the search maze.

I don't know how Florida or Miami-Dade runs their CPAT's, but if you have a chance, pay a few extra dollars and go to a sanctioned CPAT Center and check the progress of your training. The staff members I work with (ALL professional firefighters, myself included) are more than willing to help you on orientation and practice days. You won't be coached on the big day.

I haven't looked at the abovementioned CPAT websites, but the California Professional Firefighters' website has some great information. www.cpatonline.org Best of luck to you. Should you have any further questions, feel free to post them and I'll do my best to help.

Regards,

gloxter:cool:

[gloxter]

Interesting. We have a red, size large, CPAT vest for sale. No rips of any kind on the vest. Mind you, the vests are normally almost $300 and "we" have one for $50. If you'd like more information, leave me your e-mail addy. It's still on the carpet even after a week in the bay area CPAT center. BTW, I'm not a salesperson for CPAT, just a proctor.

The large size is indeed LARGE. Most candidates wear the small (beige) vest. :)

[diablo2184]

Originally posted by gloxter
[BTake advantage of the "easy" manipulatives such as extending the ladder and throwing the other against the wall. You can do both within 10-15 seconds. Keep up a good pace between events; run during your hose drag; walk BRISKLY and with a purpose when carrying the equipment. Don't go easy on the props, particularly with the ceiling breach and pull.

Take the time and become intimately familiar on what is and isn't allowed on test day. Take advantage of your practice day(s) to work with the props. Make sure all of your equipment fits! If you are slight of frame, use duct tape around your weight vest. DO NOT wear so called break-away sweats, as they will do just that at the most unopportune time, probably in the search maze.


gloxter:cool: [/B]

hey Gloxter, what do you mean by the, "ladder and throwing the other against the wall?"

[lomfs24]

You could come up here and train at high altitude with me for a couple weeks and then when you go back to Miami for your CPAT it will be a breeze. Training at 8500 feet would do you good. ;f