Login

Book online

Alberta Health Services

Alberta Health Services

Paramedics / EMS
Functional Abilities Recruitment Evaluation (F.A.R.E.) Testing Protocol

Alberta Health Services is committed to:

  • Ensuring employees can safely carry out the physical demands of their position.
  • Employing the best applicant(s) for the various positions based on the bona fide occupational requirements associated with them.

In these positions, it is Lifemark’s understanding that there is a requirement as part of the application process for Paramedic and EMS potential applicants to successfully complete a functional assessment. This functional assessment is a job related physical abilities test that evaluates a prospective applicant's physical ability/capacity to perform the essential functions of the job without posing a health and safety risk to themselves or others.

Who is Lifemark?

Lifemark is one of Canada’s largest Canadian-owned health management companies. Their mission is to deliver the highest standard in medical, rehabilitative, disability/claim management, education and wellness services.

Lifemark is a leader in the employer services health care field across Canada. In Alberta, they have over 30 clinics and several specializing in Employer Services. The majority of their clinics are authorized WCB service providers, preferred providers for insurance companies, and provide medical and rehabilitation services to the general population through Alberta Health Services. Lifemark occupational health clinics provide similar medical services to other employers.

What does the F.A.R.E. test consist of?

The F.A.R.E. test for Paramedics and EMS applicants consists of:

  1. A Musculoskeletal screen
  2. A lifting test consisting of:
    1. Progressed in lifting a crate up to 48 kg (105 lbs.) of weight
    2. Progressed in a crate front carry of up to 48 kg (105 lbs.) of weight
    3. Progressed in a bilateral side carry of up to 9 kg (20 lbs.) of weight in each hand (as per the physical demands analysis)
    4. Kneeling and forward trunk flexion simultaneously for 2 minutes
  3. Completion of 1 full circuit within 15 minutes

Where in Alberta can I take the F.A.R.E. test?

Locations are: Edmonton, Calgary, Grande Prairie, and Lethbridge
The upcoming schedule is as follows (note 4 potential applicants must be scheduled during these dates and times for the F.A.R.E test to be conducted:

 

Day Date Time Location Fee
Monday, Wednesday, Friday Weekly 2:00-4:00 PM Calgary 2121, 29st NE $150.00
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Weekly 1:00-4:00 PM Edmonton, 154 Meadowlark Centre $150.00
Thursday Weekly 3:00-5:00 PM Grande Prairie, 11601 101 Ave $150.00
Thursday 1st Thursday of every month 3:00-5:00 PM Lethbridge, 1410 Mayor Magrath Dr S #103 $150.00
Thursday 3rd Thursday of every month 8:00-10:00 AM Lethbridge, 1410 Mayor Magrath Dr S #103 $150.00

How do I schedule an appointment?

To make an appointment contact:
Lifemark, Appointment Bookings
Phone: 1-800-665-9947

Credit card information will be required at the time of booking.

What do I need to do prior to my appointment?

FAQ's

Paramedics / EMS
Functional Abilities Recruitment Evaluation (F.A.R.E.) Testing Protocol

When you arrive, the customer service representative will review the information you provide to them (as above) and have you complete some additional paperwork. The evaluators will then meet with you and review the process, consent form and your responsibilities related to the testing.

All testing will be explained by the evaluators and you will have an opportunity to ask questions. Upon completion of the testing, the evaluators will inform you of your results. If you have been successful, you will be given a certificate of completion that you can submit with your application to Alberta Health Services. If you have been unsuccessful, the evaluator will let you know why and indicate what you need to work on to be successful.

The FARE test will take approximately two hours and fifteen minutes. The first fifteen minutes will be spent completing paperwork and the remaining time will be spent with the evaluators, who will explain each task and observe you complete the testing. Testing is scheduled in groups of 4 participants, and you will be assigned a partner to perform the test.

The appointment is two hours long; however, you will be assessed for one hour and observed for the remainder.

If your resting blood pressure is above 159/99 mmHg and/or your resting heart rate is above 100 bpm prior to testing, testing will not be completed. You will be provided with a letter to take to your family physician requesting additional medical clearance to participate in testing. Once you have obtained clearance from your physician, we can reschedule testing.

Additionally, your heart rate will be monitored continuously throughout testing with a heart rate chest strap and watch. Should your heart rate exceed our guidelines for safe testing, testing will be stopped.

Please note that if you need to obtain medical clearance from your physician, you are responsible for any fees associated with obtaining this clearance.

Another applicant from the group scheduled to complete the F.A.R.E. will be asked to step in to assist. The applicant that steps in will be only be evaluated once during the appointment time even though they may complete the test twice.

Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toed shoes (steel-toed boots if you have them). Do not wear sandals or high-heeled shoes.

As a precaution, do not consume any nicotine or caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks or pop) within 2-3 hours of the assessment.

The test will begin with a brief interview of your health history and review of your physician’s medical clearance. Testing will include:

  • A physical review of your range of motion
  • A functional test that simulates work activities
  • A timed circuit simulation of work activities such as maneuvering a stretcher, spine board, weighted dummy and stair chair.

Please visit the Lifemark website at https://www.lifemark.ca/alberta-health-services. There is a video available that shows the actual test and sequence you will need to perform.

The F.A.R.E. test certificate will be valid for six months from the date received. If the certificate has expired, you will need to re-register and complete the F.A.R.E. test again.

Your partner during the F.A.R.E. test will be an another applicant who has also booked the same appointment time as you. You each pay for your own F.A.R.E. tests separately. The cost is $150.00.

The evaluators will take into consideration your partner’s abilities. The timed circuit is the only part of the testing completed with a partner, and lasts approximately 15 minutes. If the impact is significant, the evaluators will ask you to stay longer and they will pair you with another applicant scheduled next to perform the circuit test only.

There are two evaluators present during the F.A.R.E. test to ensure each applicant is actively monitored for safety by observing their heart rate, biomechanics and overall performance.

Lifemark requires a credit card at the time of booking as the test is paid for by the applicant. By providing your credit card number you are committing to attending the appointment as scheduled.

Your credit card will be charged within 24 to 48 hours of the appointment booking. You will receive a receipt via email.

Yes. For the test you will be partnered with another applicant, therefore, it is important to attend your appointment as it has an impact on another applicant, as well as the evaluator. Our cancellation/no-show policy is:

  • No cancellation fees will apply with two full business days' notice (i.e. appointment is on a Thursday, cancellation must be received by the end of the day on Monday to avoid a cancellation fee).
  • A cancellation with one to two business days' notice will result in a 50% cancellation fee.
  • Any cancellation less than one business day or a no-show will result in a 100% cancellation fee.

Please contact Lifemark at 1-800-665-9947 or email [email protected]. One of the evaluators will respond within 24 hours.

Downloads

Paramedics / EMS
Functional Abilities Recruitment Evaluation (F.A.R.E.) Testing Protocol

Important F.A.R.E. downloads

Consent to participate and waiver of liability
Candidate confirmation and information letter
Par-Q