How to Become a Firefighter

Firefighters put out fires, save lives and property, and rescue people from danger. They also help investigate suspicious fires, train others on safety and emergency procedures, and perform community outreach. A career as a firefighter requires specialized training in the use of tools and equipment, as well as physical fitness and emotional resilience. Firefighters work long shifts and are often on call at all times, which can interfere with personal and family life. They must be able to cope with stress, high levels of adrenaline and the risk of injury and death in hazardous situations.

To become a firefighter, you must complete a fire academy program, which usually includes classroom study and hands-on practical skills acquisition. During the academy, you learn to operate various pieces of firefighting equipment and how to respond to emergency calls. You also undergo extensive physical training, such as climbing ladders and using axes, battering rams and other hand tools. Applicants who do not have the strength and stamina required by this physically demanding job will not graduate from the academy.

As a firefighter, you may be called to respond to many different types of emergencies, including structural and brush fires, auto accidents and other disasters. You must be able to evaluate a situation quickly and decide on the best course of action. You may have to break windows, doors or roofs of a structure to gain entry for rescue operations. You also might be needed to clear blocked roadways or waterways, extinguish chemical spills or free trapped victims from unsafe conditions.

When responding to a fire or other crisis, firefighters must be able to communicate quickly with each other and other emergency response personnel via radio. They must also be able to follow detailed written and verbal instructions in order to properly handle an incident, particularly when working with other agencies such as police or ambulance crews.

Firefighters are responsible for inspecting their vehicles, equipment and living quarters to ensure that they are ready for service. They also participate in regular drills and physical fitness training. Since they must live together in a tight-knit group while on duty, firefighters develop strong social skills and the ability to interact with all kinds of people in stressful situations.

Many firefighters are full-time career professionals, but some departments are staffed by volunteers who donate their time. Regardless of how they are paid, firefighters must adhere to a strict daily routine that involves checking and cleaning their living quarters, trucks and equipment, and talking with community groups about fire prevention.

As a firefighter, you might be called to deal with traumatic events and critical incidents, which can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression or burnout. You must be able to deal with these stresses by using relaxation techniques and seeking psychological support. Additionally, you must be able to tolerate loud noises, smoky and dusty conditions and intense physical activity while wearing heavy gear. This can affect your health and cause fatigue, so it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle as a firefighter.