What does a Firefighter do?
Published 4 min read
A firefighter is an important figure within the public health and safety industry. Firefighters combat and extinguish fires, often working in high-pressure circumstances. Providing fire prevention awareness to schools and local organizations is another layer of fighting fires that firefighters typically handle. Firefighters are trained first responders and are adept at handling minor medical care and emergency services.
Firefighter job duties include:
- Respond to fire alarms and investigate the cause of the fire
- Connect hoses to hydrants and operate pumps to direct water onto the fire
- Climb ladders and use other equipment to enter burning buildings
- Ventilate burning buildings by opening doors and windows
- Search burning buildings for people who may be trapped inside
- Attack the fire with water from hoses or chemical extinguishers
- Stand watch at the scene of a fire to prevent it from reigniting
- Overhaul burning buildings to ensure that the fire is completely out
- Help people who have been injured in a fire
Firefighter Job Requirements
A firefighter typically has a high school diploma, although some firefighters have an associate or bachelor's degree in fire science. Many firefighters are certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). Some firefighters have additional certifications, such as in hazardous materials handling or urban search and rescue. Firefighters must complete a fire academy training program. Some firefighters have previous experience as volunteer firefighters.
Firefighter Skills
- Fire suppression
- Fire prevention
- Emergency medical response
- Hazardous materials response
- Technical rescue
- Wildland firefighting
- Vehicle extrication
- Rope rescue
- Water rescue
- Trench rescue
- Building collapse rescue
- Confined space rescue
Related: Top Firefighter Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Firefighter
There are many reasons why people want to become firefighters. Some want to help their community, some want to feel the rush of adrenaline that comes with responding to an emergency, and some simply want to follow in the footsteps of family members or friends who are already firefighters. Whatever the reason, becoming a firefighter is a process that takes time, dedication, and hard work. Here are a few things you can do to increase your chances of becoming a firefighter:
1. Get a degree in fire science or a related field. While it is not required, having a formal education in fire science will give you a leg up on the competition when it comes time to apply for jobs.
2. Become certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Many firefighters also serve as EMTs, so having this certification will make you more attractive to potential employers.
3. Volunteer at your local fire department. This is a great way to get experience and show your commitment to becoming a firefighter.
4. Start working out and get in shape. Firefighters need to be physically fit in order to perform their duties effectively, so start working out now and get yourself into peak physical condition.
5. Study for and take the entrance exam for your local fire department. This is usually the final step in the process of becoming a firefighter, so make sure you study hard and score well on the exam.
Related: Firefighter Resume Example
Related: Firefighter Interview Questions (With Example Answers)