Firefighting is suitable for individuals committed to helping people. You must have the desire to serve your community. You must be physically fit to perform this role. Firefighters have to work closely as a team. Individuals with skills, background and experience can participate in fire service recruitment drive. Everyone who meets the eligibility criteria and is ready to face the challenges that come in the course of firefighting operations can apply for the post of a firefighter.
No Previous Training Required
The department does not require a person to have any previous firefighting training or skills to apply. All necessary training will be provided after you are selected for the job. At the same time, any training or working experience in the same or similar field improves your prospects of getting selected to this post. It is a physically demanding job so the applicant must have the required level of fitness and strength. You will be tested for problem solving skills. Your team and interpersonal skills will be tested. The tests will try to ascertain your psychological and physical capabilities. You must demonstrate a genuine desire to serve the community. When applying to a particular area of fire department, you have to relocate there after selection. You must be a citizen of this country or have permanent residency status.
The Firefighter Role
Most of the time, you will be called in fire related emergency situations. You have to take quick decisions, follow the laid down procedures, work with your team closely, save stranded people, and try to minimize property damage. You will participate in search and rescue operations. During the training, you will learn how to suppress different types of fires. The role of a firefighter is not limited to handling fire incidents only. Firefighters are also called for the road accident and other rescue situations. Senior firefighters have to analyze the cause of the fire and prepare the report.
Community Activities
Firefighters are involved in educating the people about fire safety standards and procedures. They have to inform the participants how to avoid fire risks and what to do if there is a fire. All preventive and preparedness procedures are explained through community resilience programs.
When firefighters are not active in an active situation, they have to perform certain activities at their fire service center. The works include maintenance of equipment, skills development, participating in evacuation drills, checking water supplies, inspecting the buildings, fire station maintenance and cleaning of fire service vehicles. Successful candidates selected for this job through fire service recruitment undergo a few weeks of intensive training. The training continues for next three years after selection as a firefighter. After getting the firefighter certification, there are more career progression opportunities not only in the fire department but in other fields as well.
