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not directed at you personally.

I went searching to see what the Physical Ability Test was in Dallas. Evidently they don't yet have it published on the net.

I did find Houston's PAT and I don't know that it would be all that different from Dallas requirements. So without taking any sides, here are Houston's PAT requirements:

Physical Ability Test
The Houston Fire Department uses a job-related physical ability test designed to test determine if an applicant has the strength and endurance needed to perform the job duties of a Firefighter. These job duties require balance, coordination, strength, endurance, and cardio-vascular fitness. Applicants will be tested over seven (7) timed, pass/fail events while wearing gloves and an air pack because Firefighters are required to wear Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and other heavy protective clothing while functioning at emergency incidents. The events include:

Balance Beam Walk
Ladder Extension
Stair Climb
Equipment Hoist
Portable Equipment Carry
Rescue Attempt
1.5 Mile Run
Balance Beam Walk: Balance Beam Walk: Within 30 seconds, one must walk the entire length of the beam. One fall off the beam will be allowed. The applicant must return to the start of the walk and finish the entire walk with no extra time allotted. If the applicant’s feet touch the ground before they touch or cross the finish line, this constitutes a fall.

Rationale: Firefighters are required to walk near open excavations, or rafters, on roofs, and around other openings during firefighting and rescue operations. They must be able to maintain balance for their safety, safety of co-workers, and for the safety of the people they are rescuing.

Hint: Practice balance.

Ladder Extension: Ladder Extension: Within 1 minute, an applicant must fully extend and lower the fly section of a 24’ aluminum extension ladder by using the hand-over-hand method. The applicant must remain standing with both feet in the designated area. Their feet may touch the lines of the painted square, but they may not step outside the square while performing this task. At no time during the task will the applicant be allowed to let the rope slide through his/her hands.

Rationale: Emergency incidents may occur several stories above ground or in rough terrain. Firefighters must be able to raise ladders in order to perform their duties as Firefighters.

Hint: Strengthen back, arms, and abdominals.

Stair Climb: Stair Climb: Within 3 minutes 30 seconds, an applicant must pick up, shoulder hold, and carry two (2) 50’ sections of hose, tied in a "Brown Fold," then climb and descend six (6) flights of stairs. The applicant must carry the hose, not drag or roll the hose, through the entire course. No penalty is given for dropping the hose, but it must be picked up and carried from the point of the drop.

Rationale: Emergency incidents may occur several stories above ground. Firefighters must be able to gain access and transport equipment to emergencies occurring several stories above ground.

Hint: Condition shoulders, back, legs, and abdominals.

Equipment Hoist: Within 1 minute, an applicant standing on the 3rd floor of the drill tower, using the hand-over-hand method, must hoist one section of 2 ½" hose (44 lb.) from the ground up to the 3rd floor window, and then lower the hose back to the ground. The applicant must remain standing with both feet in the designated area. At no time during the task will the applicant be allowed to let the rope slide through his/her hands. Stepping outside the designated area to lengthen the pull, placing a foot on the windowsill or wall, and/or dropping the equipment is not allowed.

Rationale: Firefighters are required to hoist tools and equipment to upper floors and roofs during operations. They are also required to use ropes to rescue people by hoisting and/or lowering them.

Hint: Strengthen back, arms, and abdominals.

Portable Equipment Carry: Portable Equipment Carry: Within 1 minute, an applicant must pick up an equipment/accessory box (Hurst, or Amkus, extrication tools) (70 lb.) from a 2’ stand and carry it 50’ in one direction, turn around to carry it back 50’ and then place the box on a 3’ stand. No penalty is given for dropping the box, but it must be carried (not dragged or pulled) the entire distance.

Rationale: Firefighters are required to lift and transport heavy equipment at emergencies, which must be done in a timely manner and may require covering considerable distances.

Hint: Strengthen shoulders, arms, and abdominals.

Rescue Attempt: Within 30 seconds, an applicant must carry or drag a 150 lb. human dummy, 30 feet. The applicant must have both the dummy and him/her self completely across the finish line to successfully accomplish this task. No penalty will be assessed for dropping the dummy; however, no additional time will be allowed.

Rationale: Firefighters are required to carry/rescue incapacitated citizens or fellow firefighters from the scene of fires and/or other emergency situations. The 30 foot distance is approximately the width of two rooms in an average house.

Hint: Strengthen legs, back, arms, and abdominals.

1.5 Mile Run: Within 13 minutes 7 seconds, an applicant must run 1.5 miles.

Rationale: In 1992 Jeanneret & Associates developed and validated a pre-employment physical ability test which concluded that safe, effective performance of certain critical, physically demanding components of firefighting requires cardiovascular fitness.

Hint: Cardio-vascular training and running.

These tests are representative of tasks done on the job by a Firefighter, Emergency Medical Technician, and/or Paramedic. Chances for passing the physical ability test can be greatly increased with adequate preparatory physical training. Physical training should emphasize cardio-respiratory fitness, strength, and muscular endurance.

The "Hint" sections above offer recommendations from the Fire Department’s Physical Ability Testing Coordinator, degreed in physical education. These are recommendations only and do not guarantee the proper conditioning for passing the physical ability testing.

*Before beginning any exercise program, consult a physician.