KIDNEY PROBLEMS PROMPT STATE TO STOP NEW FIREFIGHTER EXAM
Boston Herald 11/24/1993

In the wake of reports that nine more candidates seeking jobs as firefighters have suffered kidney failure after the grueling new physical exam, state officials have placed a moratorium on administering the test pending a full review.

A 50-page study of the test, which was designed for use for the first time this year by the state Department of Personnel Administration, will be reviewed by a panel of doctors and consultants, according to the Boston Herald.

Robert Dumont, a DPA spokesman, reportedly said the panel of experts will meet Dec. 1 to discuss the exam.

The physical component counts for 60 percent of the test. The written portion is worth 40 percent of the total grade.

Candidates for the firefighting job are required to carry a 50-pound tank strapped to their backs while they perform other strenuous tasks during the test, which has six parts.

Those tasks include, but are not limited to, carrying heavy equipment up and down two flights of stairs in six trips, toting a fire hose through an obstacle course and dragging a 125-pound bag through a small, partially closed course while on their hands and knees.

It was unclear yesterday when the nine injured candidates were diagnosed with kidney problems. But they reportedly took exams to become firefighters in Malden, Worcester, Fall River and Quincy.

This group emerged after the DPA began to reevaluate the exam in response to kidney problems in three other candidates last month.

Dumont reportedly said about 2,100 people have taken the exam since it was first administered in September. Twelve candidates in all have come forward to complain of kidney problems.

One candidate, who reportedly took the test last month in Malden, said he and other candidates were denied drinking water during the 30-minute test.

He also said candidates were not given enough time to rest.

Jim Budreau, a Boston lawyer representing seven of the 12 injured candidates, was quoted by the Herald as saying the review was long overdue given the seriousness and frequency of problems.

"The fact that a total of 12 people have suffered kidney failure is evidence of the danger of this exam, and we shouldn't have had to wait until now for the exam to be reviewed," he said.