• Firefighter Job Description

    A firefighter is a person whose occupation is to control and put out fires. Their job involves controlling and extinguishing fires, rescuing persons endangered by fires, offering medical aid to the injured, investigating the sources of fires, and teaching the community and local schools about fire prevention and safety.

    A firefighter should be good at organizing and communicating, and able to relate to persons of all races, creeds, cultures and varying personalities. They should be quick, strong, energetic, careful, courageous, and determined to work under difficult and stressful situations associated with fire disasters.

  • What does a Firefighter do?

    Firefighters may do some or all of the following:

    • operate and maintain hose lines, fire extinguishers and other fire equipment and apparatuses
    • put out fires to prevent fire damage and protect life and properties
    • carry out search and rescue operations at the scene of a fire or other disasters
    • offer medical aid to the injured
    • investigate the causes of fires
    • give fire prevention and safety advice
    • install fire protection systems in buildings
  • Where does a Firefighter work?
  • Working Conditions

    Firefighters usually work shifts including nights, weekends and public holidays. They may work in environments that are unsafe and contains poisonous smokes and fumes.

    Firefighters are required to wear personal protective equipment to protect themselves against burns. Their job may require them to bend, kneel, stoop, climb and stand for long periods, as well as to lift, lower, push, pull, and manipulate heavy objects.

  • What is Required to Become a Firefighter ?

    There are no formal educational requirements to become a firefighter. You will be required to pass physical fitness and medical tests to be employed as a firefighter.

  • Modules
  • Specializations
  • Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

    Firefighters need to have:

    • patience
    • adaptability
    • empathy
    • courage
    • carefulness
    • physical fitness
    • mechanical aptitude
    • integrity and reliability
    • confidence and resilience
    • self-motivation
    • good hearing and eyesight
    • good hand-eye coordination
    • good judgment and decision making skills
    • organizational skills
    • analytical and problem solving skills
    • the ability to resist stress and work well under pressure
    • the ability to work well in a team
    • the ability to follow instructions carefully
    • the ability to concentrate for long periods
    • the ability to communicate effectively
    • knowledge of types of fire and firefighting methods
    • knowledge of firefighting equipment operations
    • knowledge of first aid
    • knowledge of fire protection systems

References

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