What it takes--Preparing for a Career in Firefighting

What we do:

Control and extinguish municipal fires, protect life and property and conduct rescue efforts.  We also write reports, inspect properties for fire safety, educate the public on how to stay safe, and train on the newest techniques relating to fire safety and prevention.

On the job, you would:

  • Rescue victims from burning buildings and accident sites.
  • Search burning buildings to locate fire victims.
  • Administer first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation to injured persons.
  • Visit with school children and business owners to teach fire safety.

To enjoy a successful career in the fire service, you may find it helpful to have the following:

Knowledge

  • At least a high school diploma; some suggest having an associate’s degree in a related field or military experience;
  • Mechanical skills or physics;
  • Knowledge of life sciences (most firefighters are also Emergency Medical Technicians);
  • Map reading skills.
  • Computer skills.

Skills 

  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
  • Looking for ways to help people.
  • Problem solving.
  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.

Abilities

You should be able to:

  • Exercise for a long time without getting out of breath.
  • Pay attention to something without being distracted.
  • Work in close association with others for long periods of time.
  • Work as a strong team player.
  • Multi-task.
  • Communicate well with others.

Personality

  • Dependability—being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
  • Cooperation—being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
  • Integrity—being honest and ethical.
  • Stress Tolerance—accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Take the next step!

  • Graduate high school or obtain your GED.
  • Explore Fire Science, Emergency Medical Technician or related programs at a two-year or four-year institution.
  • Become involved in your community.
  • Visit a fire station.

For more information, visit:

My Next Move: Municipal Firefighter:  http://www.mynextmove.org/profile/summary/33-2011.01 and http://www.mynextmove.org/profile/ext/online/33-2011.01
U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics:  Firefighter: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos329.htm

 

Created on Mar 16, 2011 – Author: ElizabethD