What Does it Take to Be a Firefighter?

Firefighters work to put out and prevent fires, provide emergency medical services, rescue people and animals from danger and protect property. They use a variety of tools and equipment, including ladders, fire hoses, chemical retardants and engines. They also undergo intensive classroom and hands-on practical training to learn the skills and knowledge necessary for their jobs. The job is physically demanding, requires long shifts and involves frequent exposure to dangerous situations. Firefighters are often revered in society for their bravery and selflessness.

The qualifications for a career as a firefighter vary widely, but the basic requirements are corrected 20/20 eyesight, a high school diploma and a clean criminal record. Some firefighters start as volunteers or in fire-fighting apprenticeship programs, which combine work with education and training. Others attend a fire academy, where they go through intense classroom learning, practical skills acquisition and physical training. The requirements for entrance into a fire academy are set by state or local governments and typically require applicants to pass written, physical and psychological exams.

In addition to their day-to-day firefighting duties, firefighters perform administrative functions such as maintaining logs, records and files. Some may also perform hazard assessments and conduct fire prevention activities, including inspecting buildings and hydrants. Others work on pre-emergency plans, give public talks and carry out other duties as assigned by their fire chiefs or managers.

To be successful in their careers, firefighters must be physically fit, with good eyesight and hearing and the ability to think quickly and make decisions under stress. They must be comfortable in hazardous and stressful environments, and they must have a strong desire to serve the community through emergency response and other important tasks. Firefighters must be able to work in teams, as their work is highly collaborative and fast-paced.

A firefighter’s duties are performed out of fire stations, which provide living quarters, training areas and administrative offices. The majority of the firefighters’ time is spent outside the station on emergency calls and performing a variety of firefighting and rescue tasks. Firefighters are often dispatched to a wide range of incidents, from structure fires and vehicle accidents to natural disasters, medical emergencies and chemical spills.

Firefighters are required to wear specialized uniforms, which are designed for quick removal and easy cleaning in order to get them into and out of the apparatus, as well as to keep them warm in cold environments or when working under water. They must also wear personal protective gear when responding to certain types of incidents, such as electrical fires or hazardous materials spills. Firefighters are expected to maintain their equipment in good working order and undergo regular inspections. Firefighters must also be knowledgeable of fire safety and prevention strategies, as well as be able to perform basic first aid when injured or sick.