CPAT Event: Forcible Entry

Purpose of Evaluation This event is designed to simulate the critical tasks of using force to open a locked door or to breach a wall. This event challenges the candidate's aerobic capacity, upper body muscular strength and endurance, lower body muscular strength and endurance, balance, grip strength and endurance, and anaerobic endurance. This event affects the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems as well as the following muscle groups: quadriceps, glutes, triceps, upper back, trapezius, and muscles of the forearm and hand (grip).
Equipment Forcible Entry Machine. 10-pound (4.54-kg) Sledgehammer. Toe-Box. Event Description During this event, the candidate uses a 10-pound (4.54-kg) sledgehammer and strikes the measuring device in the target area until the buzzer signal is activated. The candidate's feet must remain outside the toe-box. After the buzzer is activated, the candidate places the sledgehammer on the ground. This concludes the event. The candidate walks 85 feet (25.91 m) within the established walkway to the next event. Failures If the candidate does not maintain control of the sledgehammer and releases it from both hands while swinging, it constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded and the candidate fails the test. If the candidate steps inside the toe-box, one warning is given. The second infraction constitutes a failure, the test time is concluded and the candidate fails the test.
Details on the Other CPAT Events Stair Climb Hose Drag Equipment Carry Ladder Raise and Extension Search Rescue Ceiling Breach and Pull For more information contact: San Antonio Fire Department Recruiting Office 215 S. San Saba, Suite #107 San Antonio, TX 78207 Phone: (210) 207-8427	The CPAT Preparation Guide (PDF) is a valuable resource in preparing for the test.
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