Firefighter

Firefighters control and extinguish fires and protect life, property and the environment as members of fire brigades.

Firefighters may perform the following tasks:

  • respond to fire alarms and emergency calls
  • undertake activities designed to prevent fires
  • drive or crew firefighting appliances or other vehicles to fires or incident scenes
  • provide support in response to natural disasters such as floods and cyclones
  • operate pumps, spray foam or water from hoses, portable extinguishers or other appliances to extinguish fires, or to disperse or neutralise dangerous substances such as chemicals and petroleum
  • rescue people stranded or trapped in dangerous situations or inaccessible places using ladders or elevating platforms, or by cutting openings in buildings and crashed vehicles to free occupants
  • responding to industrial accidents
  • administer first aid and artificial respiration
  • operate radio networks and computer response systems
  • take part in ongoing training in firefighting techniques and in demonstrations and fire drills
  • visit buildings to study access points and locations of hydrants and identify potential fire hazards
  • inspect firefighting equipment and hydrants
  • undertake public education tasks including demonstrations, first aid, firefighting training and lectures
  • train industrial and volunteer firefighters and give instructions in evacuation, fire prevention, firefighting, rescue and use of breathing apparatus.

Firefighters wear uniforms, breathing apparatus and protective clothing when fighting a fire. They attend daily drills where they practise skills such as driving, handling equipment and operating ladders. They are required to work rotating shifts in order to maintain a 24-hour service. Because of the nature of their shift work, firefighters work several days on followed by several days off.

Required Skills - Firefighter

  • good communication skills
  • able to work as part of a team
  • enjoy practical work
  • physically fit and able to pass a medical examination
  • good eyesight
  • able to work under pressure
  • able to work at heights and in confined spaces

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