Analysis of the testing system of overall and specific physical preparedness of firefighters in Serbia and abroad

Abstract

The aim of this study is to carry out a comparative analysis of different methodologies for testing the basic and specific physical preparation of firefighters that are applied in different countries of the world and, based on the application of the synthesis of knowledge, to provide a theoretical basis for the optimization and definition of the most adequate model of testing the fire service in the Republic of Serbia. Adequate levels of firefighting skills, physical abilities and energetic mechanisms of energy generation, contribute to reducing the risk of injuries and enable firefighters to resist the overall stress in the profession and to be efficient in specific task realization. Different countries worldwide have different methodologies for testing basic and specific physical preparedness of firefighters. Current testing systems implemented in the USA, Canada, Great Britain, Spain, Sweden and South Korea were analyzed. The analysis found that there is a significant correlation between the values of the basic and specific tests of the physical abilities of firefighters, with the fact that the specific tests are performed in complete personal protection. Based on the synthesis of applied tests and abilities in the analyzed countries, it was established that 24 tests are used to assess basic physical abilities, 14 for specific abilities and 29 for specific physical abilities. In accordance with the established results, it can be concluded that it is necessary to develop specific standardized test procedures for use throughout the fire service in Serbia. In addition to a more efficient assessment of specific physical preparedness, this would also enable control of the state of our firefighters through a more valid comparison of results, which would help in the development of normative data and new methodology needed for more efficient professionalization of the fire service. Established results imply that testing should be conducted biannually with the implementation of specific tests in complete personal protective equipment (PPE) with firefighting equipment. Also, it is necessary to enable adequate testing conditions for firefighters in smaller firefighting units in corresponding testing conditions with equipment.