THOMAS P. GORDON
COUNTY EXECUTIVE
LAWRENCE E. TAN
CHIEF
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES DIVISION
New Castle County Paramedic Applicant Fitness Standards & Requirements
New Castle County EMS Applicant physical fitness standards are established to provide a baseline
fitness assessment as a component of the applicant selection process. Fitness evaluation will be
performed only after the applicant has completed, presented and reviewed the following documents
attached:
“Fitness Evaluation Standards”
“Physician Authorization Form” – This is completed by the applicant’s personal physician in
its entirety, prior to the Fitness Evaluation Date.
“Physical Fitness Assessment Information” – Reviewed and initialed by the applicant
“General Instructions” – Reviewed and initialed by the applicant
New Castle County Paramedic Applicant
FITNESS EVALUATION STANDARDS
Evaluation
Single Standard Norm
1.0 Mile Walk
18:00
Push-ups *
16
Sit-ups
26
* Female participants have the option to perform “Modified Push-ups”
3601 N. DUPONT HIGHWAY, NEW CASTLE, DE 19720-6315
PHONE: 302-395-8184 FAX: 302-395-8179
THOMAS P. GORDON
COUNTY EXECUTIVE
LAWRENCE E. TAN
CHIEF
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES DIVISION
New Castle County EMS Applicant
PHYSICIAN AUTHORIZATION FORM
Applicant Name: ________________________________
DOB: ____ / ____ /____
The New Castle County Paramedic Applicant Fitness Evaluation consists of:
1.0 mile Walk ( < 18 minutes)
Followed by fifteen (15) minute rest period
16 Push-ups ( < 1 minute)
Followed by five (5) minute rest period
26 Sit-ups ( < 1 minute)
I have reviewed medical information, and conducted a physical examination, of the aforementioned
applicant, and I am rendering the following professional opinion:
I find the above applicant to be in proper physical condition to engage in all of the physical exercises
of the New Castle County Paramedic Applicant Physical Fitness Assessment.
Date:
________________________________________________
Physician Name: (please print)
________________________________________________
Physician Signature:
________________________________________________
Date of Examination:
________________________________________________
Physician’s Medical Degree
________________________________________________
Physician’s Specialty
________________________________________________
Address:
________________________________________________
City, State, Zip Code:
________________________________________________
Phone Number:
________________________________________________
3601 N. DUPONT HIGHWAY, NEW CASTLE, DE 19720-6315
PHONE: 302-395-8184 FAX: 302-395-8179
THOMAS P. GORDON
COUNTY EXECUTIVE
LAWRENCE E. TAN
CHIEF
New Castle County Paramedic Applicant
PHYSICAL FITNESS ASSESSMENT INFORMATION
All applicants for the position of Paramedic or Paramedic Trainee with New Castle County Government
must complete the fitness screening as described below. Your testing appointment will be scheduled for
you by the EMS Division Recruitment & Selection Coordinator. Read this entire document carefully
before endorsing with your initials, in order to fully understand and prepare for your screening.
Guidelines for Cardiovascular Health & Fitness:
Heart screening should be done to determine
your cardiovascular health and fitness. Your physician may recommend an Exercise ECG Stress Test, if
you plan to start an exercise program or if you have a medical reason that may indicate a possible heart
problem. Risk factors should also be taken into consideration in any type of exercise program. Some of
these factors include smoking cessation, blood pressure control, weight control, regular exercise,
reduction of cholesterol, stress management, and control of diabetes.
Cardiovascular Fitness Test: The test will consist of a one-mile brisk walk. It is recommended that you
exercise aerobically (brisk walking, jogging, swimming, biking, etc.) an average of three times per week
for 20-60 minutes in order to prepare for this evaluation.
The one-mile walk will be performed on a flat outdoor track and timed to a maximum of 18 minutes for
successful completion. In the event of weather extremes or windy conditions, the testing will be
performed at an indoor track facility.
Push-ups Test:
You will be asked to do as many push-ups as possible without stopping in a oneminute period. This is done to assess your upper body strength and endurance. Technique used will be
with hands placed shoulder-width apart, extend arms fully; lower chest to floor keeping back straight,
repeat.
Females may perform modified push-ups. This technique is the same except knees support lower body
with back straight.
To prepare for this test, it is recommended that you perform 30 to 40 push-ups on a routine basis (at least
four times a week).
Sit-ups Test: You will be asked to do as many sit-ups as possible without stopping in a one-minute
period. This is done to assess the strength and endurance of your abdominal muscles. The technique
will be to perform sit-ups with bent-knees; hands behind head; focus eyes straight ahead; touch shoulder
blades to floor, touch elbows to knee, repeat. Participants will have a holder for ankle stability.
To prepare for this test, it is recommended that you perform 30 to 40 sit-ups on a routine basis (at least
four times a week).
I have read and understand the Fitness Test Standards for the New Castle County Paramedic
Applicant Fitness Testing. _____________________
Testing Applicant’s Initials
3601 N. DUPONT HIGHWAY, NEW CASTLE, DE 19720-6315
PHONE: 302-395-8184 FAX: 302-395-8179
THOMAS P. GORDON
COUNTY EXECUTIVE
LAWRENCE E. TAN
CHIEF
New Castle County Emergency Medical Services Applicant
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
1.
2.
3.
4.
Do not eat for at least two (2) hours before the test. The preceding meal should be light and
should be eaten no longer than four (4) hours prior to the evaluation. Please do not drink coffee,
tea, energy drinks or alcohol for four (4) hours prior to the test.
Do not smoke for four (4) hours prior to the test.
Continue taking your medications as usual unless otherwise advised by your physician.
Wear or bring appropriate clothing (locker/shower facilities are available):
a. Sneakers, running or walking shoes and socks are needed.
b. MEN:
Gym shorts or sweat-pants and t-shirt
c. WOMEN: Gym shorts or sweat-pant and loose fitting t-shirt.
I have read and understand the General Instructions for the New Castle County Paramedic
Applicant Fitness Testing. _____________________
Testing Applicant’s Initials
FIVE IMPORTANT STEPS TO MINIMIZE SPORTS INJURIES
Limbering Up: Walking or jogging in place to increase circulation and oxygen delivery to muscles (3-5
minutes).
Stretching: After limbering up, 5-10 minutes of stretching exercises should be done. Each stretch
should be done slowly without any ballistic (bouncing) movement and should be held for a minimum of
20-30 seconds.
Warming Up: Start exercising at approximately 40%-50% of your maximum heart rate for 5-10 minutes.
Your target heart rate zone during exercise should be between 70% and 85% of your age predicted
maximum heart rate. To determine a more specific target heart rate zone, you would need the
information from your stress test.
Maximum heart rate:
Warming Up heart rate zones:
Exercise heart rate zones:
220 minus your age (example: 220 – 40 = 180)
40-50% x maximum heart rate (180) = 72-90
70-85% x maximum heart rate (180) = 126-135
Vigorous Aerobic Activity: Needs to be sustained for a minimum of 20-30 minutes.
Cooling Down and Cool-Down Stretching: Allow your heart rate to come down slowly for five (5)
minutes after aerobic activity. Never stop abruptly. Stretching is the same as before beginning exercise.
I have read and understand the Five Steps to Minimize Sports Injuries. _____________________
Testing Applicant’s Initials
3601 N. DUPONT HIGHWAY, NEW CASTLE, DE 19720-6315
PHONE: 302-395-8184 FAX: 302-395-8179