A firefighter career is one that involves providing protection to citizens by responding to calls to handle fire or other emergencies. Firefighters are trained in different life-saving techniques and first aid. Firefighters are expected to be mentally alert, disciplined and courageous and be able to work under extreme pressure. They must act swiftly and with good judgment. Physical qualities of a firefighter include strength, agility and endurance.
Adventurous young boys and girls wanting to build a career as a firefighter must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma from an accredited academic institution. The candidates who have completed community college courses in fire science or have earned a degree in this field are also accepted by fire departments. Many colleges and universities offer such training and award two- and four-year degrees in fire science. If you are an aspiring candidate, then you will also have to pass a rigorous test of stamina and physical strength and a drug test.
You have to keep your physical condition in top form as the fire-fighting exam is very demanding. You can also train yourself in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other emergency medical procedures.
The state or local fire department will provide you with all the information required to take the firefighting examination after you complete their training program. Typically, the training program that lasts for two to four months has both classroom and practical sessions. The topics handled during such training programs include firefighting techniques, prevention of fire, handling of hazardous materials and emergency medical care.
Traditionally, firefighters are called in when a fire breaks out. However, they are also trained to handle many other emergency situations. Fires are classified as house fires or wilderness fires. These fires have to be handled differently. As wild fires can change direction quickly, they are more difficult to contain.
The firefighters are generally organized under different commanding officers and perform different specific tasks. Tillers steer fire truck ladders, hose operators connect hoses to fire hydrants and pump operators ensure that water is pumped. Generally, fire stations and firefighters work under a city government. However, fire stations that operate under a private company are also present.
As a firefighter, your primary duty is to safely handle fire and save a person in danger or trapped inside a building. Secondly, you must put out the fire so that it causes only minimal damage to the infrastructure and persons involved.
Firefighters are sworn officers and their command structure is similar to that of military and police, but they do not have general police powers. When it comes to handling emergency situations, they have specific powers for enforcement and control.
In the U. S., the color of the helmet used by the firefighter denotes his/her rank. While chief officers use white helmets, red helmets are used by company officers. The meaning of the color of the helmet varies from region to region. The rank of an officer in the US fire service is represented by the number of speaking bugles starting with one for the lieutenant to five for the fire chief.
Firefighters are called everyday to handle different kinds of crisis. They handle emergencies well as their goal is to serve and to protect.
