Your situation sounds a lot like when CNA's report they don't feel safe transferring client's and police officers who say they don't feel they can restrian a suspect. Firefighters fall into that somewhat nebulous job demands category. Certainly there are some guidelines for strength demands that we can measure-such as being able to lift/drag an average weight uncouscious victem, carry a firehose, swing an axe, etc. But what do we do when they say they don't feel they can do thier job?

From a marketing perspective, I would note that the RCRPD will be assessed during an FCE to lend insight into the client's reports. In addition, of course, we will assess levels of effort and look for consistency. When there are secondary gains involved, something usually stinks. As an experienced evaluator, you will most likely find it.

When an evaluee has reliable reports, and has doubts as to whether or not they can go back to firefighting, the most usefull tool you will have is your experience. I would spend as much time as possible watching workers do thier job and become more comfortable in my assertions. Measure things yourself-firehoses etc., and attend training manuevers, firefighter challenges, etc. When appropriate, work conditioning and/or job coaching during training may be a logical step. If an agility test is part of the hiring process, that information may be valuable as well. As a way to grade testing during my FCE's, I consider the weights lifted during the lifting evaluation and (75-100 lbs.?) to determine the feasibility for work simulation, and then grade up with co-workers of varrying weight, and gradulally increase the level of assistance provided. Hope I helped.