Treadmill test in med exam

[IBQwerty21]

Hey all, im currently in the process with a big city department out west, and a medical exam is probably near in my future. I was wondering more specifically what the treadmill test is used for,what is being measured. Im in good cardio shape, could always be better, but i dont have any serious problems, but the treadmill test worries me for some reason. Anyone shed any light on what they had to go through, even if it might be different? The department im in the process with is Denver by the way, any Denver firefighters on here ? Thanks all

[MiniMe]

[QUOTE=IBQwerty21]Hey all, im currently in the process with a big city department out west, and a medical exam is probably near in my future. I was wondering more specifically what the treadmill test is used for,what is being measured. Im in good cardio shape, could always be better, but i dont have any serious problems, but the treadmill test worries me for some reason. Anyone shed any light on what they had to go through, even if it might be different? The department im in the process with is Denver by the way, any Denver firefighters on here ? Thanks all[/QUOTE

It's not a big deal. If it's like the one I took you will have to get to 12 METS. It starts out at a walking pace and slowly gets faster and the incline goes up. It took about 9 miutes till I really had to start running. By this time the incline was up hill and at a pretty fast pace. It took about 3 minutes at this to get to 12 METS. No big deal....

Good luck!

[ffbam24]

Hopefully your PCP hasn't ever said you have any arrhythmias (sp?). If not you should be fine. Expect to be hooked up for ECG monitoring and a blood pressure cuff on one arm. (the most difficult part; keeping your arm still WHILE running for the monitor)
It will start out excruciatingly sloooow. Slower than most anyone walks. Then goes up every 2 or 3 minutes in speed and incline. No exact minimum time, but a good 9 - 12 for data collection and monitoring.

My advice, do some incline work on a treadmill for your calves. Mine were actually a little sore the next day due to the incline.

Relax and good luck!
bam

[IBQwerty21]

Thanks alot for your replies. So is there anything other than abnormal arrythmias and anything like that which will DQ you, fail you? I just learned today i have to take a medical exam this week for another department im in a process with as well, so im just getting some last minute info. Ive been training cardio and strength for a long time, so its just last minute mental stuff to prepare for. Thanks again all

[BCLepore]

If you have been training and are in good condition these exams are simply a formality. Once you start the academy you will be very glad that you are in good physical condition.

The number one reason people fail out of the academy is poor physical condition. This leads to hypoxia (lack of Oxygen to the brain), which leads to mistakes = deficiency points.

Keep working out.

You'll be glad you did.

Paul Lepore
Battalion Chief
www.aspiringfirefighters.com

[IBQwerty21]

Thanks for your reply Chief. I work out as much as i can, so im sure ill do fine. Just a little nervous, Ive come so far and i dont wanna fail out before i get a chance at the academy. I understand the fire service is heavily physical, so maintaining my condition is one of the most important aspects of my life. Thanks to everyone for their replies and advice.

[ffbam24]

Sounds like you're doing what you can physically so keep that up. If anything comes up it'll be more genetic than anything you could've affected. If it's still on your mind, talk to your MD.

Good luck,
bam

[IBQwerty21]

I dont think there is anything wrong with me genetically, heart-wise. Im sure ill do fine. Thanks again to all!

[IBQwerty21]

If anyone that gave me info or advice is interested, i completed the med exam and treadmill for one of the departments im testing for today- it was no biggie like i was worrying, in fact im in great shape all around including cardio! Thanks alot for everyones help! Stay safe out there

[BCLepore]

Congratulaions on your success.

[Scot45]

I've got my medical tomorrow for the North Las Vegas Fire Department tomorrow - I'll be doing the treadmill test too! I'm nervous even though the Air force put me through every damn medical exam in the books!

Wish me luck.

[ffbam24]

If anyone that gave me info or advice is interested, i completed the med exam and treadmill for one of the departments im testing for today...
Belated congrats there. Didn't sound like you'd have a problem.

Scot45, good luck there. Relax and breathe.

bam

[Scot45]

Well I finished my medical. Everything looked good, still waiting on the blood test and chest x ray - those should be fine because Uncle Sam just checked them.

The treadmill test was not too bad. I had to get to 165bpm and it took me about 15 minutes. The incline gets pretty steep and I was jogging at the end. They raise the incline and speed every three minutes and check you BP every 3 minutes. The Doctor should then sit down and go over you whole EKG and point out any issues.

[IBQwerty21]

Sounds just like my medical/treadmill. Everything came back fine with bloodwork and chest x rays with me, and as i said above my treadmill test was perfect. Looks like youre pretty much in with N. Las Vegas huh? Congrats! It looks like ive got another pre employment physical coming up if all goes well in the near future for an even larger (and my dream) department here in CO! wish me luck

Thanks for all the info and support from everyone!