Fire fighter

Fire fighters possess great physical and mental abilities. They are instrumental in keeping public safe from potentially hazardous circumstances. The job of a fire fighter is quite tough as they often have to work for long and irregular hours. They are courageous professionals who put their lives at stake for the greater welfare of the public. Their primary role is to put out the fires and minimize the damages. In a world that is prone to frequent fire incidents, the role of firefighters become very crucial. They are summoned during emergency situations and to get injured people medical attention. It is their mental alertness and presence of mind that often sails them through worst of situations.

Firefighters are well trained professionals. There is no tough edibility criterion to become a firefighter. However, he must pass tests of strength, physical stamina, agility and medical examinations. A firefighter is expected to respond to fires and other similar emergencies like traffic accidents. They are trained in providing medical attention to those who need it. The strength of firefighter lies in his ability to respond to situations as fast as possible. Each firefighter performs a specific task as assigned by his superior. During an emergency fire situation, firefighters have to carry hoses and connecting them to fire hydrants. They also need to climb ladders and operate the pump to send out water. They enter burning buildings and structures and put down the fire. They look to find and rescue individuals trapped in the burning buildings. It is not easy to get through a blazing construction so they use tools like an ax to get through walls, doors, and debris. They try to salvage whatever contents are left and ventilate areas that are filled with smoke.

As far as education and training for firefighters is concerned, the most basic requirement is a high school diploma. However, in recent years the applicants are encouraged to complete some postsecondary education or even an associate degree in fire science. They are made to undergo mental and physical assessment. Firefighters are required to go through rigorous training schedule. Usually the training continues for many weeks at their fire department’s academy or training center. One can also find 4-year accredited apprenticeship programs offered by many fire departments. The specialty of these programs is combination of formal education with on the job training. The training is conducted by experienced supervisors.

If we talk about USA, quite a number of fire departments in large cities require firefighters to be certified as emergency medical technicians (EMTs) or paramedics. Employment is often provided by local authority’s fire and rescue services. But the preference is given to those who show remarkable resilience, stamina, adaptability and self-control. It is a high pressure job and that’s why emotional stability is very critical in this job. Career as a firefighter can be tough but satisfying considering they help in saving lives. The competition is intense though. With experience, one can make steady progress in this career.

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