H3 EMS Academy

The H3 EMS Academy consists of 8-13 weeks of rigorous physical and mental training. It is designed to prepare and assess recruits for the high standards and expectations of a public service provider at the San Francisco Fire Department. Although each recruit’s experience will vary based on their prior knowledge, training, and experience, successful completion of the academy is dependent on many factors. The below are some things to help potential candidates prepare for the H3 EMS Academy. 

Sample weekly schedule*

* Academy schedules are subject to change and will include working nights, weekends, and/or holidays, similar to the requirements of the job. Candidates are advised not to schedule any commitments during their time in academy.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Study Hall Study Hall Study Hall Study Hall Testing
Warm Up & Knowledge Assessment Warm Up & Knowledge Assessment Warm Up & Knowledge Assessment Warm Up & Knowledge Assessment Testing
Physical Training Physical Training Physical Training Physical Training Testing
Uniform Inspection Uniform Inspection Uniform Inspection Uniform Inspection Testing
Didactic Instruction Didactic Instruction Didactic Instruction Didactic Instruction Testing
Knowledge Assessment Knowledge Assessment Knowledge Assessment Knowledge Assessment Testing
Didactic Instruction Didactic Instruction Didactic Instruction Didactic Instruction Testing
Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch
Knowledge Assessment Knowledge Assessment Knowledge Assessment Knowledge Assessment Testing
Psychomotor Skills / Scenario Drills Psychomotor Skills / Scenario Drills Psychomotor Skills / Scenario Drills Psychomotor Skills / Scenario Drills Testing
House Duties & Dismissal House Duties & Dismissal House Duties & Dismissal House Duties & Dismissal Testing
Study Hall Study Hall Study Hall Study Hall Testing

Sample physical training routine** 

Academy daily physical training routines can include various circuit workouts, cardio & strength training, running and endurance training, and stretching exercises. Below are sample physical training routines that are done each day.

CIRCUIT TRAINING

  • Tire Flips & Hammer Swings 
  • Team Squat & Shoulder Press with Backboard Bundles 
  • Up & Over 5 flights with Hose Bundles 
  • Ab Workout (Plank, V-Ups, Bicycle, Leg) 

CARDIO & STRENGTH

  • Farmer's Carry with 5-gallon Jugs 
  • Burpees 
  • Wall Ball Slams 
  • Assault Bike 

RUN

  • TOTAL: 4 miles 
  • 1-mile mark: Core Workout 
  • 2-mile mark: Short Sprint 
  • 3-mile mark: 49 push-ups, sit-ups, squats 
  • Last mile: Sprint 

** Academy daily physical training routines are subject to change. Candidates are advised to prepare for a rigorous physical training regime.  

Resources

United Fire Service Women (UFSW)

USFW offers free weekly workout sessions on Tuesdays from 10AM to 11AM at the Treasure Island Division of Training.

For more information, contact Stephani by text at 415-937-4904 to be added to the WhatsApp Group.

For more information, visit their website. 

San Francisco Asian Firefighter Association (AFA)

AFA offers free mock interviews and physical training sessions available. 

If interested, please reach out to (628) 233-0511. 

For more information, visit their website. 

San Francisco Black Firefighters Association (SFBFA)

For more information, visit their website. 

Los Bomberos de San Francisco

For more information, visit their socials page.  

SF Fire Ner Tamid Society

For more information, visit their socials page. 

San Francisco Public Safety Pride Alliance 

For more information, email them sfpopridealliance@gmail.com

SFFD Veterans Association

For more information, visit their website.