Dublin Fire service recruitment? Anyone know??

Hi folks, I'm just wondering does anyone know what the DFB manual dexterity test consist of?

Does anyone think they will add to the panel , I mean call more people . Has that happened before?

Is the step test the Chester step test? And if so does anyone know what level it is, I know some fire services require a fairly high level, limerick fire brigade is level 8 or 9 I think, could have that arseways.

is it the step up and down to the metronome?

Im number 120 on the panel so I’ve a bit of time to start getting in shape but any advice appreciated

Any word on a date for the first class/ how many?

Looks like first 48 are starting in June

Are they struggling? Haven't heard anything on this yet myself 🤦

I'll correct you there. Instructors are unfortunately not available to attend the training centre at the moment due to their own personal reasons. Anything else you hear is just idle gossip.

Do get it sorted

Most are getting their physical dates about 3-4 days after the medical. Some are in week after next

Normally at this stage any failures are not replaced and the class is just left short.

Do you have to officially accept/decline the first class of recruits? Anyone have information on how deferring works? If it's a possibility at all?

You can defer a class only once . Contact HR in Dublin City council.

Its fairly straight forward. Started with a hearing test, then blood pressure, urine, alcohol breath test, eye test, height and weight (No BMI calculation) Strength tests on the dynamomter, grip test, quick review of vaccines you need (Hep B and proof of childhood that you need to supply they will give you info on how to obtain) then chester step test. You need a minimum of 42. Followed up by a discussion with the Doctor who will tell you whether you're good to go or not. There has been a handful of failures apparently.

I found it fairly ok to be honest. So the test requires you to step up and down onto a 30cm step in time with a metronome. There are five levels, each with a progressively faster pace. To calculate your vo2 max the nurse will find your max heart rate by taking 220 - your age (so lets your thirty years old, your max heart ate is 190 bpm) They will then calculate 80% of your max so 80% of 190 equals 152 bpm approx. You continue the test until you reach 80% of your max or your rate of perceived exertion is "moderately hard" (if the nurse thinks you're not able or you're huffing and puffing too much) your heart rate is checked every two minutes and inputted into a vo2 calculator. You need to complete a minimum of three levels to calculate a vo2 max.

In terms of preparation, plenty of cardio. Its one of these things that if you're not fit to begin with then you're in a predicament but if you're moderately active a score of 42 is very achievable. One thing to note as has been said previously by someone in the thread, there have been cases of people failing the medical if your heart rate remains high after the test. Dont take my word as gospel but the nurse checked that my heart rate had dropped after the test and noted it. Your heart rate should drop 20-30 bpm within 2-3 mins of completing the test. This isn't official info just what I gathered because I asked the question so bare it in mind. To put this into perspective, there is one or two lads in the first 50 who are strength athletes (powerlifters) one of them is a big unit, well built, plenty of muscle but has a little padding. He flew the medical and got a very good vo2 max of 51.

Dont stress it, I'd be more focused on the 12 minute treadmill test, again its not very difficult if you've a good baseline of fitness. It only gets hard in the last two minutes when you're at 15% incline. I did a dry run a few weeks ago and found it ok. I found the last two minutes challenging but its grand.

Best of luck!

Thanks for all the information, that has really clarified things for me and others who are reading. Great information for our preparation.

Well done to you for getting passed it all and best of luck with everything going forward :)