Member Fitness
At Boulder Rural, the health and well being of our members is very important. Along with taking advantage of workout facilities and fitness support at Station 1, all of our members and volunteer candidates must pass a Physical Abilities Test (PAT) to measure cardiovascular, muscular, and endurance strength and ability to perform job-related tasks.
Successful completion of the PAT within a designated time limit is required to be hired on at the department. Current Firefighter/EMT members must successfully complete the PAT on an annual basis to remain active.
Please take some time to explore this section of our Web site. It includes:
- detailed breakdown of each section of the PAT ,
- a specific overview of training exercises,
- and an Instructional Video describing the PAT.
These exercises are designed to help you improve total body strength and endurance. A cardiovascular program of 4-6 times week, minimum of 30 minutes should accompany the weight program.
When going through the hiring process, and periodically once you are hired, all members go through a stress test analysis conducted at a CU laboratory. You will be monitored while working out on a treadmill. For more information, and the necessary consent forms, see this document:
If you are a volunteer candidate for hire, feel free to contact Captain Robert O'Donnell (Robert.ODonnell@BRFD.org) with questions about preparing for the PAT. Please contact Lt. Richard Estep (Richard.Estep@BRFD.org) if you have general questions about the hiring process. During open hiring periods, we will schedule opportunities for candidates to visit the station and practice the PAT.