Firefighters control and put out fires, as well as rescuing people, property, and animals from dangerous situation such as floods, fires, and car accidents. To be a firefighter you’ll need a high level of physical fitness and good communication skills. You’ll often be working outdoors and to a shift pattern.
What is needed to become a firefighter?
You must have passed matric, be physically and mentally fit – there are various evaluations you will have to pass. Driving licence – code 10 with PrDP. You can’t be claustrophobic (fear of enclosed spaces) and acrophobic (fear of heights). A high level of discipline and the ability to work in a team are advantageous.
Is it worth being a firefighter?
Conclusion. Firefighting is an incredibly rewarding job that’s truly worth it if you’re willing to put in the time and effort. Though you will have to give up some much-valued time with your friends and family and put yourself at risk in dangerous situations, being a firefighter has plenty of benefits.
What disqualifies you from being a firefighter?
Firefighters must also demonstrate responsibility and reliability. Therefore, firefighters can be disqualified for conditions that impair their physical performance as well as for physically or morally harmful behavior. This behavior includes drug abuse, criminal activity and even repeated traffic violations.
Is being a firefighter a hard job?
Becoming a firefighter is no easy task. It requires hard work, long hours of training, dedication and a sincere desire to help others. The firefighting career field is very competitive, too. You’ll be up against hundreds, possibly thousands of applicants depending on the department.
How much do firefighters get paid?
Income and employment prospects
Firefighters’ pay varies with experience, responsibilities and performance. New firefighters usually earn about $43,000 a year. Firefighters with more than two years’ experience can earn from $52,000 to $61,000. Senior station officers can earn from $62,000 to $77,000 per year.
What do firefighters do all day?
Throughout the day, Firefighters will respond to many different calls for service. Those calls may include structural fires, technical rescues, medical emergencies and hazardous material spills. … Some of the other daily activities may include pre-fire planning, hydrant maintenance and child safety seat installations.
Do firefighters sleep at work?
Firefighters do (sometimes) sleep at the station or firehouse. Stations usually are equipped with sleeping quarters, but depending on how busy the firefighters are, they may not have time to sleep while on duty.
Do police or firefighters make more money?
The BLS May 2019 salary data showed an average police officer wage of $67,600, with most wages ranging from $36,960 to $105,230. The BLS data listed a lower $54,650 average firefighter salary in the U.S. with most making between $25,550 and $90,020.
Do firefighters make good money?
Firefighting can be a tough job, and in many areas, they are compensated well for the work they do. In some of these areas, as we saw, firefighters can indeed earn over 100k per year. However, depending on the cost of living, that amount of money may not go as far as you would think.
Can you have tattoos as a firefighter?
Yes, firefighters can have tattoos, but depending on your department rules you may have to keep them covered while on duty. … While some are tolerant of body art, others are far more strict about firefighters covering up.
Do firefighters take a polygraph?
As most fire departments are trying to recruit and maintain the best candidates for their department, they have adopted the firefighter polygraph as one of several tools to weed out unwanted candidates. If you were asked to take such a polygraph, this might be your first one.
What is the physical exam for firefighters?
The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is the recognized standard for measuring an individual’s ability to handle the physical demands of being a firefighter. The timed test measures how candidates handle eight separate events, all designed to mirror tasks on the job.
Why is it so hard to get hired as a firefighter?
California is one of the more difficult states to become a firefighter. This is because it is a desirable area to live in and has higher than the average pay for firefighters, in many areas. As discussed above, this added competition for jobs means that it may take longer than average to get hired.
Where is it easiest to become a firefighter?
5 best states for career firefighters
- Hawaii. Number of registered fire departments: 11. Percentage of career departments: 90.9 percent.
- Florida. Number of registered fire departments: 477. …
- Massachusetts. Number of registered fire departments: 362. …
- Arizona. Number of registered fire departments: 249. …
- California.
What is the fastest way to become a firefighter?
If you want to learn how to become a fireman, the fastest way to really learn about the job is to speak with a local firefighter. All firefighters undergo post-secondary school training, either in a technical school, college, or firefighting academy.