Firefighters are in charge of putting out fires and responding to other types of emergencies. Many national and regional governments hire people for a variety of firefighter jobs, ranging from entry-level to upper management positions. The qualifications required for various firefighter jobs vary region; some firefighters work in entry-level positions, while others require a college diploma.
Firefighters who work as entry-level firefighters are taught how to use hoses, ladders, and other safety equipment. These individuals are responsible for attempting to rescue accident victims and removing safety hazards such as fires and chemical spills. Junior firefighters must pass a physical examination and a written exam, but many employers do not require applicants to have prior emergency service experience.
Engineers are frequently in charge of driving and operating fire engines and trucks. Some employers require job applicants to have completed college degrees in engineering or to be trained mechanics, so these individuals must have a broad understanding of mechanics. Engineers may be called upon to perform the same tasks as junior firefighters, but they are primarily concerned with ensuring that the firefighters’ equipment and vehicles are in good working order.
A fire crew usually has several levels of leadership, including lieutenants and captains. Individuals in these positions are in charge of commanding firefighters on the scene of an accident or other type of emergency. Large fire departments have several levels of command, so each officer may be assigned to one aspect of an emergency while the most senior officer oversees the entire operation. Some employers demand that officers have a bachelor’s degree in fire science or management.
A fire chief is usually in charge of a fire station. This person must have a college degree in management, business administration, or firefighter science, as well as several years of experience as a firefighting officer. In most cases, the chief does not participate actively in emergency response. Instead, the fire chief is in charge of the firehouse budget, as well as the hiring and training of new recruits. If the fire department’s and other emergency service providers’ responsibilities overlap, the fire chief may need to consult with other emergency service personnel managers.
Many fire departments have at least one paramedic on staff. This person has received some medical training, and paramedics frequently hold medical degrees. The paramedic treats the injured at the scene of an accident, and some fire departments even operate ambulances, in which case the paramedic accompanies the injured to the hospital. Paramedics, like engineers and some other firefighter jobs, are not usually called upon to put out fires or retrieve injured people from buildings or vehicles.