How to Become a Firefighter

Firefighters put their lives on the line for people and property every day. They often work long shifts and may spend significant time away from their families, but they find meaning in their work by helping to prevent or respond to emergencies and disasters. They must be strong-minded and courageous, physically fit and able to make quick decisions under pressure. To become a firefighter, you must pass a written exam and undergo physical training. You must also have good health and a clean criminal record. Most firefighters receive post-secondary education through a vocational school, college or firefighting academy.

A Firefighter performs a variety of duties related to emergency operations including fire suppression, rescue and medical care. Other duties include: maintaining a fire department facility, inspecting and maintaining assigned equipment, performing administrative functions and communicating with dispatchers and other crew members through radio. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter, with a great work ethic, passion for the job and a desire to continually learn and improve. Firefighters that don’t have these traits quickly fall behind and create a safety risk for themselves and their co-workers.

In order to perform the job, a firefighter must be flexible and willing to sleep wherever necessary, work any shift or weather conditions, function under stress, have few, if any pet peeves, be willing to help anyone at anytime and do whatever is asked of them on the fire ground and in the firehouse. They must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and through radio, console distraught patients and family members, instruct children in fire prevention and CPR, inform business owners of codes and regulations, train new firefighters, and educate the general public as to what their tax dollars support and the role they play in the community.

The firefighter must be capable of prolonged use of strength in moving heavy objects at an emergency scene and must possess the ability to stay on a scene for extended periods of time under stressful circumstances. They must also be able to think on their feet and make decisions under pressure, such as when deciding what equipment to take to a disaster scene or how to proceed in an unfamiliar situation.

The physical demands of the firefighter’s job are substantial and can be extremely hazardous to their health. They must be capable of navigating stairs, ladders and ramps in full gear while carrying heavy equipment or lifting and moving victims. They must be able to endure high temperatures and continuous strenuous activity for long periods of time. They must also be able to handle exposure to smoke, toxic substances and fumes.