Health & Wellness
There is no doubt that firefighting is a dangerous job; it is also extremely stressful and physically demanding. Firefighting requires strength and passion for the job as well as requiring the firefighter to be in great physical shape. In recent years, more and more firefighters are dying on the job due to heart attacks and cardiac related incidents. The Kentucky Fire Commission is dedicated to helping firefighters become more aware of their health and wellness. Our hope is that health and fitness will become a priority for every firefighter in order to reduce the deaths by heart related events.
The Kentucky Fire Commission currently holds a license to administer Candidate Physical Ability Testing (CPAT). This program is set up to develop a fair and valid evaluation tool in the selection of firefighters to ensure that all firefighter candidates possess the physical ability to complete critical tasks effectively and safely. CPAT is a sequence of events requiring you to progress along a predetermined path from event to event in a continuous manner. The events include: Stair Climb, Hose Drag, Equipment Carry, Ladder Raise and Extension, Forcible Entry, Search, Rescue and Ceiling Breach and Pull.
The Fire Commission also has certified Peer Fitness Trainers that are available to come to your department and perform firefighter fitness evaluation testing for all members. Peer Fitness Training is fundamental in improving firefighter health, wellness, fitness, safety and performance; as well as improving the effectiveness of our firefighters and every fire department in meeting the needs of the community they serve.
The Kentucky Fire Commission at times has funds available to purchase health and wellness equipment for fire departments. When those funds are accessible we mass mail an application to every fire department throughout the state, as this opportunity is available to everyone. Unfortunately we don t have enough funds to purchase every department a piece of equipment so it is awarded based on date stamp return and prior equipment received from previous Fire Commission grants. Please check this website for availability.
