Friday, October 2, 2009

Better Late Than Never - the Surrey Fire Rescue Test narrative

I started this entry in July, sat on it, and completed it today. I thought might forget some things, but as I started to write again, the memories came flooding back in agonizing detail. For those of you who have supported me in my quest for fire, thank you, and I look forward to your input!

2009/07/19

The last three months have been one long rollercoaster ride, and I don’t mean the high-tech, smooth-riding, space-aged coasters with the 5 point-harnesses and cushioned seats, I’m talking about the rickety wooden, whiplash-inducing, brain-bruising antiques from yesteryear where only the stupid or the daring let go of the handrails as they scream into oblivion. Yes, that has been my life, and while I am always “too busy” for a number of things, I was actively avoiding the blogoshphere (is that a word?) because, well, I didn’t know what to say.

My blogging hiatus started off on a good note with even better reason – a brand-new relationship with a special someone that looked promising. The connection was instant; the family introductions came quickly, and all our free time was spent gazing into each other’s eyes and making the rest of the world gag at our newfound happiness. Not to go on, but the relationship was not meant to be and we parted amicably. What it was, however, was a blow to the ego, and caused me to doubt who I WAS, who I wanted to BE, and what I thought I WANTED. During this time, I was actively pursuing a coveted spot in the Surrey Fire Department and taking each agonizing step towards that elusive goal mine – that of becoming a career firefighter, once again.

So for a while, I was unfocused when I needed to be laser-like; my thoughts floating on clouds of self-doubt when I needed to be on solid ground, and I shrouded myself with a cloak of negativity when I needed to be positive. But with the support of a very patient network around me, I got back in the game and gave Surrey my best shot.

I made it past the initial resume screening and was invited to write the entrance exam; I passed that and was scheduled to participate in Stage One (of Two) of the fitness testing on my birthday, July 5. What a present to give myself! Since my mother died six years ago on July 2, every birthday since then has been tortuous. What was supposed to have been a fun family occasion turned into heartbreak as we planned her funeral and tried to pick up the pieces of our shattered lives. This time of the year has always been emotionally trying since then, but, as with all obstacles and challenges that have come my way, I dealt with it the best I could. So I harnessed all my nervous energy and showed Surrey that this old broad could keep up with kids 15 years her junior.

It was a pretty straightforward day; standard fitness testing which included height/ weight/ measurements, sit & reach, grip strength, pushups (no time limit), situps (2 min), and 1.5 mile run. I killed it! It was one of those tests they make you do to make sure you won’t die during the practical fitness test wearing all the gear, etc. I was pretty proud, and confident I would move on to the next stage the following week. I did, and waited one tortuous week for the fateful day.

I knew what the tasks were, and thought I had trained appropriately. I also knew Surrey’s Skills physical was notoriously difficult, but all I could do was give it my best shot. There were 3 skills at 3 different stations, 9 total tasks to complete. There was a time frame, but they were not disclosing what the limits were. That’s what throws me. For CPAT, I know I have 10:20 to hustle before the countdown alarm beeps that the test is over. The first time I did CPAT, I didn’t know how to pace, and timed out. The second and third times, I knew exactly and was successful. But for the Surrey test, I had no idea how to pace myself.

The first stage consisted of the aerial ladder climb, dummy drag, and confined space maze. Aerial is not a problem for me; I love the rush and the view at the top is oh-so-cool! Next I did the dummy drag; it was different than any that I’d done before because we had to go under barricades and in serpentine fashion, but it wasn’t so bad, probably because it was so close to the beginning. Next was the confined space with blackout mask. Basically they test for claustrophobia, and see where your confidence level is at. Again, not a problem for me.

Then the Tower Station. Oh, the Tower Station. This is where I knew I would be challenged. Not impossible, because I can DO the tasks, but in a timely manner was another story. First, we had to simulate an extension ladder raise by hoisting an LDH (large diameter hose) roll up the tower via pulley, lower, then repeat. Well, the first time was ok, not easy, but doable. The second time was harder. I got it up, but once the hose roll hit the pulley, it bounced and pulled the rope out of my hands! So I had to do it a third time, which, well, took everything I had to complete. It was not at all pretty. I fact, the proctor told me I was allowed to bypass one station, and I could move on if I chose. Well, there’s no way I was going to quit and move on. Maybe that was a dumb move on my part, but I couldn’t leave a task undone. So I finally completed my third set, then up the tower I went. We had to carry a hi-rise bundle of hose, about 40lbs, up the stairs, switch shoulders, down the stairs, and repeat. Then go up the stairs with nothing for the final 3rd. I’m ok with stairs and hose; I chose not to run up and down but tried to keep a steady pace, so I had some energy for the last drill. The part I was MOST worried about, because it’s difficult to train for. From the top of the tower, we had to raise a roll of LDH hose to the top of the railing, lower, then repeat. Most departments make their candidates do this once, but Surrey was twice. Great! Given that my grip was already shot from my 3 hose raises, I knew this was going to be a huge task for me. And it proved to be. I tried many different techniques; I was even allowed to step on the rope to take an active “rest”, but for the first time, a negative thought flashed through my mind – “Oh my. I may actually NOT be able to complete this task!” I was stunned that I actually considered this, but the mind does funny things under stress. Well, tick tick tick, it took everything I had, I could hear the guys down below cheering me on, so I summoned up all of my strength and got ‘er done. But it was uuuuugggglllyyy!!

And it was only 2/3 over. We still had another station of 3 drills to go. I actually thought it wouldn’t be so bad – drag 190lbs of hose on a sled out and back; ladder balance walk, and 100lb LDH hose carry. I know I can do all of THAT because I had trained for it… I thought.

I have this big tire at the Y, and I would load it with extra weight, fix a makeshift harness around it, throw on my 50lb weight vest, and drag it behind me. Not easy, but I trained. So the actual test was good, because the weight was lighter, and the harness was cushier. I didn’t sprint since I was almost already horizontal trying to leverage that sled properly, but completed the task. Next, I had to carry a hydrant kit across a 14’ roof ladder horizontally, raised about 6” off the ground. Done. Finally, the LDH carry. I have sandbags, KBs, sloshpipe and other awkward pieces of equipment I used in my training for this, but nothing prepared me for the sheer immensity and awkwardness of 2 x 50’ lengths of 4” LDH in an unsecured straight roll that is approximately 3’ in diameter, weighing in at 100lbs. This was the LAST station. And I would be done. 50’ out, 50’ back. On paper I thought it would be pretty straightforward, as 100lbs is and easy weight for me. But after the supreme ass-kicking I got at the Tower Station, I was running on empty with nothing left in my reserve line. But I gave it my best. The roll was lying inconspicuously on its side on the tailboard of a fire truck parked in the bay. Deep squat, try to find a comfy (-ish) hold around the roll, deadlift up, turnaround and walk. The secret to lifting heavy stuff is to have it close to the body. Well, being 5’4”, that roll covered up my face and vision, so I had to lower it so I could see where I was going. I made it all the way to the halfway point, but at the turnaround, my arms gave way and the roll slipped from my grasp. Great. Now I had a 100lb roll of unsecured hose on the ground that I had to pick up. Awkward, awkward, awkward. I kicked myself for dropping it, but my forearms were shot. I managed to get it back up off the ground, made it about 15 more feet, and down she went for a second time. I knew I wasn’t allowed to drag it, but I did know I still had some juice left in my legs. So I tipped it upright, shoved my hands through the folds, loaded my hips, and gave it an explosive swing forwards, Kettlebell hard-style. I did that the rest of the way, put it back on the tailboard, and hung my head in shame at my pathetic performance.

I knew in my heart it wasn’t good enough to pass, but I didn’t receive confirmation until a few days later. Thanks but no thanks, and there went one more opportunity for me to fulfill a dream two years in the making. I wasn't crushed, but disappointed that again, I let myself down.

So that is my Surrey Fire story. I’m working on the blog entry for my North Shore application, which will come shortly. I’ll leave more narration for that entry, but right now, it’s time for me to get back to training.

Until next time,

TD