Think you know about the role of firefighters? Think again . . .
Firefighting involves much more than putting out fires – we play a crucial role in the following.
Response
- Helping people involved in road traffic collisions.
- Supporting the ambulance service with medical emergencies.
- Rescuing people from fast flowing water and protecting properties from flood damage.
- Rescuing people from height and confined spaces.
- Providing specialist animal rescue services.
Prevention
- Educating young drivers to prevent accidents and injuries.
- Keeping our communities safe from fire and other dangers with Safe & Well visits.
- Educating children in fire, road and water safety through school visits and community events.
- Saving lives though mentoring young people in our arson prevention programme.
Protection
- Making people safer in their places of work by advising business owners on fire safety regulations.
- Making buildings safer where people work, live and carry out leisure activities.
Have you got what it takes?
The role of a firefighter is very rewarding and it requires determination, motivation and a genuine desire to serve the community. Successful candidates will become part of a well-trained workforce, gaining skills such as team working, first aid, driving qualifications and health & safety knowledge.
These are some of the areas where we need our firefighters to show they have what it takes:
- Ethical behaviours – demonstrating behaviours in line with the Service’s Code of Ethics.
- Mobility – sprinting, running, jogging, walking, climbing stairs and ladders, crawling, jumping etc.
- Strength – lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling of weights, objects and equipment ranging from 5kg to 40kg.
- Handling pressure – dealing with traumatised victims and/or others, e.g. relatives and members of the public, making critical decisions quickly.
- Claustrophobia and vertigo – ability to wear breathing apparatus and climb/work with ladders.
- Environmental factors – such as fire compartment temperatures above 100°C, elevated temperatures (30°C – 100°C), sub-zero temperatures, dust, overcrowding, open spaces, height, enclosed spaces, total and partial darkness, working in and around water, hazardous substances, smoke, high humidity.
- Communication – collating and passing accurate information; addressing colleagues, managers, members of the public etc.
- Acceptable hearing, eyesight and other medical requirements.
Some of these are tested in a specific way during the application process, others are measured as new recruits settle into their development training. Follow the links to find more information about fitness, eyesight and medical requirements, and the practical assessment day.
Please click here for further information about the Firefighter Development programme.