Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Practice Test

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Prepare for the Candidate Physical Ability Test. Train with our CPAT flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Get ready to excel on your exam!

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True or False: A positive displacement pump is used to create a vacuum in modern fire apparatus.

  1. True

  2. False

  3. Only in older models

  4. Not applicable to fire apparatus

The correct answer is: True

A positive displacement pump is indeed used to create a vacuum in modern fire apparatus, which makes the statement true. These pumps work by trapping a fixed amount of fluid and then forcing it into the discharge pipe, effectively generating suction. This capability is essential for fire apparatus, particularly during operations that require the drawing of water from sources that may not be under pressure, such as drafting from a pond or a river. The use of a positive displacement pump allows firefighters to efficiently manage water supply situations, making it a crucial component of modern firefighting technology. While other types of pumps exist, they serve different purposes and have different operational characteristics, which is why the other options regarding older models and their applicability would not accurately describe the current status or usage of these pumps in fire operations.