Firefighter
Firefighters are essential public safety professionals responsible for extinguishing fires, performing rescue operations, and providing emergency medical assistance. They work in various environments, including urban and rural settings, where they confront the dangers of burning structures and hazardous materials. Firefighters not only respond to emergencies but also engage in community outreach, promoting fire safety through education and inspections. Typically based at fire stations, they maintain their equipment and conduct training to be prepared for emergencies at any time.
The role requires physical strength and teamwork, as firefighters often collaborate closely with other emergency services. While a high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement, many firefighters pursue postsecondary education in fire science or emergency medical services to enhance their skills and career prospects. The job can be both exciting and challenging, with a median annual income of approximately $57,120. Firefighters play a crucial role in protecting lives and property, making their job vital to community safety and resilience.
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Subject Terms
Firefighter
Snapshot
- Career Cluster(s): Law, Public Safety & Security
- Interests: Working in dangerous situations, helping others
- Earnings (Yearly Median): $57,120 per year $27.46 per hour
- Employment & Outlook: 4% (As fast as average)
- Entry-Level Education Postsecondary nondegree award
- Related Work Experience None
- On-the-job-Training Long-term on-the-job training
Overview
Sphere of Work. Firefighters are public safety workers who extinguish structure, forest, and other fires. They also administer first aid to accident victims and conduct search-and-rescue operations. Firefighters are also responsible for creating and implementing public fire prevention campaigns and promoting safe practices for the home and workplace. Additionally, firefighters often conduct building inspections, enforce building and fire codes, and investigate alleged violations of those rules.
Work Environment. Firefighters are based in fire stations, where they store equipment and trucks, located in all types of municipalities. These stations are well organized and maintained so that when a call comes in, all of the necessary equipment is close at hand and fully operational. When the station receives a call, firefighters enter highly dangerous work environments, including burning and destabilized buildings and accident scenes. At such sites, they must wear heavy suits, boots, and helmets and carry heavy equipment. Frequently, firefighters visit schools and other public locations to promote fire safety.
Occupation Interest. Firefighters perform a wide range of duties, all of which center around saving lives. Firefighters enter burning buildings and accident scenes, risking their own lives and safety for others. As first responders, they are trained to treat victims on the scene; their quick work can make the difference between life and death. The job of a firefighter is exciting and challenging, with dangerous situations occurring regularly. Firefighters typically have excellent job benefits, including full insurance and a strong retirement plan.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Firefighters work in stations, where they organize and maintain trucks, hoses, rescue equipment, first aid kits, and outerwear so that the company can immediately depart when an alarm sounds. They also meet members of the public at the station, performing outreach activities such as installing child car seats and giving fire safety presentations. Fire stations are normally staffed around the clock by full-time firefighters whose shifts may last twenty-four hours or more. During their shifts, firefighters eat and sleep at the station when not performing training or maintenance duties.
When a call comes in, the dispatcher informs the firefighters of the address and nature of the emergency. The firefighters then suit up, gather the appropriate equipment, and take the necessary vehicles to the site. At the scene of a fire, firefighters work closely with their company mates. As a team, they coordinate various assignments, such as using hoses, breaking down walls, opening fire hydrants, operating rescue equipment, and administering first aid to victims. Upon returning to the station, firefighters complete reports on each incident and how the company responded. They restock supplies and make repairs to equipment as needed.
Some firefighters are also fire inspectors who investigate suspicious fires and enforce fire safety codes. These individuals enter buildings and assess whether sprinklers, fire escapes, fire alarms, and smoke detectors are installed and operating properly and according to code. Many others teach fire safety and prevention at schools and other venues. Some firefighters have specialized training in emergencies that require different approaches, such as toxic chemical spills, forest fires, and boat fires.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Firefighters work mostly in fire stations when they are not on a call. When a call comes in, they risk injury or death when putting out fires, rescuing and treating fire and traffic accident victims, and responding to other emergencies. Exposure to fire, smoke, hazardous materials, and structural collapse are a few of the dangers firefighters face.
Human Environment. The team dynamic is vitally important for firefighters; company members must work together extremely well. In addition to their fellows, firefighters must work with other emergency and public safety personnel, such as police, emergency medical technicians, and hospital staff. They must also work with the public, both victims and people seeking information.
Technological Environment. Firefighters use a variety of rescue and fire equipment in addition to fire engines and hoses, including fire extinguishers, oxygen tanks, and various hydraulic rescue tools for extricating victims from buildings and vehicles. Forest firefighters, meanwhile, use helicopters and all-terrain vehicles during the course of their work. Firefighters often use global positioning system (GPS) navigational aids and must be capable of using radio and computer systems as well.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. Aspiring firefighters are encouraged to take science and math courses in high school, which will help them understand fires and emergency equipment. They should also study English and other subjects that build communication skills. Finally, physical education courses are essential to building the strength and endurance firefighters need.
Postsecondary. Although it is not required, most firefighters take some courses at the postsecondary level. Many have associate’s degrees in fire science or related disciplines from community and junior colleges or four-year universities. Such degrees can help a firefighter become a fire specialist or gain a promotion. Many firefighters also have emergency medical technician training.
Related Occupations
− Emergency Medical Technician
Bibliography
"Firefighters." Occupational Outlook Handbook, Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 29 Aug. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/firefighters.htm. Accessed 6 Nov. 2024.
"Firefighter Career Information." National Fire Protection Association, 2024, www.nfpa.org/for-professionals/career-growth/firefighter. Accessed 6 Nov. 2024.
"What Does a Firefighter Do?" Career Explorer, www.careerexplorer.com/careers/firefighter/. Accessed 6 Nov. 2024.