Chapter 1 – Introduction to Fitness for Paramedics
There are three primary fitness tests students will complete on multiple occasions while studying in the Paramedic program at Cambrian College:
- Paramedic Evaluation Test (PET Test)
- 20m Shuttle Run (Beep Test)
- Stair Chair and Scoop Test
Although these tests tend to measure individual components of fitness (e.g., 20m Shuttle Run measures cardiorespiratory endurance), a student needs to train all of components of fitness to succeed in all three fitness tests. The individual components of fitness that need to be trained are:
- cardiorespiratory endurance,
- muscular strength,
- muscular endurance and
- flexibility
During Semesters 1 and 2, each test is attributed a % weighting that counts towards your final grade in that Fitness course. This means a student could theoretically be unsuccessful in the PET Test yet still pass their Fitness course. However in Semester 3, students must pass all three fitness tests to pass the course. Take the time to carefully read over the test descriptions below. These tests originate from the City of Greater Sudbury’s Paramedic Services and are modified to reflect Cambrian College’s testing environment.
Chapter attribution to Fitness for Paramedics: A Guide for Students at Cambrian College (1st edition) by Martin Dubuc and the Greater Sudbury Emergency Services Department.
