RT-130 / Arduous Pack Testing (25-001)

RT-130 Annual Wildland Fire Safety Refresher & Pack Test

Dates:       18 May 2025  8:00 am - 5:00 pm ET

                  30 May 2025  8:00 am - 5:00 pm ET

Location:  Pleasant Gap Fire Department (PGFD)

                  475 Robinson Ln, Pleasant Gap PA 16823

Cost:         $110 - Lunch Included

Description:

The RT-130 Annual Wildland Fire Safety Refresher is a required course designed for all personnel engaged in wildland firefighting operations. This course reinforces critical fireline safety principles, reviews current issues and lessons learned from recent fire seasons, and updates participants on changes to policy, procedures, and operational practices.

The training includes a combination of classroom instruction, interactive discussions, and scenario-based exercises focused on:

• Fireline safety fundamentals (e.g., LCES, Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, Safety Zones)

• Recent wildland fire case studies and entrapment events

• Updates on Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG) revisions and agency policy changes

• Lessons learned regarding situational awareness, decision-making, and human factors

• Fire shelter deployment practice and refresher

• Personal responsibility for fireline safety and crew cohesion

Upon completion, participants will have met the annual requirements necessary to maintain their qualifications for wildland fire assignments, in accordance with National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) standards.

This program will also included the opportunity to take an annual Work Capacity Test (Pack Test.) 

The Arduous Pack Test is a required physical fitness assessment for individuals performing wildland firefighting duties under United States Forest Service (USFS) and National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) standards. It measures the ability to perform arduous duty tasks, including extended hiking, carrying loads, and operating in rugged environments under physical stress.

Participants must complete a 3-mile hike carrying a 45-pound pack in 45 minutes or less without running or jogging. This test simulates the physical demands of wildland firefighting and ensures personnel are prepared to meet the challenges of field assignments safely and effectively.

Important Notes:

• Participants must bring their own 45-pound pack or use one provided at the site (if available). Packs will be weighed pre and post testing.

• Participants may wear work out clothing. Greens and Yellows or line boots are not required. 

• Participants must complete a health screening questionnaire before beginning.

• Hydration and pacing are critical—prepare accordingly.

Completion of the Arduous Pack Test is required annually to maintain red card (Incident Qualification Card) certification for roles designated as requiring arduous duty fitness levels.

Upon successful completion of the course the candidate will receive: 

1. A S-130 Field Day Certificate.

2. Annual Work Capacity Completion Certificate.

​Meals: Lunch will be provided as part of the course tuition. Be sure to ACCURATELY fill out the nutrition preferences & allergies section on the course registration.

COURSE POLICIES

Registration Policy

Payment in full is required to reserve your spot in the course. Tuition is non-transferable and is payable by check, credit card, PayPal or money order. Tuition covers class materials, course equipment, and certificate or certification cards. Sergeant Rescue is not obligated to allow any student to attend a course until the required payment and course registration materials are received and approved by Sergeant Rescue Training & Consulting staff. Attendance for the entire course is required for NREMT refresher credit. 

Cancelation, Withdraw & Refund Policy

If a student cancels or withdrawals from a course:

- If greater than or equal to 45 days prior to the starting date of the course, Sergeant Rescue will retain

  a $35.00 administrative fee.

- If equal to or less that 45 days prior to the starting date of the course, tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable.

- Participants that cancel or withdraw from a course are still responsible for cancelation fees even if payment has not been sent or processed. (Applies if you cancel within 45 days of a course.)

A full refund will be given if we need to cancel the course for any reason.

Late Payment Policy

Participants that register and choose pay via company check or personal check must submit payment in a timely manner. Payment is due no later than 10 days after your registrations is submitted. If payment is not post marked prior to this date a late fee will be assessed. Late fees will either be invoiced separately or added to any outstanding balance.
- Initial late fee is $25.00
- An additional fee of $15.00 per day will also be assessed if payment is delayed past 14 days from registration and will be retroactive to the date of registration.

SRTC Student Agreement
(Including Assumption of Risks and Agreement of Release of Indemnity)

A SRTC Student Agreement will be signed prior to your successful completion of registration. Please sign it and read it carefully as it pertains to your legal rights. If you are a minor, a parent or guardian must sign the document as well. Without a signed document, you cannot participate in the course. SRTC participants, including minors, will have unsupervised free time throughout the course. Any activities during the free time are not part of the SRTC program and are at the sole risk of the participant.