S.C. Firefighters, Paramedics Ordered to Shape Up

Nov. 15--LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. -- Lexington County is telling its 350 firefighters and paramedics they need to be in shape.

Being ready physically is required under a fitness plan adopted by County Council last week.

All firefighters, paramedics and other ambulance crew members will be tested yearly as well as command staff who normally supervise activities.

"This prepares them for the rigors of their jobs," County Public Safety Director David Kerr said.

The tests developed with advice from University of South Carolina health experts simulate common activities associated with each profession.

Fitness requirements make sense, Council Chairman Johnny Jeffcoat of Irmo said. "You want someone arriving at an emergency scene to be in condition to help," he said.

The tests also are designed to reduce work-related injuries that cause paid time off for recovery, Kerr said.

Firefighters and ambulance crews have three years to pass, while new hires must meet the standards as a condition for getting the job.

There is no similar fitness test for the county's 400 deputies and jail guards, who are not under council oversight.

"While we encourage deputies to be mindful of their own physical fitness and readiness, our only required standard is that they pass a physician-administered medical assessment during our pre-employment screening process," said Capt. Adam Myrick, spokesman for Sheriff Jay Koon.

"That same physical is also a prerequisite for entrance into the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy," Myrick continued. "Successfully completing the academy's timed physical abilities test at the onset of the 12-week basic law enforcement officer course is required for (law enforcement) certification."

Highlights of new Lexington County fitness tests

Firefighters

Do the following in 13 minutes dressed in gear weighing 45 pounds:

-- Climb 75 steps carrying a hose and walk 50 feet with the hose and pair of five-gallon foam buckets.

-- Drag a 45-pound sled 50 feet and then pull a 100-pound sled 100 feet forward.

-- Move the 45-pound sled 5 feet with a sledge hammer, raise a 45-pound bar overhead 10 times and pull a 175-pound dummy on a board 100 feet backward.

Ambulance crews

Do the following in six minutes:

-- Remove 85-pound stretcher from ambulance and place near stairs, push and pull it 100 feet on carpeted course with obstructions, carry it up and down five steps and move equipment bags 10 feet.

-- Lift 150-pound mannequin on stretcher, perform 200 chest CPR compressions within two minutes on mannequin, then return empty stretcher to ambulance.

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