Applicants must be intelligent, physically fit, and able to withstand a high level of stress in order to become a firefighter. Firefighters must be capable of performing a wide range of tasks, including putting out fires, rescuing people, and educating the public about fire safety. Training often necessitates some level of education, with an emphasis on physical and mental preparation for dealing with the stress of putting out fires. Not everyone is cut out to be a firefighter, but those who are up for the challenge can look forward to a rewarding career in which the public has traditionally held them in high regard.
Requirements in General
The requirements for becoming a firefighter vary by country and region, but the majority of them are universal. Depending on the fire department, a prospective firefighter must be at least 17 or 18 years old to apply. Some departments require applicants to be at least 21 years old and no more than 29 years old. In the United States, all applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalency, though some fire departments require an associate’s degree or a few college credits in specific subjects.
Physical Constraints
Applicants for the position of firefighter must be physically fit and have excellent vision and hearing. Each applicant must, in general, undergo a medical examination by a doctor who has been approved by the fire department. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. In most cases, they must also pass a criminal background check.
Requirements for Education
Some people choose to attend a college or university that offers degrees in fire science or fire engineering in order to become a firefighter, though this is not always required. Most states, on the other hand, provide extensive firefighting training to all firefighter applicants, regardless of prior education. Students must pass a written test and a physical stamina test after completing their training. An applicant has a better chance of being selected as a firefighter if he or she performs well on each exam.
Psychological Factors to Consider
If someone wants to be a firefighter, they must be able to deal with stress effectively. Firefighters respond calmly to emergencies and maintain focus and concentration even when under duress. Those who have a fear of heights or panic easily should not apply to be a firefighter.
Training on the Job
Firefighter trainees are frequently required to fight controlled fires during field training in order to learn a variety of methods for putting them out. Some students receive on-the-job training at the fire station, where they work alongside professionals. Trainees are prepared to handle a variety of emergencies they may encounter once hired through a combination of classroom training and hands-on experience.
Opportunities for Firefighters in the Future
When a person chooses to work as a firefighter, he or she can expect excellent health benefits, a retirement pension after about 20 years of service, and job security. Because fire departments rarely lay off employees, firefighters have a high level of job security. Firefighters can advance within the organization as they gain experience and education, often becoming a fire inspector, investigator, or fire chief.