It’s not all about putting out fires!
As a firefighter, you’ll tackle various emergency situations including tackling fires and rescuing people from burning buildings to dealing with chemical spillages and Road Traffic Collisions (RTCs). Your problem solving skills and initiative are vital in resolving issues quickly and calmly in these situations.
In these situations, understandable members of the public can become distressed and confused, and a sensitive and empathetic approach is needed. Today’s firefighters also works closely with their local communities to increase levels of awareness that ultimately aim to help prevent incidents from occurring in the first place.
Being able to communicate effectively to schools, community groups, voluntary organisations and others is important, as is treating people with dignity and respect regardless of their background or culture.
The Attributes Required
There are certain personal attributes you will need to fulfil within your role as a firefighter. These include confidence, resilience, adaptability, ability to communicate effectively, integrity and have a commitment to diversity.
The role of the firefighter is continually changing as new techniques and equipment are introduced. As well as responding to emergencies, you will also be expected to work closely with the community.
Additional roles of a firefighter are:
- To prevent fire and accidents from occurring in the first place
- Educating the community by visiting schools, community centres and people in their own homes
- Advising people about planning escape routes within their own homes in case of a fire
- Actively seeking to understand and to value diverse individuals and groups.
Training and Development
As a firefighter you will be expected to undertake a continuous training programme by attending lectures, exercises, practical training sessions and other forms of training to maintain competence levels.
You will be expected to take responsibility for developing your own skills and ensuring that your fitness levels are maintained as the work can be demanding, both physically and mentally.
How Do I Join The Fire and Rescue Service
Well – it isn’t easy! Many serving firefighters have spent months and years preparing themselves prior to application. If you’re prepared to work hard and be patient – you most definitely have a chance.
First of all you should visit the UK fire service website read the pages within their comprehensive recruitment section. This information should cover the most basic questions, such as “how do I get an application form” or “how do i apply”.
Next, if you’ve decided a career as a firefighter is for you, you will need to find out if, and when your local fire and rescue service are recruiting. This is also covered on UK fire service recruitment pages. If you are applying to join the retained service then a trip to your local fire station should be your first port of call.
Once you have your application form, refer to the UK fire service recruitment pages again to assist in completing it.
To be successful you need to be well informed and prepared. If you have put the work in, it is more likely that you will be rewarded with the offer of a place on a recruitment course. Some fire and rescue services only recruit every couple of years – so this could be your only attempt for a while.
We work with you to nurture your education and training. You just need to choose the Fire & Rescue Service.
