Fire and rescue service

The fire and rescue service is responsible for emergency rescue in cases of transport-related or industrial accidents, bomb incidents and rail, road or air crashes. It is also responsible for enforcing fire safety standards in public and commercial buildings and for educating the public.

The job of a firefighter is very varied, you could be:

• rescuing people from traffic accidents or floods
• evacuating people trapped in lifts
• explaining to schoolchildren the risks of fireworks and playing with matches
• installing smoke alarms in elderly people’s homes.

There is no national fire service as such; each county council and metropolitan authority provides a fire service and is accountable to central government for its efficiency.

You don’t actually have to be a firefighter to work in the fire service. As with any other large organisation, there are a number of behind-the-scenes staff who are crucial to ensuring effective services for the public. Emergency response operators, administrators, communications managers, human resources staff and technicians are just a few of the job roles on offer.

There are also several front-line support roles that are vital to the work of the firefighting crew. These include radio operators, forensic scientists, health and safety advisers, photographers and scene of crime officers. Contact your local fire service for details of what is available in your area.

The skills you need for a career in the fire and rescue service

• Great communication and teamwork skills
• Caring and able to put people at ease
• Decisiveness, commitment and enthusiasm
• Composure when faced with a dangerous situation.

Fire service recruitment

Each fire service recruits independently and candidates should therefore contact the relevant personnel department directly. Entry requirements and recruitment methods vary but you should be 18 or above, have good eyesight and be physically fit. Candidates will usually need to pass a medical examination and general written and practical tests. There is also a height restriction.

The majority of entrants will start at the basic grade of firefighter regardless of qualifications, but the increasing complexity of modern techniques and equipment means that graduates are welcome. Multi-level entry is being implemented in some areas so that candidates can enter at a level that matches their experience and ability. Training is particularly important and fire services encourage their staff to study for membership of the Institute of Fire Engineers or to gain management qualifications.