What Does a Firefighter Do?

Firefighters are the people who respond to fires and other emergencies such as chemical spills or traffic accidents. They are highly trained in many areas, including first aid and rescue operations. They work as part of a team, under tight deadlines and in stressful situations. Firefighters must be strong physically and mentally. Their job requires them to inspect equipment, prepare for emergencies and train constantly to keep their skills sharp.

A typical firefighter salary is about $50,000, with the top ten percent earning more than $78,000 per year. To qualify for a position, a candidate must pass a written examination and oral interview, and undergo a physical exam and background investigation. Firefighters may work as volunteer or paid staff for city, county, state, federal or military fire departments.

Most people think of firefighters as people who put out fires, but that is only a small part of the job. The modern firefighter has become a Swiss Army Knife, responding to all types of emergencies and offering valuable support to the community.

Responding to medical emergencies: Firefighters are often the first responders to accidents and disasters, providing basic life support until advanced medical personnel arrive. They assess the situation and transport patients to appropriate facilities. Firefighters are also equipped to respond to incidents involving hazardous materials, such as chemical spills or leaks, and implement decontamination procedures to protect the public.

Hazardous materials incidents: As a member of a hazardous materials unit, firefighters are specially trained to control and clean up oil or chemical spills and other toxic waste. This work can be dangerous, and it is essential to maintain a high level of awareness in the presence of chemicals, gasses and other toxins.

Fire safety: Firefighters inspect buildings and other structures to ensure they are safe and that proper fire prevention measures have been taken. They may also provide education on fire safety and prevention to members of the public.

Other duties: Firefighters complete reports on each call they respond to. This information can be helpful for investigations, litigation or training programs. For example, a report on a fire might include information such as the size of the fire, its cause and the potential danger to residents in nearby buildings.

Firefighters are on call 24 hours a day and spend most of their off-duty time at the station. During this time, they perform equipment inspections and practice drills, eat and sleep at the station, and prepare for a possible emergency response. Typically, a firefighter has to work 48 hours on and 48 hours off to receive overtime pay. However, some stations allow them to work 24 hours on and 72 hours off. Some firefighters are in unions, which may set specific rules for their schedules. Those who choose this career should be aware that the stresses of this job can lead to psychological problems. For example, a study by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation found that firefighters are three times more likely to commit suicide than other professions. This can be attributed to the mental stress of the job, as well as the social stigma attached to the profession and the risk of injury or death on duty.