Firefighter
Firefighters are emergency response personnel that are often the first responders to the scene of a fire, accident, or medical emergency. In addition to fighting fires, he or she commonly treats injuries, secures accident scenes, and assists other emergency workers. When responding to fire emergencies, firefighters are responsible for driving vehicles, extinguishing the flames, ventilating smoke-filled areas, rescuing trapped victims, utilizing equipment to save or demolish buildings, and working together with crew members.
Other common duties for firefighters include: extracting accident victims from vehicles, planning the quickest route (and alternate routes when needed) to an emergency scene, operating pumps, operating generators, handling hoses, climbing ladders, and operating boom equipment.
Firefighters are required to have a high school diploma and complete a departmental training program. He or she must pass written, oral, and physical examinations (including personal fitness, general health evaluation, and drug screening). Applicants must pass a background check.
Certification as an emergency medical technician is also required. Entry-level applicants must pass firefighting skill tests, hazardous material handling tests, and basic rescue technique tests. Apprentice programs must be completed for those with less than four years of work experience. A Bachelor’s degree is typically required for supervisory positions. Firefighters are required to hold a commercial driver’s license as well.
Firefighters earn an average pay of about $18.50 per hour. Higher-ranking positions (such as fire chief or supervisor) have a typical average salary of about $58,900 per year.
