Atf Medical

[JimmieJohn]

HELLO, DOES ANYONE REMEMBER IF THEY HAD A VO2 MAX TEST DURING THE ATF PHYSICAL EXAM? THIS IS A TEST I REMEMBER TAKING DURING THE USSS EXAM. YOU BLOW INTO A MACHINE AND IT MEASURES YOUR LUNG CAPACITY. I SUCKED AT IT. THANKS FOR ANY INFO. JIMMIEJOHN

[#2398]

Yes I recal the nurse telling me that several applicants, trying to be highly motivated to complete the test, hyperventilate and or pass out at the onset of the exam. The test is a good measure of cardio-vascular POTENTIAL, and tends to screen for ailments in respiratory function, such as asthma (however you spell it!) and other disorders that aggrivate optimal functioning.

#2398

[k9cop21811]

I too remember taking that test earlier this year. What a strange test that is. The first time I did it I expected there to be resistance. I didn't do too well on that one. Passed the rest though, I guess. I'm still alive in the process (I think), so I must have done something right.

If you anticipte taking it again I would start working on lung capacity exercises. I don't know exactly what those would be, but if I were you JimmieJohn I would become an expert in lung capacity. In light of what Gonzo said I would imagine ATF's requirements are more stringent than that of the USSS, so you may even want to consult your doctor. Good luck.

[Mongo]

I remember this test from the USSS UD med test, and it definitely sucked, considering I was recovering from a cold. Yeah, try weezing into that thing trying to pass. Anyway, I know of a couple ways to do well on this test.....don't smoke, get into running or swimming....and if you lift weights (I love this one)...and the end of every workout take a few minutes to do this simple exercise:

Stand shoulder width apart arms at side

Deep breath while puffing your chest out and up (like have a hook in your sternum and a cable attached pulling you up) and hold your breath as long as you can.

And repeat this excercise, 5 times I think.

Also find a place in the gym where no one will walk by gawking at this odd behavior.

I've only tried it once, but it is advice given by Franco Columbu. My dad took me to this thing when I was like 6 to see him talk and I remember him telling them this to improve lung capacity....and afterwords he took one of those hot water bottles and blew the thing up until it exploded. Might work, might now give it a try.

[ky-da]

The so-called forced lung capacity test (ie. the volume of air that your lungs will hold) is definitly a pre-req for ATF. I suck at that test too. I just so happened to have had a cold, the nurse failed to close my nose (which allows untested air to escape) and the machinery was out-dated ( in Cinncinati, anyway). I had to have a local doctor re-administer the test because I missed normal by 1% point, which is supposed to indicate mild pulmonary restrictive disease. I re-tested locally, on a more up to date machine, and came through normal, as I expected. If you are not ready for that test, it will hold you up in the process. Get ready and good luck.

[mfr]

What is passing on this test? I just took it in CINCI and had had 2 numbers in the 80s and the rest over 100, BUT it said in comment that I had a borderline obstruction? I did have a cold and that is documented on the physical. will this DQ me or are my numbers passing and no worries?

[mfr]

ALSO are you supposed to hold youre nose during the test, because no one told me too do that.... :(

[Spicoli29]

Hey Guys,

I am required to take this test yearly along with my physical for my position as a Fed. Firefighter. I can tell you what works for me...and I always get compliments from the tech. regarding my lung capacity. I am in no way claiming to be an expert at the lung capacity test, but I have never come close to failing the seven or so times I have been tested. Disclaimer....I am also an avid swimmer and I don't smoke or have any known medical problems (asthma, etc.). With that...

What I do is...first of all relax (relaxing, minimizes the short, shallow breathes that most people take when they are nervous)...second, take two, large breaths in and out slowly while trying to fill your lungs to max capacity. This should be done right before you release the test breath. Do not do more than a couple, because you risk hyperventilating and over-exciting yourself as mentioned before (this also serves as a small warm-up for your lungs)!

During the test exhale rapidly with a forceful initial burst...blowing as hard as possible (this gives you the absolute highest reading). Scrunch your body up during the intial burst and quickly exhale, like your are about to be kicked in the stomache, this alows you to exert more force. Continue pushing until told to release, regardless of whether or not you have any air left in your lungs, because if you release pressure too soon you risk failing.

Another thing someone might want to do if they are scared of failing is go to their doctor's office and practice. I'm sure most doctor's have the necessary equipment available, if they conduct physicals anyway...worth a shot.

Regards

[mfr]

Spicoli29
what scores are passing?

[Spicoli29]

MFR,

To be honest with you I don't really know. But, what I can do is call our ocupational medicine unit at my base and find out. Give me a little time and I will post the info. on this thread. The only thing is...I'm not sure if the standards are the same for law enforcement as they are for firefighters, but I will try to get as much info. as possible.

Ben

[Spicoli29]

Ok Guys,

I just got of the phone with the guy who actually did my last pulmonary test a few months ago. First off, I think the guy knows what he is talking about, but I can't confirm that the info. he provided is 100% accurate. But, all he does is physicals for the Govt., so you make the call.

He said that pass/fail is determined by several factors: age, weight, height, gender, race. He stated that this information is input into the machine and the machine determines what a male/female of "X" race, with a weight and height of ---- should blow. Apperently, there are different standards for different catagories of people.

He also stated....and I asked him specifically...is the standard the same for all federal employees (fed law enforcement/firefighters) and he said yes...it is not based on position but the factors mentioned earlier.

I also did a quick search on Google to see if I could come up with anything and I found this link, titled: Interpretation of Pulmonary Function Tests. Has some pretty good info. Can be found here: http://www.vh.org/adult/provider/internalmedicine/Spirometry/SpirometryModule.html

With that...I think it might be a good idea for anyone nervous about this particular test to contact their doc. and find out what the standards are for them...just a thought.

Hope this info. helps. Take Care

[wduke]

The ATF does require the Lung Capacity test. I recently completed my physical and the test sucks. They put in your specific physical data, the machine comes up with a capacity that it feels you should achieve and you try to match or beat the projected curve. I feel that I am in Good shape in regards to Cardio and aerobic activity but the test is tough. As many of the others have said if you are recovering from a cold/flu it makes it espically hard. I think swimming would seve you well to prepare for the test. Good luck!

[mfr]

does anyone know how to read the percentages you get at the end of the test as far as what is passing or any more info. i would assume the end percentage score is the same for everyone as far as what is pass or fail.