SA Firefighter

General Discussion => SA Firefighter General => Topic started by: pieces on January 29, 2014, 04:06:16 PM

Title: ARFF
Post by: pieces on January 29, 2014, 04:06:16 PM
Hey guys,

I've had a sift through this site and couldn't really find anything about the airport fireys at all.

Anyway I have stacks of questions about going for the ARFF so absolutely any advice/information is appreciated as it is my first time going for anything.

Just a bit about myself, I'm 20 (turn 21 in July) and currently manage a gym. I have my senior first aid and also my Automatic HR truck license.

I found the SAMFS website to be much more detailed with information and the stages as opposed to the airservices website. If anyone on here is either an airport firey or would have answers for some basic and some more in depth questions please help me out. It would be awesome if we could get a discussion going.



I guess my first question though is what sort of questions would they ask in the phone interview as there is a panel interview later on in the process?






Thanks.
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: Alan (Big Al) on January 29, 2014, 05:22:52 PM
My question is, do they seriously do "automatic" only truck licenses??
and if so why on earth wouldn't you learn in a manual so if circumstances arose u could actually you know, drive both??
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: pieces on January 29, 2014, 05:40:46 PM
My question is, do they seriously do "automatic" only truck licenses??
and if so why on earth wouldn't you learn in a manual so if circumstances arose u could actually you know, drive both??

Yea well that's what I said to the dude, but he was so convinced that I wouldn't need a manual (as it cost more) that he said if I got into the fire service and they said I needed it that he would teach me for free. (This was the dude I got my license from)
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: JLS on January 29, 2014, 07:43:34 PM
I have found Airservices Australia web site to have a fair bit of info. It has a selection process there, the physical on YouTube , some info on what they actually do or don't do!!!!  There are a few recruit courses on YouTube which is good to watch just type in ARFF recruits.
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: pieces on January 29, 2014, 07:58:46 PM
I have found Airservices Australia web site to have a fair bit of info. It has a selection process there, the physical on YouTube , some info on what they actually do or don't do!!!!  There are a few recruit courses on YouTube which is good to watch just type in ARFF recruits.

That's awesome! I've only watched one video so far but I will continue to watch more, very insightful, cheers man.



Does anyone know what questions they ask in the phone interview? I just want to be as prepared as possible?
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: FF GAZZ on January 29, 2014, 10:34:54 PM
Justme the phone interview is really casual, I applied for Perth late last year but had to withdraw from selection, they ask roughly a dozen questions like have you worked in a team and what examples can you provide, have you had to follow orders and have you had to question those orders.

Their is a face to face interview later in the process when you do a medical.
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: pieces on January 30, 2014, 07:06:12 AM
Great! I've got plenty examples of that from previous jobs so that should be fine.

Another question, assuming I make it all the way through, is there any accommodation provided or do we have to fend for ourselves?
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: JLS on January 30, 2014, 07:36:48 AM
Yeah mate all is sorted out. Look under the frequently asked questions bit and it has it there.
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: pieces on January 30, 2014, 07:51:11 AM
I've had a read through it a few times and haven't found anything that explicitly says where you stay, all I found was this.

"Do recruits work on weekends?

Yes, you may be required to work nights and weekends as required while attending the 11 week recruit course and whilst completing 24 hours, 7 day shift work at the fire station."

Is that implying that you are staying on station the whole time?


Or am I looking in the wrong spot? If I am can you please send me a link.
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: pieces on January 30, 2014, 08:32:49 AM
I understand that everyone wants to go for the SAMFS so for 18 positions there's roughly between 1100 - 2500 applicants? Something ridiculous anyway.

Just curious if anyone knows how many people go for the ARFF?
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: Monger on January 30, 2014, 10:33:36 AM
My question is, do they seriously do "automatic" only truck licenses??
and if so why on earth wouldn't you learn in a manual so if circumstances arose u could actually you know, drive both??

Yea well that's what I said to the dude, but he was so convinced that I wouldn't need a manual (as it cost more) that he said if I got into the fire service and they said I needed it that he would teach me for free. (This was the dude I got my license from)

SAMFS needs unrestricted HR license once you have been in for 12 months, at own cost. I hope your instructor is true to his word
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: Monger on January 30, 2014, 10:36:06 AM
I understand that everyone wants to go for the SAMFS so for 18 positions there's roughly between 1100 - 2500 applicants? Something ridiculous anyway.

Just curious if anyone knows how many people go for the ARFF?

About half that for SAMFS 5-600. Not sure on ARFF. Dont you ever want to go to a fire?? We have quite a few ex airport firies, first aid in the terminal was their main business
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: Monger on January 30, 2014, 10:44:47 AM
I've had a read through it a few times and haven't found anything that explicitly says where you stay, all I found was this.

"Do recruits work on weekends?

Yes, you may be required to work nights and weekends as required while attending the 11 week recruit course and whilst completing 24 hours, 7 day shift work at the fire station."

Is that implying that you are staying on station the whole time?


Or am I looking in the wrong spot? If I am can you please send me a link.

I guess they would have accomodation for you either at the station or nearby. If it was to be at your own cost im sure they would highlight it on the website
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: pieces on January 30, 2014, 10:50:59 AM
@Ferret

My dad knows the instructor, he's a good dude and runs a solid business, he will definitely help me out.

It does say on the website that they give you some sort of travel and I think accommodation allowance but I hear mixed reviews so I was after a definite answer.


As for the whole going to a fire thing, I know that most of their calls are first aid, however what I'm doing at the moment isn't what I want to do, and ARFF could be a good learning experience for me and help me maybe one day get into the SAMFS. A step in the right direction I guess.
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: Monger on January 30, 2014, 11:14:13 AM
@Ferret

My dad knows the instructor, he's a good dude and runs a solid business, he will definitely help me out.

It does say on the website that they give you some sort of travel and I think accommodation allowance but I hear mixed reviews so I was after a definite answer.


As for the whole going to a fire thing, I know that most of their calls are first aid, however what I'm doing at the moment isn't what I want to do, and ARFF could be a good learning experience for me and help me maybe one day get into the SAMFS. A step in the right direction I guess.

Travel, accommodation and a meal allowance during the 11 week recruit course will also be paid. I read that as accomodation and travel are paid for, also a meal allowance is paid
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: pieces on January 30, 2014, 11:15:50 AM
@Ferret

My dad knows the instructor, he's a good dude and runs a solid business, he will definitely help me out.

It does say on the website that they give you some sort of travel and I think accommodation allowance but I hear mixed reviews so I was after a definite answer.


As for the whole going to a fire thing, I know that most of their calls are first aid, however what I'm doing at the moment isn't what I want to do, and ARFF could be a good learning experience for me and help me maybe one day get into the SAMFS. A step in the right direction I guess.

Travel, accommodation and a meal allowance during the 11 week recruit course will also be paid. I read that as accomodation and travel are paid for, also a meal allowance is paid

Yea that's true, I didn't think to read it like that, cheers.
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: JLS on January 30, 2014, 01:21:53 PM
You stay in a hotel just out of the city in Moonee Ponds and they supply the transport to get to school. I know it's hard not to but don't worry about things that far down the line.
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: pieces on January 31, 2014, 07:17:01 AM
Yea true, just focus on what's next I guess.
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: FF GAZZ on January 31, 2014, 02:42:41 PM
As ARFF Adelaide has sea rescue capability what training do they do besides the swimming requirement to join?
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: Monger on February 04, 2014, 09:25:31 AM
Did you apply for the current applications?? Online testing is on now. What is to stop you cheating in the online tests?? Eg. Have a mate slightly smarter than you sit next to you at your computer and help you out?
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: JLS on February 04, 2014, 09:44:52 AM
There is nothing to stop you but they do test you again at the station later in the process. I also would assume that they would compare your interview results to your answers to the online testing.
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: Monger on February 04, 2014, 10:09:30 AM
There is nothing to stop you but they do test you again at the station later in the process. I also would assume that they would compare your interview results to your answers to the online testing.

How will your interview reults reflect any of the testing in Stage 1? Also even though they test you later in the process, if people can cheat it means the "honest" applicants maybe eliminated early and wont get to the 2nd tests. I just find it odd they would test like that. Maybe they should have you on webcam
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: pieces on February 04, 2014, 10:34:20 AM
I'm going to do the testing sometime this week, anyone got any tips or websites that are good practice?
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: ESO on February 04, 2014, 11:42:21 AM
No real tips for testing, but when you get to the physical make sure you can touch your toes -sit and reach....I got through everything but that, and by not being able to touch toes or go past it was bye bye...try again next year...so get stretching  :-P
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: JLS on February 04, 2014, 11:52:09 AM
There is nothing to stop you but they do test you again at the station later in the process. I also would assume that they would compare your interview results to your answers to the online testing.

How will your interview reults reflect any of the testing in Stage 1? Also even though they test you later in the process, if people can cheat it means the "honest" applicants maybe eliminated early and wont get to the 2nd tests. I just find it odd they would test like that. Maybe they should have you on webcam

I'm only assuming that as one of the online tests are all about how you will fit into the role and personality profile questions then some of the question at the interview stage are brought up again.
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: FF GAZZ on February 04, 2014, 01:17:46 PM
I don't know about MFS but the online testing had a couple of short stories you had to read like Mike works for a clothing store and has sold 20 red shirts, 15 blue shirts, 10 yellow shirts and 5 greens shirts and the question would be something like out of the information above which would show greatest potential for future growth. This isn't a real question but was the best example I could think of off the top of my head, I thought they were a bit silly as they had nothing really fire related.

The personality profiling questions were good especially if you had previous CFS or SES experience as they asked questions like if you had a new crew member in your team and you were responding to a first aid emergency and they were feeling under confident in their skills yet they operated well under the situation how would you boost their confidence:
A) raise it in the truck on the way back to the station and congratulate them on how well they did?
B) Quietly say something when back at station to the individual on how well they did, Or
C) Mention it to your senior ranking officer they were feeling under confident on their skill however they operated to standard.
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: pieces on February 04, 2014, 03:12:31 PM
No real tips for testing, but when you get to the physical make sure you can touch your toes -sit and reach....I got through everything but that, and by not being able to touch toes or go past it was bye bye...try again next year...so get stretching  :-P

So I did the testing today and it was actually hard at some points. I'm not sure if I was a top scorer or not, does anyone know if it's a pass/fail score or if it's say the top 100 move on to the next stage?

As for the sit and reach I have been stretching heaps and can now comfortably touch my toes when in a seated position and I'm pretty sure that's all that's needed.
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: Monger on February 04, 2014, 03:22:33 PM
No real tips for testing, but when you get to the physical make sure you can touch your toes -sit and reach....I got through everything but that, and by not being able to touch toes or go past it was bye bye...try again next year...so get stretching  :-P

So I did the testing today and it was actually hard at some points. I'm not sure if I was a top scorer or not, does anyone know if it's a pass/fail score or if it's say the top 100 move on to the next stage?

As for the sit and reach I have been stretching heaps and can now comfortably touch my toes when in a seated position and I'm pretty sure that's all that's needed.

I would guess its pass/fail. They couldnt reward high scores when the system is open to blatant cheating
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: JLS on February 04, 2014, 03:25:20 PM
No real tips for testing, but when you get to the physical make sure you can touch your toes -sit and reach....I got through everything but that, and by not being able to touch toes or go past it was bye bye...try again next year...so get stretching  :-P

So I did the testing today and it was actually hard at some points. I'm not sure if I was a top scorer or not, does anyone know if it's a pass/fail score or if it's say the top 100 move on to the next stage?

As for the sit and reach I have been stretching heaps and can now comfortably touch my toes when in a seated position and I'm pretty sure that's all that's needed.


It's hard to tell from these sort of tests mate as they are designed to stress you and push your brain limits. You will have to pass a certain mark but they will also take the top what ever number they need through to the next test.
All the best
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: FF GAZZ on February 04, 2014, 03:35:10 PM
One thing is don't get your hopes down, last year I did the testing and a week after you had to do it I was emailed sorry you were unsuccessful then two weeks later they called me up to book a phone interview, when I asked why I was back in the recruitment process they said the previous applicants were not what they were after.
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: pieces on February 04, 2014, 06:39:12 PM
One thing is don't get your hopes down, last year I did the testing and a week after you had to do it I was emailed sorry you were unsuccessful then two weeks later they called me up to book a phone interview, when I asked why I was back in the recruitment process they said the previous applicants were not what they were after.

Ah ok, that seems a bit strange to do that, but good to know there is a possibility for a second chance if I don't make it. Thanks for that.
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: Monger on February 11, 2014, 05:54:15 PM
One thing is don't get your hopes down, last year I did the testing and a week after you had to do it I was emailed sorry you were unsuccessful then two weeks later they called me up to book a phone interview, when I asked why I was back in the recruitment process they said the previous applicants were not what they were after.

Ah ok, that seems a bit strange to do that, but good to know there is a possibility for a second chance if I don't make it. Thanks for that.

Well did you make the cut??
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: pieces on February 11, 2014, 05:57:26 PM
One thing is don't get your hopes down, last year I did the testing and a week after you had to do it I was emailed sorry you were unsuccessful then two weeks later they called me up to book a phone interview, when I asked why I was back in the recruitment process they said the previous applicants were not what they were after.

Ah ok, that seems a bit strange to do that, but good to know there is a possibility for a second chance if I don't make it. Thanks for that.

Well did you make the cut??


I did not. However it's my first time applying for anything and I am only 20 so I have many more years to keep at it.
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: Monger on February 12, 2014, 06:25:06 AM
I doubt there was many positions for Adelaide. Probably on a couple
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: FF GAZZ on February 26, 2014, 04:08:22 PM
How has everyone gone so far with those that applied?
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: RJ on February 27, 2014, 11:40:37 AM
I had the phone interview this week; agree with an earlier comment that some of the questions relate back to the online testing.

One aspect of the PAT I have no way of training for is the hose drag and hold.  Could anyone offer some tips on the best way to approach this, I have heard it can be a bit tricky.
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: JLS on February 27, 2014, 06:15:43 PM
If you haven't already look on YouTube ( ARFF physical aptitude test ) as it shows the process.  Work on your legs and core and if you are looking for an exercise try dragging a tyre with a rope and put extra weight on if you like.
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: RJ on February 28, 2014, 09:22:32 AM
Thanks, will give that a go  :-)
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: ESO on February 28, 2014, 05:19:54 PM
I completed this test last year at Darwin...didn't pass the sit and reach, but got through all the other activities with out a problem, don't get worked up over the hose drag and hold...it's only a 50mm hose, don't over complicate the matter or stress about it...on the day you'll get so pumped on adrenaline it will be over before you know it...Good luck
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: flyonthewall on March 01, 2014, 07:46:08 PM
I completed this test last year at Darwin...didn't pass the sit and reach, but got through all the other activities with out a problem, don't get worked up over the hose drag and hold...it's only a 50mm hose, don't over complicate the matter or stress about it...on the day you'll get so pumped on adrenaline it will be over before you know it...Good luck

How does the sit and reach test work?.... I've never heard of it!
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: ESO on March 02, 2014, 11:24:04 AM
Sit on the floor, they place a box at your feet, and you need to move the slide rule as far as you can past your feet, so if people think they can touch their toes...you need to go further....apparently good flexibility will prevent back injuries in the job of ARFF :-o
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: flyonthewall on March 03, 2014, 08:18:20 PM
Sit on the floor, they place a box at your feet, and you need to move the slide rule as far as you can past your feet, so if people think they can touch their toes...you need to go further....apparently good flexibility will prevent back injuries in the job of ARFF :-o

Thanks for the explanation  :-)
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: FF GAZZ on March 04, 2014, 01:45:25 PM
Besides the swim test has anyone been able to find out if AirServices have any further swimming testing or training?
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: FF GAZZ on April 10, 2014, 12:08:50 PM
For all those that applied how did you go? Did anyone get in?
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: FF GAZZ on October 01, 2014, 12:32:27 PM
So  who applied for the latest round of ARFF?
Title: Re: ARFF
Post by: peter007 on November 17, 2014, 12:54:48 AM
are there any ARFF fire-fighters that could tell me what interview questions get asked during the interview?