Chapter 1 – Introduction to Fitness for Paramedics
PARA Fitness Test Standards
Fitness Test Weight
The weight of each test (i.e., how much each test counts towards your final grade) will vary based on your current semester/course code in the Paramedic program. The table below indicates the weight of each test for each Paramedic Fitness course. Note – for Semester 3 PAR 1301, all three Fitness Tests must be successfully completed to pass the course, regardless of the attributed weight.
| Test / Semester | Semester 1 – FIT 1101 | Semester 2 – FIT 1201 | Semester 3 – PAR 1301 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PET | 10 % | 10% | 10.5% |
| Shuttle Run | 10% | 10% | 10.5% |
| Stair Chair / Stretcher Carry | 40% | 40% | 31% |
Fitness Test Performance Goals
The Paramedic Fitness courses are designed to build upon one another, beginning with the lowest performance goals in Semester 1 and the highest performance goals (equivalent to the City of Greater Sudbury’s Emergency Services fitness standards) in Semester 3. This allows students to gradually develop their fitness throughout their time in the program so they may succeed during preceptorship and upon graduation. With this in mind, the Time and Stage standards (and attributable grades) become harder for the PET Test and Shuttle Run, respectively, while the weight of the manikin increases significantly for the Stairchair and Stretcher Carry. You will find a detailed breakdown of the Performance Goals for the PET and Shuttle Run in the tables below:
PET Standards and Grades
| MALES | 1101 Grade | 1201 Grade | 1301 Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| =< 2:35 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| 2:36 – 2:40 | 95 | 95 | 95 |
| 2:41 – 2:45 | 92 | 92 | 92 |
| 2:46 – 2:49 | 90 | 90 | 90 |
| 2:50 – 2:54 | 88 | 88 | 88 |
| 2:55 – 2:59 | 85 | 85 | 85 |
| 3:00 – 3:04 | 82 | 82 | 82 |
| 3:05 – 3:09 | 80 | 80 | 80 |
| 3:10 – 3:14 | 78 | 78 | 78 |
| 3:15 – 3:19 | 75 | 75 | 75 |
| 3:20 – 3:25 | 72 | 72 | 72 |
| 3:26 – 3:30 | 70 | 70 | 70 |
| 3:31 – 3:45 | 60 | 0 | 0 |
| =>3:46 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| FEMALES | 1101 Grade | 1201 Grade | 1301 Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| =< 2:50 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| 2:50 – 2:54 | 95 | 95 | 95 |
| 2:55 – 2:59 | 92 | 92 | 92 |
| 3:00 – 3:04 | 90 | 90 | 90 |
| 3:05 – 3:09 | 85 | 85 | 85 |
| 3:10 – 3:14 | 82 | 82 | 82 |
| 3:15 – 3:19 | 80 | 80 | 80 |
| 3:20 – 3:25 | 75 | 75 | 75 |
| 3:26 – 3:30 | 70 | 70 | 70 |
| 3:31 – 3:45 | 60 | 0 | 0 |
| =>3:46 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Shuttle Standards and Grades
| MALES | 1101 Grade | 1201 Grade | 1301 Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| 9.5 | 95 | 95 | 95 |
| 9 | 90 | 90 | 90 |
| 8.5 | 85 | 85 | 85 |
| 8 | 80 | 80 | 80 |
| 7.5 | 78 | 78 | 78 |
| 7 | 75 | 75 | 75 |
| 6.5 | 70 | 70 | 70 |
| 6 | 65 | 65 | 0 |
| 5.5 | 62.5 | 0 | 0 |
| 5 | 60 | 0 | 0 |
| <5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| FEMALES | 1101 Grade | 1201 Grade | 1301 Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| 7.5 | 90 | 90 | 90 |
| 7 | 80 | 80 | 80 |
| 6.5 | 70 | 70 | 70 |
| 6 | 65 | 65 | 0 |
| 5.5 | 62.5 | 0 | 0 |
| 5 | 60 | 0 | 0 |
| <5 | 0 | 0 |
Stair Chair and Stretcher Carry
Stairchair and Stretcher Carry Manikin Weight Increments
The manikin weight will increase per semester/fitness course as follows:
- Semester 1 – FIT 1101: 70kg (154 lbs)
- Semester 2 – FIT 1201: 80kg (176 lbs)
- Semester 3 – PAR 1301: 90kg (209 lbs)
Beyond the need to avoid Unsafe Critical Errors, which would lead to test termination during the Stairchair and Stretcher Carry, performance will be assessed using the marking rubric below. As made evident by the rubric, marks are emphasized for proper technique and patient safety.
| Unsafe 0% | Marginal 70% | Competent 80% | Highly Competent 90% | Exceptional 100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Chapter attribution to Fitness for Paramedics, 1st ed. by Martin Dubuc. Standard and Grade Charts can be found in their original image form at Fitness for Paramedics, 1st ed.