What Does it Take to Be a Firefighter?

A firefighter is an emergency responder whose primary duties are to fight and extinguish fires, but who are also trained to perform rescue operations, provide medical assistance and educate the public on fire safety. Typically employed by local or state government organizations, firefighters are required to be at least 18 years old and pass a background check, drug test and physical examination before being hired. In addition to fighting fires, they are also called on to respond to a variety of other emergencies, including chemical spills, vehicle accidents, natural disasters and terrorist attacks.

The job requires a high level of physical strength and stamina, along with the ability to work well under pressure. It is not unusual for firefighters to remain at the scene of a major disaster such as a building fire for several days, rescuing individuals trapped inside, performing search and rescue, providing medical attention to injured people, ventilating smoke filled buildings and salvaging valuable property. In some cases, they are also required to operate heavy equipment such as pumps, ladders and hoses.

In addition to the physical demands, firefighters are required to wear a significant amount of personal protective equipment (PPE), which not only provides protection from injury and the elements but also imposes a substantial physiological burden on the body due to its weight, thermal properties, restrictive nature and metabolic demands. As a result, firefighters are susceptible to a number of serious health problems including but not limited to coronary heart disease, respiratory illness, and psychological stress.

Consequently, it is important that the profession seeks to address these issues in order to increase the health and safety of its members. A comprehensive training and fitness program that incorporates a healthy diet as well as regular physical assessments should be introduced to combat these problems. In addition, there is a need to encourage all firefighters to participate in risk-reduction activities such as regular cardiovascular exercise and weight management.

It is also vital that the fire service recognises the importance of providing all its personnel with sufficient rest time to enable them to perform at their best. A flexible working pattern, together with the introduction of regular day and night shifts, will help to reduce the workload and the risks associated with this demanding but rewarding career.

Finally, it is important that the fire service places greater emphasis on its role in the community, educating the public about how they can protect themselves from the dangers of fire and other emergencies, such as by carrying out home safety checks or by visiting schools to present about fire prevention. This will not only enhance the status of the fire service but will also increase its effectiveness in meeting its responsibilities. This is vital, given the many challenges that it faces in protecting society against unpredictable environmental factors as well as the growing threat of terrorism and other uncontrollable events.