Firefighting and Emergency Workers (categorized as Firefighters) respond to a wide range of emergencies, including fires, medical calls, motor vehicle accidents, and hazardous material incidents. Their primary role is to protect life, property, and the environment by controlling and extinguishing fires and providing emergency medical assistance.
Typical Education
A postsecondary non-degree award (e.g., from a fire academy or community college) is the typical requirement, with long-term, intensive on-the-job training.
Salary Range in the United States
The median annual wage for Firefighters was $59,530 in May 2024. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $34,490, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $101,330.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Firefighters
Day in the Life
Watch what a typical 24-hour shift includes, from responding to emergency calls to training and station life.
How to Become a Firefighting and Emergency Worker
- Meet Prerequisites: Be at least 18 years old (some departments require 21), possess a valid driver's license, and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Complete Training and Certification: Complete a certified fire academy program and obtain an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic certification (often required).
- Pass Physical and Written Exams: Successfully complete a rigorous physical ability test (like the Candidate Physical Ability Test - CPAT) and a written civil service exam.
- Undergo Background and Psychological Screening: Pass comprehensive background checks, interviews, and psychological evaluations due to the sensitive nature of the work.
- Complete Probationary Period: After being hired, complete a lengthy probationary period (often a year) involving intense on-the-job training and evaluation.
Essential Skills
- Teamwork and Communication: Exceptional ability to work seamlessly as part of a close-knit crew under extreme stress, following orders, and communicating clearly (often non-verbally).
- Physical Fitness and Stamina: High level of physical fitness required to carry heavy equipment, wear bulky gear, climb ladders, and perform strenuous activity for sustained periods.
- Stress Management and Composure: The capacity to remain calm, focused, and rational when dealing with high-stress emergencies, traumatic injuries, and dangerous environments.
- Mechanical Aptitude: Skill in quickly operating and maintaining complex tools, fire pumps, vehicle systems, and specialized rescue equipment.
- Emergency Medical Skills: Proficiency in basic or advanced life support (BLS or ALS) as certified EMTs or Paramedics, providing initial care at emergency scenes.
Key Responsibilities
- Emergency Response: Quickly and safely respond to fires, medical emergencies, hazardous material leaks, and technical rescues, driving and operating emergency vehicles.
- Fire Suppression: Lay and operate hoselines, ventilate burning buildings, conduct search and rescue operations, and use specialized tools to control and extinguish fires.
- Provide Emergency Medical Care: Assess patients, administer first aid and advanced life support, and prepare patients for transport to a medical facility.
- Maintain Equipment and Station: Clean, maintain, and test all apparatus, equipment, and personal protective gear, and participate in daily training, physical fitness, and station duties.
- Conduct Public Education: Participate in community fire safety and prevention programs, teaching citizens about risk reduction, smoke detectors, and escape planning.
Five Common Interview Questions
- "Why do you want to be a firefighter, and how do you handle the emotional and psychological stress that comes with responding to traumatic incidents?" This assesses your motivation, mental resilience, and strategies for coping with critical stress.
- "Describe a time you disagreed with a decision made by a superior officer during an emergency situation. How did you respond?" This gauges your understanding of the chain of command and ability to follow orders while prioritizing safety.
- "Walk me through a typical 24-hour shift at a fire station when there are no emergency calls. What are the most important things you focus on?" This checks your understanding of training, maintenance, and teamwork duties during non-emergency periods.
- "A fire victim is unresponsive, and the scene is smoky but you can access them safely. What are your immediate priorities and actions?" This tests your knowledge of search-and-rescue protocols and the immediate prioritization of life safety.
- "What specific actions do you take to ensure you are physically and mentally prepared for the rigors of an extended emergency incident?" This measures your commitment to physical fitness and self-care, which are non-negotiable for sustained performance.
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