Step 5.
Medical Assessment

A risk assessment approach is used for candidates at this stage of recruitment to ensure they are medically suitable to undertake the job of a firefighter. The medical process is comprehensive in nature and candidates who progress to the medical assessment stage will be required to undergo a detailed standardized pre-employment health assessment with a FRNSW Occupational Physician. 

No, there is no exhaustive list of conditions that prevents you from applying. All candidates are assessed on a case-by-case basis. However, the medical team is primarily concerned with conditions that carry a risk of sudden incapacity or impairment, conditions that limit your functional capacity to perform essential tasks, or conditions that could be aggravated by firefighting duties. 

Yes. Integrity is a core value of the organisation. You must disclose all past and present medical conditions. Failing to disclose a condition that is later discovered could result in the loss of your position. If the condition is discovered during the pre-employment process, you may not be offered a position regardless of your medical outcome.

Not necessarily. A history of mental health conditions does not automatically preclude you. The medical team will assess the severity, treatment history, and stability of the condition. You will need to provide reports from your treating professionals (GP/Psychologist/Psychiatrist) showing how the condition is managed and the current status and symptoms. You may need to provide historical clinical information and/or undergo further clinical review. They will also review any medications for side effects that could impact safety (e.g., sedation, heat tolerance). 

You can still apply. The medical assessment will look at your current range of motion, stability, and whether the intense physical demands of the job pose a risk of aggravating the old injury. You must provide updated reports and/or undergo fresh imaging (X-rays/MRI) at your own cost. 

The applicant is responsible for the costs of the initial pathology, ECG, and spirometry. Applicants are also responsible for costs related to providing supporting documents relating to pre-existing conditions. Medicare does not cover pre-employment medical examinations.

Yes. Before attempting the PAT, you must take a specific form to your GP to get medical clearance. This is separate from the comprehensive pre-employment medical check which is done later in the process.

No. You must use the specific referral forms provided by Fire and Rescue NSW. This ensures the results are sent directly to the FRNSW medical team. Do not ask your GP to write referrals or claim these tests through Medicare.

You must avoid exposure to loud noise for 16 hours prior to the test. This includes loud music, as well as occupational noise like drilling or grinding. If you cannot avoid it due to work, ensure you wear high-quality hearing protection.

Wear comfortable gym gear or activewear. You will be required to perform movements, and the doctor will conduct a body check (looking for surgical scars, etc.). Females are advised to wear a sports bra.

You will be assessed by an Occupational Health Advisor (who does baseline observations and measurements, vision, and hearing tests) and an Occupational Physician. The physician is a specialist doctor trained to assess medical risks specifically against the requirements of a firefighter's role.

Applicants with a history of Asthma are assessed on a case-by-case basis to confirm diagnosis and severity however due to the known conditions of firefighting, a confirmed diagnosis asthma is not considered compatible with the safe performance of the full range of firefighter duties.

The medical team is specifically looking for conditions that carry a risk of sudden incapacity or impairment. Examples include uncontrolled epilepsy or certain cardiac conditions that could cause you to collapse while performing safety-critical tasks (e.g., inside a burning building or driving a fire truck).