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EMT – SAFE Emergency Medical Technician – Screening Assessment and Functional Evaluation M.D. Ambulance Care Saskatoon Ltd. requires that all applicants for positions as ambulance attendants, emergency medical technicians or paramedics possess a sufficient level of physical ability to safely carry out the demands of the job. EMT-SAFE is a process developed specifically for M.D. Ambulance, intended to evaluate a candidate’s ability to safely carry out the physical demands of EMT work. Candidates who successfully complete the EMT-SAFE will be issued a Fitness Certificate, valid for 6 months. This Certificate is a required component of the M.D. Ambulance application process.
Effective March 1, 2004, Kinetik Rehabilitation Services, Saskatoon, is administering, booking and conducting the EMT-SAFE (EMT – Screening Assessment and Functional Evaluation). Sessions are offered as required through the year, coordinated with the application processes of M.D. Ambulance. During each session, several testing times are available. Overview and Background of EMT-SAFE Registration Process (You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open these forms)
Instructions for Applicants on Test Day
For further information, please contact Kinetik Rehabilitation Services, at (306) 655-8986 or at kinetikrehab.com.
Overview and Background of EMT-SAFE Ambulance attendants, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and Paramedics are exposed to a number of heavy job demands as a routine part of their daily work. Job demands for ambulance workers fall within the heavy to very heavy level of physical requirement, characterized by at least occasional lifting of up to 100 lbs. In reality, when critical job tasks, such as lifting and carrying a patient on a stretcher up or down a flight of stairs, are measured, the actual job demands exceed even this heavy level from time to time. A literature review of studies looking at work place factors that are linked to injury concluded that there is strong evidence of a correlation between back injury and heavy job demands overall, and heavy lifting in particular. Because of the nature of the work and the occasionally heavy lifting demands, ambulance attendants are at increased risk for low back injuries as compared to the general population. Given that the critical job demands of ambulance attendants occasionally require heavy lifting and carrying, it is reasonable that those hired for this work are well prepared and have the physical capacity to perform these critical demands safely. In developing the EMT-SAFE, the job demands of ambulance workers were observed, measured and documented. From these observations a list of critical job demands was developed. These critical demands are aspects of the job that the employee must be able to complete, and are typically the most physically demanding. Based on the list of critical job demands, simulations were developed which would test candidates safely and objectively. Once the simulations were developed, working ambulance staff were assessed using the EMT-SAFE process to ensure the tests were a valid representation of the nature and intensity of ambulance work. The following functional screen has been developed considering the documented job demands for ambulance attendant, EMT’s and paramedics. EMT-SAFE Components: The EMT-SAFE consists of: 1) a basic musculoskeletal screen exam, 2) a cardiovascular test and, 3) functional testing of simulated job tasks. 1. The basic musculoskeletal screen is conducted by a licensed Physical Therapist, and is used to identify any biomechanical issues that may affect physical testing. 2. Cardiovascular screening, conducted by a P.F.L.C. qualified Exercise Therapist, requires candidates to meet a standard level identified for ambulance workers. This level is based on the cardiovascular requirements for stair climbing. 3. Functional testing of simulated job tasks, conducted by a Certified Occupational or Physical Therapist consisting of 4 tasks:
Pass/fail Criteria:
Registration Process for EMT-SAFE Registration Packages for EMT-SAFE are available:
Call Kinetik at 655-8947 to book a screening time on one of the pre-scheduled screening days. The Registration Package consists of four documents: The Registration Form contains basic demographic and contact information needed to arrange EMT-SAFE testing. The completed Registration form may be mailed, faxed, or delivered to: The Registration Form contains basic demographic and contact information needed to arrange EMT-SAFE testing. Please bring the completed form with you to Kinetik at the time of your pre-scheduled appointment time
Fees and Payment Options
There is a $75.00 Fee for assessment
Please pay the $75.00 fee on the day of assessment at
the cashier’s office (Main Floor – Saskatoon City Hospital) prior to coming to
Kinetik for testing. Bring your registration form and your signed medical
consent form with you to Kinetik (8th floor - Saskatoon City Hospital) on the
day of your pre-booked testing appointment.
Kinetik 8th Floor, Saskatoon City Hospital 701 Queen Street Saskatoon, SK S7K 0M7
The EMT-SAFE is designed to assess an individuals’ muscular strength and endurance as well as their aerobic capacity. It is a physically demanding test, as it is testing parameters based on the occupational demands of an EMT/Paramedic. Below are some general guidelines that may be helpful as you prepare for the EMT-SAFE. If you are not accustomed to vigorous exercise, it is recommended that you consult wit your family physician prior to initiating any training program.
Muscular Strength and Endurance Specific Muscle Groups to Target:
Intensity Guidelines:
Aerobic Conditioning
During the aerobic component of your exercise program, your Target Heart Rate should be maintained within this upper and lower heart rate range. Increases in muscular strength and aerobic fitness are achieved by gradually increasing the resistance, intensity and duration of exercise sessions. Improving physical performance takes time. The EMT-SAFE tests are physically demanding. Those candidates who participate in physical activity regularly and who prepare themselves with a realistic understanding of the demands required should be adequately prepared for the EMT-SAFE. Consultation for individual training programs developed specifically to meet the EMT-SAFE requirements is available at Kinetik, 655-8986.
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