How to Become a Firefighter

Firefighters are first responders who work to control and extinguish fires, rescue people from dangerous situations and provide emergency medical care. They also train, inspect and maintain fire fighting equipment. Male firefighters are often called firemen and females are known as firewomen. To become a firefighter, you typically need at least a high school diploma or GED certificate and training from a local fire academy. The specific qualifications for this career vary widely depending on the requirements of your state and fire agency.

Firefighting requires the ability to make quick and difficult decisions in stressful situations. This ability is especially important when deciding whether to enter burning buildings or other emergency situations that present dangerous circumstances. Physical stamina is also an asset, as firefighters frequently have to remain at disaster sites for long periods of time while rescuing or treating victims.

Some firefighters specialize in hazardous materials response, which involves the training to identify and safely handle various chemicals and other toxic substances. Others work in wildfire prevention, as well as providing public education on safety topics such as home fire safety and car seat safety. Depending on the area of specialization, these workers may be required to travel between sites or meet with community groups to educate citizens.

Many firefighters are members of the military, police force or other emergency services, but some are volunteers or are hired by private companies to fight wildfires. Private companies are often better able to compensate their employees than government agencies, which may have strict pay scales. Firefighters can also advance their careers by completing advanced training and earning college degrees in fire science, which improves their rank and salary.

A typical day for a firefighter includes routine maintenance and training at the fire station, as well as responding to emergencies. These can range from fires to chemical spills, structural collapses or floods. Firefighters must be prepared to work in adverse environments and to wear heavy protective gear for extended periods of time.

While popular dramas often depict firefighters rushing into burning buildings, the daily work of this career goes far beyond what is shown on television. Firefighters are also trained to respond to a wide variety of emergency situations that require medical attention, including drug overdoses and car accidents. Many firefighters are also EMTs, and they provide emergency medical treatment to patients at disaster sites or in hospitals.

To be a successful firefighter, you must enjoy working in teams and under pressure. You should also have good physical strength, as you must be strong enough to lift and carry heavy equipment and other objects at a disaster site. Finally, you should be able to stay calm and focused in stressful situations. If you’re interested in a career as a firefighter, consider taking our free career test to see if this is the right job for you.