How to Become a Firefighter

Firefighters are trained to extinguish fires, rescue victims, and prevent them from spreading. They also work in conjunction with other emergency response agencies. Their duties include preparing detailed reports on emergencies and educating the public about fire safety. In addition, firefighters are often called in to respond to medical emergencies.

Most firefighters are employed by municipal and federal fire departments. Some specialize in responding to specific disasters. The length of time it takes to become a firefighter depends on the type of educational program you choose. It can take anywhere from a few months to several years.

If you want to pursue a career as a firefighter, you should have good physical fitness and strong communication skills. You should also be prepared to do a variety of tasks, including heavy lifting, running, and working in adverse conditions. Regardless of your level of training, you will need to learn how to analyze the fire scene and to use effective firefighting techniques.

Before you can join a fire department, you must have a high school diploma or GED. Besides that, you will need to pass the written, oral, and physical exams. There are some requirements that are specific to each province.

You will need to attend an apprenticeship program for up to four years. During that time, you will undergo classroom instruction and on-the-job training. As you progress through the program, you will learn about a variety of subjects, such as assessing fire scenes, operating pumps, and using voice radio equipment.

Firefighters typically respond to hazardous fires. These types of fires threaten life, property, and the environment. They also pose many hazards to firefighters. That is why they require thorough training. Not only do firefighters must know the right techniques, but they also need to be familiar with the regulations governing firefighting.

You can choose to become a volunteer firefighter, or you can choose to become a paid professional. If you decide to become a paid professional, you will need to apply to a vocational certification program and complete a training course. Many fire departments offer apprenticeship programs for new firefighters.

Firefighters must maintain their fire vehicles and tools. They must also keep their work areas clean and safe. They are also required to maintain two-way radio communications on all incidents. Also, all on-duty firefighters should wear a personal alert safety system device.

A firefighter may be required to work at an emergency scene for up to 24 hours. Typical shifts begin at 7:00 or 8:00 a.m. and finish around 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. Depending on the type of emergency, they may be required to stay at the site for several days.

Some jobs, such as those in a hospital, may require specialized medical training. Be sure to discuss the amount of hours you will need to work and the amount of compensation you can expect. Generally, firefighters can expect to earn around $45,196 a year. However, overtime and holiday pay can increase your salary.