Date: 8th January, 2020
Do you need a new challenge for 2020? Firefighters in Amesbury are giving you the chance to ‘have a go’ at becoming an on-call firefighter on Thursday 16th January. Fire crews will be at Amesbury Fire Station from 3pm-7:30pm to encourage local people to become on-call firefighters.
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service needs new on-call recruits to provide fire cover at locations across Wiltshire, but particularly in Amesbury. Contracted hours can vary, but on-call personnel usually make themselves available for between 40 and 120 hours per week. Between them, each fire station team will provide cover for weekdays, evenings, nights and weekends.
On-Call Support Officer Vicki Brewis, who is organising the event, said: “You could do something extraordinary every day by responding to your local fire station as an on-call firefighter. We’re looking for your help to keep your local community safe, if you’re interested come along to the station on the 16th to find out more. There will be opportunity to cut up a car, try on breathing apparatus, climb a ladder and do the national firefighter selection test for carrying equipment and chat with the crew. Please make sure you wear loose comfortable sports clothing with ankle socks – not trainer socks.”
She added: “On-call firefighters receive the same training and development as wholetime colleagues, and we can be called to all manner of emergencies, including fires, road traffic collisions, animal rescues and flooding. The pay does vary, depending on how much cover you give, but it is fantastically rewarding to be a part of your community and to be in a position to help people.”
In order to be on-call, you will need to be able to respond to your local fire station in around five minutes once your pager goes off. This can be from home or work, and employers can benefit from a firefighter’s training – such as first aid, manual handling, a greater understanding of health & safety in the workplace, and enhanced team spirit.
If you are interested in being an on-call firefighter but can’t attend this event, visit www.dwfire.org.uk/be-one-of-us
As well as being available to chat about being an on-call firefighter, they will also be offering fire safety advice and accepting requests for Safe & Well visits.