Fire fighters are trained to save lives and property in that order. These vital operators show up at fire scenes to stop its spread and put it off within the shortest time possible. Many youth choose fire fighting as a career due to the emotional satisfaction associated with saving lives and property. However, many aspiring youths still wonder how to become a firefighter. This guide provides useful information about the firefighting career.
Qualifications
Prospective fire fighters are required to have a high school diploma or general education diploma (GED) before pursuing a fire fighting course. Firefighting training is mostly offered in fire academies or probation schools and lasts 18-20 weeks. Applicants should also have attained 18 years of age. Some states also set a maximum age of between 28 and 35 years. However, aspirants aged below 18 years can request to serve as junior firefighters for a limited time.
Although maximum age cap differs from one state to the other, all fire academies require applicants to have a valid driving license. Records of prior criminal convictions also lead to automatic disqualification. Considering the sensitive nature of the career, applicants must have excellent hearing and vision senses.
Fire Fighter Training
Fire fighting training is a full time engagement during which students receive instruction in fire science. Topics covered include fire investigation, emergency medical procedures, managing hazardous materials, and inspection of smoke detectors.
Training also covers the use of equipment such as ladders, hose pipes, fire extinguishers, and chain saws. Students learn rescue procedures theoretically and through simulation. During field practical sessions, students maneuver through obstacles to test their agility. They are also presented with challenging situations such as crawl spaces and high rises. By the time they graduate, the students are equipped with disaster preparedness skills and how to train the public about fire fighting.
Examination
Students must pass a written examination for them to qualify to serve as fire fighters. Examinations test a wide variety of aspects related to fire fighting such as logic, observation, spatial awareness, mechanical reasoning, memory, and reading comprehension. Additionally, job applicants in the field are tested for physical stamina and must also pass a medical examination.
Improving Employability
Getting involved in community activities can greatly improve employability as a fire fighter. Students should also consider volunteering at local fire fighting centers alongside their career search. With the high competition in the field, keeping a clean credit score and maintaining respectable social accounts gives applicants a competitive edge. Finally, furthering education in the field is a great way of rising up the fire fighting career ladder.
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