Encased from head to toe in protective clothing, their faces covered by masks, firefighters crawl through smoky black interiors. Dragging a charged hose with one hand, they clear a path through heavy furniture and obstacles with the other. And it's not over when the fire is out. Wielding axes and long spiked poles, they dismantle walls and ceilings, searching out every flame or hot spot. Laura Kupinski of the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department.
Rescue operations require strength and endurance, too.
The tools used to cut people from wrecked cars weigh 30 to 40 lb and are often held in awkward positions during use. When moving victims from the car onto a stretcher, medics contort themselves to prevent further injury to their patients. Strong back, abs and legs are essential. Most, including some of the largest departments, leave fitness to the firefighters. That may be changing soon, however, thanks to a national initiative that will standardize fitness requirements and testing.