The Firehouse S&C Treadmill Test
VO2 Max Calculator

Treadmill VO₂max Calculator







What VO₂max Measures

VO₂max (maximal oxygen uptake) is the maximum rate at which your body can use oxygen during intense exercise.
In the fire service, it directly impacts:

  • Recovery between calls and reps

  • Stamina during long-duration incidents

  • Cardiovascular resilience under load

You’ve just taken a solid step toward better conditioning
and fireground readiness.


Based on your treadmill test, your estimated VO₂max gives you a snapshot of your aerobic capacity—the foundation for endurance, recovery, and work output under pressure.

VO₂MAX STANDARDS

Use the toggle below to view standards for firefighters with or without disqualifying medical conditions.

NO MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Applies to healthy firefighters with no disqualifying medical conditions. Based on NFPA 1582 percentile standards.

Age Group Sex 50th %ile
(METs)		 35th %ile
(METs)		 NFPA Action
20–29Male13.712.4≥ 50% = Unrestricted
35–49% = Training Only
<35% = Restriction + Training
30–39Male12.111.0
40–49Male10.89.9
50–59Male9.38.4
60–69Male8.17.3
20–29Female10.79.6≥ 50% = Unrestricted
35–49% = Training Only
<35% = Restriction + Training
30–39Female8.67.8
40–49Female7.66.9
50–59Female6.76.1
60–69Female5.75.3

Source: NFPA 1582 (2023 TIA 23-2), Tables 8.2.2.3(a) & 8.2.2.4(a)

Medical Conditions That Trigger the 50th Percentile Standard

Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes (especially if insulin-treated), uncontrolled diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, or disorders of the thyroid, adrenal, pituitary, or parathyroid glands.
Cardiovascular Conditions
Coronary artery disease, history of heart attack, angina, stent or bypass surgery, heart failure, arrhythmias, valve disorders, aortic aneurysm, carotid stenosis, or peripheral vascular disease.
Pulmonary / Respiratory Conditions
Asthma, tracheostomy, sleep apnea, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary embolism, sarcoidosis, chronic bronchitis, pleural effusion, or other impairments that restrict breathing or ventilation.
Musculoskeletal & Neurologic Disorders
Scoliosis > 40°, spinal fusion, history of multiple orthopedic surgeries, seizure disorders, ataxia, balance issues, stroke recovery, or neurological deficits affecting coordination or motor control.
Infectious, Tumor, or Medication-Related Risks
Active or symptomatic HIV, hepatitis, or other infectious diseases; benign or malignant tumors that affect function; use of sedatives, anticoagulants, narcotics, or history of rhabdomyolysis or heat illness.
Source: NFPA 1582 (2023 TIA 23-2), Tables 9.6 – 9.8 | Firefighter Medical Clearance Standards