Medical & Fitness Considerations
The physical demands of a Firefighter are characterized by strength, endurance, coordination, agility and dexterity. Participants of Camp FFIT will experience the physical stresses of a firefighter, although to a lesser degree. All activities take place in a supervised and controlled environment. Tasks are broken down into manageable segments to avoid overloading the body. All scenarios are done in a controlled training atmosphere. A participant may stop, if at any time they do not feel comfortable and instructors will provide additional support and direction. Instructors will stop activities if at any time there appears to be any risk of injury or danger. In order to maintain a safe and productive environment, proper rest, hydration and nutrition is vital and will be emphasized during the camp and must be continued at home during the Camp FFIT weekend.
All participants must adhere to any federal, provincial or municipal regulations or rules regarding COVID-19 related measures. The City reserves the right to impose further health requirements on participants to avoid, mitigate or manage COVID-19 outbreaks. All participants must comply with the City of Hamilton’s current Vaccination Policy in order to participate in Camp FFIT.
List of factors that will increase the difficulty of the physical demands that are required:
- Turnout gear and SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) restricts movement, adds weight to the individual and requires increased respiratory effort
- Equipment is heavy and frequently used in awkward positions
- Environmental conditions such as sun, humidity and rain can add difficulty to tasks and cause fluctuations in body temperature
- Darkness and/or simulated smoke in a fire training scenario decreases visibility and increases the difficulty of tasks
- Emotional stress and excitement due to “the unknown” can increase heart rate and the onset of fatigue
Activities Camp FFIT participants will take part in include, but are not limited to:
- Full use of turnout gear and SCBA
- Search and rescue techniques with decreased visibility
- High-rise drill tower races
- Rope rescue/rappelling
- Aerial truck ladder climb
- Auto extrication tool use
- Fire hydrant use
- Operating and controlling hose lines
Equipment used during CAMP FFIT includes, but is not limited to:
- Turnout gear and SCBA
- Axes, pike poles, halligan bars, sledge hammers
- Ladders, ropes
- Stationary fire trucks
Applicant Acceptance
Camp FFIT has a limited number of spaces available. Selected applicants will be contacted by phone by September 20, 2024 to confirm placement and emailed a formal registration package. All other applicants will be contacted by email and informed if they are selected to be placed on our waitlist.
Upon acceptance, participants will complete the formal registration forms. Parents and/or guardians are invited to attend a tour of the fire training facility on Sunday, October 6, 2024.
