Firefighter Application Medical Test to Become a Fire Fighter in the UK

The Firefighter Application Medical is undertaken atthan 6/24.
the Occupation Health Department where you will beDistance acuity (The ability to focus on and
examined by a Doctor employed by the FRS. Yourdistinguish fine detail at 6 m or more with either eye
medical records will have been previously obtainedseparately and together under a variety of lighting
from your GP with your consent.conditions) is required to be at least 6/9 with both
Before the Firefighter Application medical you will beeyes open and reach 6/12 in the weaker eye.
required to complete a questionnaire about yourNear vision - required to be able to read N12 at 30
previous medical history. This is a detailed Firefightercm with both eyes open without vision aids.
medical questionnaire that will be discussed with youHave normal binocular vision. The required level of
when you see the doctor at the end of the test.colour perception must be attained. Candidates with
Part of the Fire Fighter Medical will subject you to anormal or slight colour blindness are accepted subject
number of medical tests to determine your health.to passing the test. The screening test is generally
The Firefighter Application Medical test includes:the Ishihara test with candidates showing any
Lung Function test - you are given a tube in whichproblematic signs requiring additional tests. The above
you must exhale as hard as you can until your lungswill be examined during your Firefighter eyesight
are empty. A reading is taken of your lung capacitytests.
and flow.Join the fire Brigade but I have had Eye Surgery?
Hearing test - you will sit in a sound proof booth withMany applicants who have had refractive eye
headphones on. A number of sounds are played insurgery are now accepted to join the fire service.
either ear. You are asked to press a button whenYou will be required to provide additional information
you hear a sound.and test results to the Occupational Health
Step test - your heart rate is registered as you stepDepartment that they will specify. this will be at your
up and down from a box. The rate of the stepsown cost. Additional information usually includes the
gradually gets faster as the test progresses.date you underwent your surgery ( this must be at
Physical Strength / Stamina - you will use a machineleast 12 months prior to your application date), details
to test your back and thigh strength when squatting.of your pre operative refraction error, confirmation
You are required to achieve a minimumthat you are no longer requiring medical treatment.
measurement.Also:
General Medical tests - the doctor will examine youA slit lamp examination report to confirm that the
generally and discuss the contents of your medicaleye has returned to normal and that there is no
questionnaire with you.significant loss of corneal transparency over the pupil
If you have any doubts or questions about yourarea.
medical fitness to join the Fire Brigade you need toA report post Refraction, topographic examination
speak to the relevant Occupation Health Departmentand pachymetry to screen for keratectasia.
of the Service you have applied to join. They will beApplicants should also have their vision assessed using
able to answer your questions.a technique sensitive to the presence of scattered
Firefighter Eyesight requirements.light and aberrations.
An additional part of the Firefighter Medical Tests willThese assessments can be done by your local
include the Firefighter eyesight test. The firefighteroptometrist. If you have any questions with regard
eyesight requirements are:to the eyesight standards to become a Firefighter
Distance vision (Uncorrected) in the stronger eye nocontact the relevant Occupational Health Department
worse than 6/18 , and in the weaker eye no worsewho will be able to advise you.