FAST test, maybe we all have a problem?
 

Had my annual medical about 4 weeks ago. All the usual stuff required. Part of the questionnaire ask questions relating to alcohol use. 4 questions are asked of the candidate.


The FAST Test

1. How often do you have eight or more drinks on one occasion?
__ Never ***__ Less Than Monthly ***__ Monthly ***__ Weekly ***__ Daily or Almost Daily
2. How often during the last year have you been unable to remember what happened the night before because you had been drinking?
__ Never ***__ Less Than Monthly ***__ Monthly ***__ Weekly ***__ Daily or Almost Daily

3. How often during the last year have you failed to do what was normally expected of you because of your drinking?
__ Never ***__ Less Than Monthly ***__ Monthly ***__ Weekly ***__ Daily or Almost Daily

4. Has a relative or friend, a doctor or other health worker been concerned about your drinking or suggested you cut down?
__ No ***__ Yes, but not in the last year. ***__ Yes in the last year.

Scoring the FAST Test

Score questions 1, 2 and 3 as follows:
Never -- 0 points
Less than monthly -- 1 point
Monthly -- 2 points
Weekly -- 3 points
Daily or almost daily -- 4 points
Score question 4 as follows:

No -- 0 points
Yes, but not in the last year -- 2 points
Yes, in the last year -- 4 points
The maximum score is 16. A total score of 3 indicates hazardous drinking.

If a person answer "never" on the first question, he or she is not a hazardous drinker and the remaining questions are not necessary.

If a person answers "weekly" or "daily or almost daily" on the first question, he or she is considered a hazardous drinker and the rest of the questions are skipped.

If a person answers "monthly" or "less than monthly" to the first question, the other three questions are needed to complete the screening for hazardous behavior.

I answered "less than monthly" to the first 3 questions ( I was being honest..... Silly me), thus incurring a total score of 3.

I recently received a letter from CASA advising me that my score of 3 on the FAST test represents "potentially hazardous behavior" :=. I must now undertake a further blood test for Liver function, carbohydrates etc......All at my own cost.

I do not consider myself a problem drinker... ( maybe that's the problem?) Even as I filled out the questionnaire I knew I shouldn't have been so honest. I guess I just wanted to try it out, and now I know :ugh: Admit to having a few drinks less than once a month and you might be facing further examination from the regulator.

I'm inclined now to never again tell the bloody doctor anything....... Of course I know that is just how I feel at the moment being frustrated and angry.

Dogman


As an aside, a few weeks ago I was DAMP tested and passed not a worry...:D

That's just unbelievable! So they're basically saying if you drink socially or have a couple of beers in the evening then lie about it....or be tainted as a potential problem drinker and incur the extra charges on your medical from then on....I hope all the FOI/AWI fraternity submit to this as well??:ugh:

I scored 1

You must be a naughty boy :}

Interesting test though... :uhoh:

Question 4 is totally stupid and relies on input from individuals who may have had no health care training.

ie: My sister* may be a strict mung bean eating, non-smoking, tee-totaling, vegan type food nazi who is "concerned" that 1 stubby of lite beer is going to cause cancer, brain damage, liver failure and global warming. She might tell me this on a monthly basis.

I would thus be compelled to answer 4) with a "yes" and thus gain 4 points, requiring all sorts of BS and expense. :uhoh:

It's all bloody stupid and my DAME says so too.

* fictional character for illustrative purposes only.:ok:

Dogman, I can explain what has happened here...

They simply had your FAST test marked by the same incompete... ah, people who screw up Flight Crew Licencing exams on a regular basis. Perhaps you could pay an exhorbitant fee for them to correct their error. :D

And BTW, sorry to hear you had to learn the hard way. Never, NEVER tell the CAA (refer other thread for the missing "S") anything. Yes, an awesome culture to cultivate between pilots and the regulator - but you simply don't have a choice with the way they behave. :ouch:

Next thing you know, if you answer "monthly" to the question "how often do you watch TV shows featuring criminal activity" then you'll be on a watch list for your ASIC.

Isn't there a legal defence against being required to incriminate yourself? ... A defence which is designed specifically to stop fishing expedition witch hunts :hmm:

Australia...one minute so much going for it, the next pathetic...

...the land of bitch n' snitch...

Sorry you had to learn the hard way dogman...any medical issues discuss them with your non aviation GP first then figure out the best way to tackle it...not saying don't report it, just make sure you know what you are getting yourself in for..

I'm surprised it isn't a one word questionnaire, which simply says:

1. Are you under the age of thirty, and work as a pilot North of 20ºS ?

*** If "Yes" - then they can respond: We have identified "potentially hazardous behaviour", and require a blood test for Liver function, carbohydrates etc :rolleyes:

We just need to drink out of larger vessels like real men. :E


I know... I know... standard drinks.
The average 6 pack of beer will put you well and truly over their threshold.

What next! Maybe a test for 'problem gambling'...."your licence is hereby revoked as you have a predisposition for pushing/pulling wrong buttons/levers!"...."you can apply for a dispo if your initials are "JP" and you have proof that you own a casino...and give generous donations to any of the following political parties..LNP,ALP,LP!":ok:

2. How often during the last year do you wish you were unable to remember what happened the night before because you had been drinking?



1. How often do you have eight or more drinks on one occasion?
__ Never ***__ Less Than Monthly ***__ Monthly ***__ Weekly ***__ Daily or Almost Daily***_Never - but have 4 drinks on two occasions. (1st occasion is before half time...)


Maybe they are better questions?

:E

Treat CAA like mushrooms, feed them **** and keep them in the dark:ok:

Dogman, a mate of a mate answered honestly and is being monitored by CASA. Once word gets around about what he has gone through I doubt anybody will tell the truth to those questions which sort of defeats the purpose :ugh: He has lost a lot of weight though!

Jaba, did you really score 1? I reckon you scored # in the last week!

(# Can't have a joke anymore in this politically correct joint so will not joke about scores........sort of)

glekichi, I know some of your mates that would score ## :E

Hmmmm!

I never have more than one drink at a time.

Define "occassion" !!

Dr

"My name is Alistair, and I'm a hazardous drinker"

Same goes for the question "Do you ever fall asleep in front of the TV?" The fact that you have done 500 hours in the past 6 months. as indicated on the form, doesn't seem to suggest a cause and effect to CASA.

NO,NO,NO,NO,YES,NO,NO,NO,NO.
 

When I do my medical each year the answers never change.

Just answer NO to everything except the one about 20 min exercise. :suspect:

Because you wake up in the garden wrapped around a bush, holding a beer and a torch with flat batteries... :E
or Ayers Rock New Years... :mad:

Sounds like a cover story for "Can't remember...":ok: