Appendix A: Examples of Physical Tasks

sec_arr Appendix A: Examples of Physical Tasks
SECTIONS

Appendix A: Examples of Physical Tasks 

These tasks are only presented as examples. Each agency needs to modify this depending on local job requirements. 

  • Lifting, ground to knees (occasional): 130 lbs. 
    • This task represents lifting a patient at the feet of a stair chair with assistance from another member.  
    • A standard patient weighs about 200 pounds (including medical equipment). Lifting the patient in a stair chair over an obstacle was measured at about 130 pounds for the firefighter at the feet of the stair chair.  
  • Lifting, ground to waist (occasional): 100 lbs. 
    • This task represents lifting a patient with assistance from another member.  
  • Lifting, waist to shoulders (occasional): 100 lbs. 
    • This task represents lifting a patient with assistance from another member. 
  • Lifting, above shoulders to earlobes (occasional): 50 lbs. 
    • This task represents lifting medical equipment without assistance or a lifting patient with assistance from 3 other members. 
  • Lifting, over the head (occasional): 50 lbs. 
    • This task represents lifting medical equipment without assistance or lifting a patient with assistance from 3 other members. 
  • Carry 100 lbs. at waist level for a distance of 100 ft. (occasional) 
    • This task represents carrying a patient with assistance from another member. 
  • Climb an 18” step 
    • This task represents climbing into an ambulance. 
  • Climb over 36” railing 
    • Climb up/downstairs or embankment to reach the patient. 
  • Climb the ladder for 12 ft. (ascend and descend) 
    • Climb up/downstairs or embankment to reach the patient. 
  • Kneel on both knees 
    • This task is needed to perform CPR in an out-of-hospital setting. 
  • Drag 165 lbs. dummy over 50 ft.  
  • Aerobic capacity:  
    • Carrying equipment (50 to 70 lbs.) while climbing stairs