{"id":2061,"date":"2014-01-19T20:32:24","date_gmt":"2014-01-20T04:32:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/careersingovernment.com\/tools\/?p=2061"},"modified":"2014-04-22T12:45:01","modified_gmt":"2014-04-22T19:45:01","slug":"take-firefighter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/gov-talk\/career-advice\/on-the-job\/take-firefighter\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does it Take to be a Firefighter?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Feuerwehr<\/a>A career in the fire service will test you every day and can be incredibly satisfying. Firefighting requires exceptionally difficult and demanding physical work. You will perform strenuous activities and handle all types of emergencies, including life-or-death situations.<\/p>\n

The job of a firefighter is often times underestimated. A great number of candidates are overwhelmed by the long and challenging examination process necessary to find the best new recruits. Tough physical standards are absolutely necessary due to the nature of the job and the extreme level of physical fitness and mental alertness the job requires.<\/p>\n

The job of a firefighter requires wearing special personal protective equipment weighing approximately 50 pounds while fighting fires. In full turnout gear, the firefighter may be required to carry 50 pounds of additional equipment, including hose and other tools.\u2028 It is possible that this may have to be done in conjunction with the rescue of a citizen from inside a burning structure.<\/p>\n

Fighting fires is one of the many duties carried out by professional firefighters. Between 70% -80% of all fire service calls are emergency medical aid responses. Other duties may include fire prevention education, commercial and residential fire inspection, community outreach, salvage and clean up after fires, and equipment maintenance.<\/p>\n

All firefighters must be good team players and must be able to work and function at a high level with a diverse group of people. Firefighters must possess the ability to make good decisions, communicate effectively, perform well at mechanical skills, apply basic mathematical calculations and prove their ability to comprehend and learn the job of firefighting.<\/p>\n

Professional firefighters should be comfortable working in\u2028 a paramilitary organization. Following orders is absolutely crucial to a good firefighter\u2019s success. Additionally, firefighters live in close quarters and work non-traditional hours, so they must be prepared to make accommodations for others and give up a few important holidays and family events.<\/p>\n

The average work schedule for fire fighters encompasses ten 24-hour shifts per month. If you ask a firefighter if all these sacrifices are worth it, you would be hard pressed to find one that says it is not worth it. The worst day on the job as a firefighter is still better than the best day on the job anywhere else.<\/p>\n

What are the Minimum Qualifications?<\/b><\/p>\n

Each applicant may be required to meet some or all of the following qualifications in order to be considered for the job:<\/p>\n

Age<\/b><\/p>\n