Firefighter job description

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The job of firefighter is essential in protecting communities from disasters caused by fire, floods, plane crashes, terrorist attacks and other dangers, as well as attending at road accidents to release trapped motorists or deal with hazardous substances. The fire service works in tandem with the police and local communities and the ambulance service to minimise risks, increase safety awareness and enforce legal standards of protection in all commercial premises. Lectures at schools and community organisations, practice drills, exercises and ongoing training in new technology are all part of the job. Typically, highly trained firefighters often put their own lives in danger to protect the public
Firefighters work on a shift pattern, maintaining coverage 24/7. Training is given in first aid, as well as in orientation in the district to minimise arrival time after an emergency call. Quick thinking and immediate reaction to changing circumstances are essential tools and maintaining a high level of fitness is also essential. Technical knowledge of the equipment used is given in initial training, and is updated regularly. No formal educational qualification is required at entry level, with physical attributes and personal qualities the most important aspects. Successful applicants may be encouraged to study for certification in vocational fire safety degree courses.
Salaries for trainees start at £21,000, rising to £28,000 on full competence, with station managers earning up to £40,000.

Description

Firefighters are required to deal with different type of emergencies, mainly fire cases. Among their duties they need to prevent incidents, by rescuing people and animals from disasters such as fires, floods, or terrorist attacks, and dealing with chemical emergencies related to dangerous substances. They work for local fire services, British Airports Authority, and Defence Fire Service.

Firefighters usually perform many of the following tasks:
• Advising how to prevent fire cases to people or organisations.
• Rescuing injured people.
• Cleaning up chemicals substances.
• Putting out fires in buildings.
• Checking that safety regulations are met in houses and work places.

Skills

• Having good problem solving abilities.
• Being able to follow instructions.
• Being resilient.
• Having strong self discipline.
• Being able to work with a team.
• Having competent physical fitness.
• Having interpersonal abilities.
• Being assertive in cases of troublemakers.
• Being able to work under extreme situations such as heights and confined spaces.
• Having good writing abilities for reports.

Education

There are no specific qualifications to be a Firefighter. Applicants need to pass written entrance tests related to situational awareness, problem solving, and math, and medical and physical tests. Only some services allow contact lenses or spectacles, so a general recommendation is to have good eyesight and normal colour vision for application process.

Some services offer apprenticeships and advanced apprenticeship with an employer, but it is not the general case for all services. Some training programs last between 12 and 20 weeks depending on fire service, including practice and theory courses.

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