What Does it Take to Be a Firefighter?

Firefighters are men and women who work for a local fire department to protect property and lives from fire, hazardous materials incidents and medical emergencies. The job requires emergency response, disaster prevention, fire code enforcement, community education and fire safety inspections. Career firefighters work 24 hours on, 48 hours off and are compensated well with competitive wages and benefits.

Firefighting is a physically demanding and emotionally challenging occupation that requires physical training, exposure to traumatic events and critical incidents, and often long periods of time away from family and friends. It also demands a strong mental and physical strength, as well as the ability to work in extreme temperatures and with heavy equipment. Those who do not have the requisite skill, strength or stamina are generally not able to complete firefighter academy programs.

The minimum qualifications for becoming a firefighter are a high school diploma, good health and a clean criminal record. Those who wish to advance in the field may need additional education, such as an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in fire science, emergency medicine, public safety or related fields. In addition to a background check, firefighters must pass a physical exam and drug screening.

When firefighters receive an emergency call, they wear their personal protective equipment (PPE) and rush to the scene. They must quickly assess the situation and determine what actions to take. They must be able to make decisions under pressure and have excellent communication skills.

At the scene of an incident, firefighters help to manage the site and ensure that bystanders stay clear of dangerous areas and materials. They also work with law enforcement and other HAZMAT professionals to clean up chemical spills, explosions or other accidents. Firefighters are often responsible for educating the public about fire safety during community events and educational programs.

In addition to fighting fires, firefighters respond to natural disasters such as wildfires, floods and tornadoes, and to chemical or biological emergencies such as toxic waste leaks and oil spills. They are even called on to assist with traffic collisions and crime scenes when needed.

While some firefighters are volunteer firefighters, most work for government or private fire service agencies. Most fire departments are separated into companies, or platoons, based on their function and led by a chief officer. These platoons are further divided into shifts, which usually run for 24 hours on and 48 hours off. A typical day starts with roll call, and then firefighters go through a series of exercises and drills. These can include stair climb, hose drag, equipment carry, ladder raise and extension, forcible entry, search, rescue and ceiling breach. The work can be very physically demanding and includes a great deal of climbing, stretching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling, crawling, lifting, carrying, using heavy machinery, working in heated environments and on wet surfaces. Many firefighters have complained of chronic injuries ranging from repetitive motions to back problems, which can also be caused by the strenuous nature of their work.