Fires and other emergencies take a number of lives and destroy billions of dollars property every year. The work of a fire fighter is to protect the public against these hazards by way of responding to fire and various other emergencies. Apart from putting out fires, fire fighters are first emergency personnel at the situation of medical emergency or traffic accident. Sometimes, they can be summoned to treat injuries and execute other various functions.
Job Prospect
A fire fighter ought to be prepared with the intention of responding to a fire or other emergencies. They have to ready during their duty hours as mishaps may take place at any time. Fire fighters work with an organization. They have to work in a team and organize things properly as dealing with a fire or other emergencies is dangerous and complex.
A superior officer assigns special duties to fire fighters in order to perform various emergency tasks at the scene. At fires, fire fighters connect hose lines to hydrants and activate a pump with regard to send water to high pressure hoses. Some of the fire fighters climb ladders, carry hoses, and get into burning buildings using careful and systematic procedures respond to fires.
Sometimes, fire fighters may need to use various tools such as an ax in order to make a safe way through walls, debris, and doors. At times, they follow information about a floor plan of a building to get into safely. Fire fighters help occupants to rescue safely from the building. Their work is also to provide ventilate smoke filled areas, emergency medical attention, and try to save to contents of buildings.
A fire fighter has to carry out various duties while their presence at the scene. The duties of fire fighters may change various times while the organization in action. At times, they stay at the disaster side for days salvaging trapped survivors and helping them with medical treatment.
A fire fighter has to work in various settings encompassing rural areas with forests and grassland, metropolitan areas, chemical plants, airports, and other industrial sites. They also provide survivors various other services, for example, emergency medical services. Additionally, some of the fire fighters work in dangerous materials units, which are specially trained for the prevention, control, and cleanup of dangerous materials such as accidents concerning to the transport of chemicals or oil spills.
Some of the workers specialize in forest fire wherein different equipment and methods are utilized. In national parks and forests, prevention specialists and forest fire inspectors spot fire from watch towers. Subsequently, these workers report the fires to the concerned headquarter by means of radio or telephone.
Forest rangers may patrol to make sure that, campers and travelers follow fire rules and regulations. The most effectual mean of fighting a forest fire is to create fire lines, digging out grass, cutting down trees, and other flammable in the way of fire to remove it of fuel. Fire fighters use smoke jumpers parachute from airplane to get at the inaccessible areas. This method, however, can be highly risky and dangerous.
Work Environment
Fire fighters have to spend ample amount of time at fire stations. These stations are similar to dormitories. Fire fighters have to respond when an alarm sounds. They reach the accidental or emergency place regardless of the hour and weather. The occupation of fire fighting involves the hazard of injury and sometimes death from walls toppling, floors caving in, and exposure to smoke and flames.
Fire fighters may encounter flammable, poisonous, or explosive chemicals and gases. They may come into contact with radioactive materials that may have long term or immediate effects on their health. In order to avoid these dangers, they should wear protective gear, which may be very hot and heavy. Fire fighters work longer hours that include forty hours a week. Sometimes, they have to work more than forty hours. In some of the agencies, fire fighters are on duty for twenty-four hours. Fire captains and fire lieutenants work the same hours.
Training and Educational Qualification
Candidates who would like to get into this field need to have completed at least a high school diploma. However, candidates who have obtained high education after a high school diploma are preferred. Many municipal jobs require candidates to pass written exam and physical tests. Candidates who are selected will receive special training.
Candidates who have completed community college courses or an associate degree in subjects such as fire science may get a good position in this area. There are many universities and colleges offering courses, which lead to two-year or four-year degrees in fire science or fire engineering. In large fire departments, entry-level workers are given extensive training for several weeks. These new workers are given thorough understanding of fire prevention, fighting techniques, local building codes, hazardous materials control, and emergency medical procedures comprising of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid.
Entry-level workers are taught how to use chain saws, axes, ladders, fire extinguishers, and other rescue and fire fighting equipment. Upon completion of this training, candidates are placed to a fire company where they need to undergo a probation period. Some of the fire departments offer recognized apprenticeship programs that last up to four years.
The syllabus of these programs is well designed and modified with the intention of providing quality education. These programs incorporate a fine blending of formal instruction and on-the-job training. Candidates are given training under the close direction of experienced fire fighters.