HomeBecoming a firefighter is a challenging and competitive job today. A firefighter's main duty is being scheduled according to the fighting and extinguishment of fires which definitely requires being a strong man, both mentally and physically. The duty of a fireman involves protection of life and property of the public. They are the servicemen who are decisively selected by the city manager or by an organization to handle situations like fire. The duty of a fireman intentionally comprises of helping innocent people in their time of need. Such type of jobs is one of those few jobs where service is provided to people when they need help immediately. This may include rescuing people from a building at fire, providing them medical facilities, extinguishing fires in a residence or in a large commercial building. Serving people is the main intention of these professionals. The kind of satisfaction which a fireman gets from this type of job cannot be compared to any other profession in the world.
Such profession demands top level commitment and professionalism from those who have chosen it as a career. Fireman should possess utmost level of courage and patience to put their lives in danger for the sake of others. They undergo lessons of maintaining patience for long hours and go through complete preparation to become successful and well-organized professional fireman. There are certain tests that are recommended before becoming a fireman. They are theoretical and physical exams, health check up, drug screening, background inquiry, psychological exams, polygraph, oral interview and Certified First Responder with Defibrillation (CFR-D).
Requirements for becoming a Fireman :
1. Minimum age must be 21 years with a high school diploma or common equivalency diploma such as GED.
2. They should be a citizen of the country
3. Should have good and strong physique
4. Should possess valid motor vehicle driver's license
It's not that easy to become a firefighter nowadays. A fireman is supposed to deal with unexpected situations and so they should have good communication skills and be self-disciplined at the same time.
Training includes :
They must undergo rigorous local fire department's training program after qualifying all the tests. All the municipal fire departments conclude a two- to four-month course including classroom training and practical training covering fire-fighting techniques, fire avoidance, dangerous materials and urgent situation medical actions. Completing this firefighting, trainees go through the Department's trial period of service that can last from three to six months, depending on the methods of selection.
Types of work :
The workings of firemen at an airport are different from working of firemen for municipalities depending upon the organization they are employed in. Firemen who are engaged at airport service are employed by the Airports Company whose work extends beyond the boundary of the airport. For this reason, the airport fireman also works at road accidents and buildings surrounded by their chosen area. Firemen usually work both indoors as well as outdoors. They have to be on duty at all times and mostly work in shifts of at least 8 hours. They are also provided with several benefits which include medicinal aid plan, pension fund, annual leave and many more.
About the Author:
Nick Redding is author of Become a fireman