Charging into a burning building under a volley of falling debris may not seem like a sound career choice, but that frightening image doesn’t stop thousands of men and women across the globe from trying to become firefighters. Is a Career as a Firefighter Right for You?
Similar to becoming a doctor, soldier or even a priest, choosing to be a firefighter is a calling, and only the brave and chosen few will get to live out their dreams. If you think you have what it takes to make the cut and become a Firefighters, then check out my post on the 9 Must Do Items to become a firefighter.
Firefighters have always been inaccurately depicted as swashbuckling men who valiantly jump into flames to save damsels in distress. But firefighters do a lot more than just participating in heroic stunts – and not all of them are male, either.
The General Firefighter Job Description
Firefighters are typically divided into two: professional firefighters or those who work full-time and volunteer firefighters or those who are on call and generally work as a firefighter for free or for a small retirement pension.
Here are some of the expected responsibilities of a firefighter:
- Responding to emergency situations or incidents – these incidents may involve tackling fires, assisting the police and dealing with traffic accidents.
- Rescuing animals and people in emergency situations
- Inspecting and enforcing safety standards in buildings and businesses.
- Teaching proper use of firefighting equipment, such as fire extinguishers, to communities.
- Working with police and other government agencies, including ambulance personnel, during emergency situations.
- Educating communities to help prevent fire-related accidents from happening.
- Providing first aid if necessary or while waiting for the ambulance.
- Maintaining firefighting equipment, including, but not limited to, fire trucks, rescue equipment, water supplies and hydrants.
- Consistently participating in training drills to maintain proficiency in firefighting tactics.
- Staying physically fit in order to perform under the high stress and physical demands of being a firefighter.
While fire academies teach the fundamentals and technical skills of firefighting, “life as a rookie” is an area that is mostly overlooked. Three fire service veterans wrote The Station-Ready Rookie to help new firefighters know and understand what will be expected of them during their first assignment to a fire station and throughout their probationary period.
Essential Skill and Qualities for Firefighters
Since their job exposes them to high-pressure situations, all firefighters must be able to think and act quickly on their feet. But apart from that, a would-be firefighter should possess:
- Integrity – Firefighters are often thought of as local heroes; they must, therefore, be able to build trust in the community by having a solid reputation that’s founded on integrity and good values.
- Presence of mind – Firefighters must be fully aware of their situation at all times in order to come up with practical and easy solutions, especially since their decisions can mean the life or death of an individual.
- Fearlessness – This seems like an exaggeration, but firefighters will have to go through scenarios that most people are afraid of; whether it’s climbing tall ladders or getting caught in small spaces, these common phobias or fears are some of the things that firefighters have to conquer and face.
- Teamwork Skills– For firefighters, the ability to rely on and work well with each other is crucial to saving a life and getting the job done.
- Physical fitness – Rescuing others and yourself will be impossible if you don’t have a healthy body; this is why firefighters have some of the strictest requirements when it comes to physical endurance.
- Flexibility – As a firefighter, you must be able to adapt to any situation, especially since the circumstances of your work are often highly unpredictable.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills – Firefighters should be able to quickly assess a situation and make decisions in a split second.
- Communication Skills – When tackling fire or assisting in a road accident, firefighters should be able to communicate with ease to avoid further aggravating circumstances.
Firefighter Qualifications
Firefighters don’t have strict academic qualifications and you don’t need a college degree to apply; however, having some knowledge of health sciences and emergency services can help you get ahead. You’ll also most likely be asked to pass background security checks before you can begin work.
Meanwhile, the most basic qualifications to become a firefighter include having good unaided eyesight and hearing, as well as being 18 and above. Also, contrary to popular belief, there is no upper age limit or height restrictions for applicants. However, applicants do have to pass medical and physical exams prior to being considered.
Read my Article, “10 Requirements for Becoming a Firefighter” for more information on qualifications.
Firefighter Working Conditions and Work Hours
It’s easy to assume that a firefighter’s job involves nonstop action and excitement but, in reality, most department calls are for household emergencies that don’t necessarily involve putting out fires.
That doesn’t make their jobs any less challenging, though.
Most firefighters are required to take on 24-hour shifts while undergoing strenuous training to keep their skills in shape. They are also exposed to dangerous situations that can cause health issues later in life.
More on the different types of firefighter work schedules can be found by clicking here.
Starting Salary for Firefighters
The average starting salary for firefighters us currently, (2022), $51,878.00. The starting pay range is large for a firefighter, from $33,000 to $80,000.00, according to Indeed. While this may seem small compared to the value of saving people’s lives, most firefighters will tell you that the different their work makes is a reward in itself, which is why the vocation for them is priceless.
That said, with experience, their salary can increase greatly through promotions to officer positions and special certifications and duties such as a Paramedic, or driver/operator.
More on pay and benefits check out this article.
Increase Your Odds of Becoming a Firefighter
To increase your odds of getting hired, it’s important get experience and knowledge.
Start by volunteering at a local fire department. If there are no volunteer fire departments in your area then check in to a ride along program with firefighters in your area to get a taste of what it’s like to be in their shoes.
Work on and improve your physical fitness, even if you’re far from turning 18. Trust us: it’s easier to maintain healthy habits over time than try to switch lifestyles overnight. Preparation for the physical ability test is a must. The Candidate Physical Ability Test, CPAT, is the most common firefighter physical fitness testing process. Click here to read my article on the CPAT test and how to prepare for it.
Get as much medical training as you can, as this is something you’ll most likely be required to learn after you become a firefighter.
Develop Your Fire Service Career
There are many available opportunities for firefighters; some work their way up to become truck officers, while others become chief fire officers. What’s great about being a firefighter is that the opportunity for promotions, and learning new skills within the fire service are abundant. During your career you may want to be a part of a Federal or state Urban Search and Rescue Team, Airport Rescue Firefighter or a Hazardous Materials Response Team member.
It’s no question that a firefighter’s job is physically demanding It’s a role that requires a lot of discipline and hard work, but if you have a genuine desire to live a life that’s made to serve others, then you’re already one step there.
