Firefighter

Firefighter job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

The main duties of a full-time firefighter are to help protect the public in emergency situations. They respond to a wide variety of calls, such as car crashes, chemical spills, flooding, water rescue and general rescue as well as fires. With many fire crews being trained as first responders they can provide first aid until the arrival of ambulance personnel. In addition to attending emergency call outs and rescuing people and animals from life-threatening situations, the job entails:

• using sophisticated firefighting and rescue equipment
• promoting fire safety via talks, advice and training sessions
• enforcing safety standards in commercial and residential properties
• demonstrating the use of firefighting equipment
• working with police and ambulance service personnel
• undertaking physical and academic training
• checking and maintaining vehicles, equipment, hydrants and water supplies.

All staff wear uniforms, and 24-hour shift work is a standard requirement of the job. The work can be uncomfortable, stressful and dangerous but there is a great deal of job satisfaction to be gained from providing such a valuable service to the community.

There are two main divisions of firefighter: full-time professional firefighters and retained firefighters who are paid a retaining fee and a per-call fee.

Typical employers of firefighters

Firefighters are employed by:

• County council and metropolitan authority fire services
• Airports
• The armed forces
• A small number of industrial organisations.

Competition for entry is intense. A lengthy and rigorous selection procedure includes a range of written, psychometric and practical tests. Vacancies are advertised as they arise by individual services in local and regional newspapers. Specialist publications such as Fire and In Attendance contain details of opportunities for qualified and senior firefighters.

Qualifications and training required

Academic qualifications are not necessary for entry, although a number of degree subjects including physical, chemical and materials sciences or engineering may be helpful. Uniformed or fire service experience is also beneficial. Ongoing training is an essential part of the work - qualification involves 4-6 years of training and vocational experience, including an intensive 3-4 month induction course.

Key skills for firefighters

National minimum entrance requirements state that all candidates must have good unaided eyesight and hearing and be 18 or above. In addition, a medical examination and various physical fitness tests must be passed.