Firefighters

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Duties

Among the many duties of a firefighter is:

• Respond to disasters.
• Drive emergency vehicles such as firetrucks and ambulances.
• Water hoses, fire extinguishers, and water pumps can be used to put out flames.
• Find and rescue people trapped in burning buildings or other emergencies.
• Care for those who are ill or injured.
• Compile detailed reports on all emergency situations.
• Equipment upkeep and cleaning.
• Perform and engage in emergency medical scenarios drills pertaining to rescue techniques, equipment utilization, and care of casualties.

Firefighters are tasked with a variety of tasks while reacting to a fire, including hooking up hoses to hydrants, running the pumps that supply water to the hoses, and clearing obstructions with ladders and other tools. To put out flames, rescue anyone trapped inside, and provide medical attention as necessary, firefighters must enter burning structures.

In a number of scenarios, firefighters give medical care. According to the National Fire Protection Association, medical crises are the most common reason for calling in the fire department's response. Firefighters also react to requests for disaster help, search-and-rescue operations, and traffic accidents, among other things.

Some firefighters have further training in hazardous materials (hazmat) units, which include oil spills, chemical mishaps, and other potentially dangerous chemicals. In these situations, they collaborate with experts in the disposal of dangerous items.

There are a number of tasks that firemen engage in while they're not on the scene of a crisis. They must, for example, keep themselves physically healthy. Firefighters who are on call at a station perform routine inspections and exercises to keep their equipment in top condition. Because their shifts typically run 24 hours, they also dine and sleep at the station. To raise awareness about fire safety, some firefighters give talks to the general public, such as at schools.

Firefighters that specialize in fighting forest fires are called wildland firefighters. To cut off the supply of fuel to a fire, wildland firefighters commonly lay down fire lines, which are essentially swaths of chopped-down trees and dug-up grass. Prescribed fires are often used to dispose of hazardous materials in a controlled manner. Smoke jumpers, a special type of wildland firefighter, use a parachute to land in places that are otherwise unreachable.

Education

A high school diploma or its equivalent is often necessary for entry-level employment as a fireman. To become an EMT, you'll need some post-secondary training in assessing patients' health, dealing with trauma, and removing obstructions from airways. Each city and state have its own set of qualifications for becoming an EMT.

Training

Fire academies sponsored by the fire department, or the state provide a few months of training for aspiring entry-level firefighters. Firefighting and fire prevention methods, as well as emergency medical procedures, are all taught to new recruits. Axes, chain saws and fire extinguishers are among the tools they learn to use to combat fires. It is common practice for newly graduated firemen to serve a one-year probationary term after graduating from an academy.

Apprenticeship programs lasting up to four years are available to anyone interested in becoming wildland firefighters. On-the-job training with seasoned firefighters is a key component of these programs.

As well as engaging in local or state fire department and agency training programs, some firefighters attend federal National Fire Academy training sessions. Anti-arson methods, emergency preparedness and hazardous materials control are just some of the subjects covered in these seminars.

Registration, Licenses, and Certifications

Depending on the state or region, different credentials may be needed. For further information, contact your local state licensing agency or fire department.

Some firefighters, such as emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics, are required to hold particular credentials. Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics who have finished a formal curriculum and passed the national test are recognized by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). In a separate profile, you may learn more about EMTs and paramedics.

The qualifications must be kept up to date via continuing education.

A commercial driver's license (CDL) or driver's license with a firefighter endorsement may be necessary for certain firemen to operate a firetruck in their jurisdiction.

Experimentation with Alternatives

Volunteering as a fireman may help you land a job as a full-time firefighter.

Advancement

Engineers can advance to lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, assistant chief, deputy chief, and chief through a series of promotions. A bachelor's degree in fire science, public administration, or a similar discipline is typically required for advancement beyond battalion chief in many fire departments. After earning enough expertise as a fireman, some become fire investigators or inspectors.

Qualities that are critical to success

The ability to communicate. As a fireman, you must be able to communicate with fellow firefighters and emergency responders about the situation at hand.

Compassion. EMTs and paramedics, as well as firefighters, are called upon to give emotional support to persons in distress.

The ability to make sound decisions. Firefighters must be able to make difficult decisions rapidly, often in life-or-death circumstances.

Mentally prepare yourself for the situation. Firefighters must be able to deal with the stress of their employment, which may entail entering a burning structure or addressing medical issues.

Stamina of the body. Rescue and treatment of casualties may necessitate firefighters being on the site for extended periods of time.

Strength of body. At a disaster scene, firefighters need to be able to lift and move heavy equipment and debris. They can also transport those who are unable to walk.

Pay

In May 2020, the typical yearly salary for firemen was $52,500. If half of the people in a profession make more than the median wage, and half earn less, we say that the median wage is too high or too low. Between the bottom 10% and the top 10% of earners, there was a wide disparity in income.

Job Projections

Firefighters' employment is expected to rise by 8% between 2020 and 2030, on par with the average for all occupations.