Fire Fighter

Firefighters carry out firefighting and fire prevention activities, and assist in other emergencies. They are employed by municipal, provincial and federal governments and by large industrial establishments that have internal firefighting services. Firefighting involves hazardous conditions and long, irregular hours.

Because fighting fires is dangerous and complex, it requires organization and teamwork. At every emergency scene, firefighters perform specific duties assigned by a superior officer. At fires, they connect hose lines to hydrants, operate a pump to send water to high-pressure hoses, and position ladders to enable them to deliver water to the fire. They also rescue victims and provide emergency medical attention as needed, ventilate smoke-filled areas, and attempt to salvage the contents of buildings. Their duties may change several times while the company is in action. Sometimes they remain at the site of a disaster for days at a time, rescuing trapped survivors and assisting with medical treatment. Firefighters have assumed a range of responsibilities, including emergency medical services.

About 9 out of 10 firefighting workers are employed by municipal or county fire departments.

Those with a passion and affinity for emergency response teams and firefighting in particular perform some or all of the following duties:

• Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents, bomb threats and other emergencies
• Rescue victims from burning buildings and accident sites
• Control and extinguish fires using manual and power equipment, such as axes, water hoses, aerial ladders and hydraulic equipment and various firefighting chemicals
• Administer first aid and other assistance
• Ensure proper operation and maintenance of firefighting equipment
• Inform and educate the public on fire prevention
• Train to maintain high level of physical fitness
• Assist the public, the police and emergency organizations during times of major disasters
• May participate as members of a trauma or emergency response team and provide paramedical aid to accident victims or ill persons
• May supervise and co-ordinate the work of other firefighters.

Due to the recent focus on the occupational nature of this role (fires in California, 9/11 and others) it has taken on a true `heroic', serving quality - lots of candidates find that rewarding in itself. Increased awareness of the value of emergency response teams who function, communicate and are available, trained and responsive has given impetus to this field and more growth and opportunity is expected to arise in the foreseeable future.

Applicants for municipal firefighting jobs generally must pass written, physical, and medical examinations. Keen competition for jobs is and can be expected.

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Completion of secondary school is usually required. Completion of a college program in fire protection technology or a related field may be required. Firefighting and emergency medical care training courses are provided and vary in length depending on the requirements of different fire departments or services. An apprenticeship-training program for firefighters and voluntary trade certification might also be available in your local area. Experience as a volunteer firefighter may be an advantage. Physical agility, strength, fitness and vision requirements must be met. Several years of experience are required for senior firefighters, such as lieutenants and captains and progression to senior positions, such as fire chief, is possible with additional training and several years of experience.

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