The Job of a Firefighter

Firefighters are first responders who use firefighting and rescue skills to control and extinguish a variety of emergency situations including structural fires, automobile accidents, life-threatening medical emergencies and hazardous material incidents. They are often required to work outside of their comfort zone and have a unique ability to think on their feet and solve complex problems in high-pressure situations. Those who serve as firefighters must constantly train to stay on top of their game, as they are called upon to respond to calls for service at all hours of the day and night.

Many firefighters are also trained as emergency medical technicians and often take part in rescue efforts, such as breaking windows to gain entry to a building in order to free trapped persons. They are often required to perform heavy lifting and carry patients in a hurry, which can be physically taxing. The job of a firefighter is very diverse and encompasses a broad range of tasks that vary according to location, type of emergency and season.

For example, in the United States, firefighting duties differ by state and region. Firefighters typically need to meet basic requirements, such as corrected 20/20 eyesight, a high school diploma and a clean criminal record. Most candidates enter a fire academy to be trained, and those who pass the academy usually advance through rank as they gain experience in the field. The ranks of a firefighter can range from engineer to lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, deputy fire chief or fire chief. Some firefighters choose to pursue education to become firefighters who are specialized in specific fields such as fire prevention or fire investigation.

On the fireground, firefighters must immediately evaluate each situation upon arrival to determine the safest course of action to follow in dealing with the emergency. This may involve assessing property damage, the likelihood of the emergency spreading, rescuing trapped victims, removing hazardous materials and so on. Firefighters are also responsible for coordinating with other fire departments and emergency response services such as police and ambulance services.

When not at an emergency scene, firefighters spend time training and maintaining their equipment at the fire station. In addition, they must be expert at getting themselves dressed, out the door and into their emergency vehicles quickly when a call comes in, even during the night.

The rewards of being a firefighter are great and include a good salary and benefits package, as well as opportunities to advance within the career. However, the risks to one’s physical and mental health are significant. Some firefighters quit the profession due to the stresses and strains of the job, while others find ways to manage the risk and continue to serve their communities. As wildland firefighters across the American West struggle to fill positions, it becomes clear that their fight is a national issue. In the past, federal policymakers have shown little interest in addressing the issue of the low wages paid to firefighters, who work in dangerous conditions and face serious dangers on the job.