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Have you ever thought about how firemen manage their responsibilities so well? The department manages its day-to-day duties and keeps everything in check by jointly working under strict supervision. Furthermore, firefighters work in various settings and must manage multiple roles and responsibilities. If you want to work as a firefighter, several options are available. Look at some fireman jobs and choose what’s best for you.
What do firemen do?
A fireman is responsible for much more than just putting out fires. They respond to various situations, including medical emergencies, rescue operations, vehicle accidents, and building collapses. They play an essential role in the community’s service and protection.
What are the job duties of a fireman?
Different firemen perform a variety of tasks as part of their specialized units. Some of the most common fireman job duties are
- Operating fire and emergency vehicles.
- Putting out the fire and rescuing those in danger.
- Position yourself correctly and climb ladders to rescue victims from higher levels of buildings.
- Educate people about fire safety through talks and workshops.
- Maintain and clean the fire truck, hoses, and other equipment.
- Conduct drills and physical training.
- Prepare incident reports and submit them to your superiors.
- Collaborate with law enforcement and medical personnel.
Skills you need for a fireman job
You must have the following skills to secure a job as a fireman.
Communication abilities
Firemen convey emergency scene conditions to other firefighters and emergency response crews.
Compassion
Firemen, like EMTs and paramedics, must provide emotional support to those in distress.
Courage
Daily, firemen face dangerous conditions, such as entering a burning building.
Decision-making
In an emergency, firemen must be able to make quick and difficult decisions. Making sound decisions under extreme pressure could save someone’s life.
Stamina
Firemen may be required to stay at disaster scenes for extended periods to rescue and treat victims. Fighting fires necessitate a sustained use of strength.
Physical strength- Firemen must be physically fit at an emergency scene to carry heavy equipment and move debris. They also transport victims who are injured or unable to walk.
Top 7 fireman jobs
Below are the top 7 fireman jobs. Take a look.
1. Volunteer fireman
Volunteer fireman assists their local fire stations on a part-time basis. They are always on call to respond to emergencies and frequently deal with wildfires in areas where there aren’t enough salaried firemen. Volunteer firemen can drive trucks, administer first aid, and use firefighting tools after completing training classes and receiving basic medical qualifications. Volunteer firemen are either unpaid or paid a percentage of local fireman’s salaries.
Average salary- $29,800 per year
2. Inspector
An inspector ensures that buildings meet fire safety codes. Suppose the inspector discovers a problem, such as blocked evacuation routes or flammable materials in hazardous areas. In that case, they will enforce fire codes to keep the building and its occupants safe.
While all firefighter jobs require fire prevention efforts, inspectors work directly with people to educate them on how to prevent fires from starting in the first place. Although inspectors are not required to undergo training to become firefighters, many come from a firefighting background and may work extinguishing fires and inspecting buildings.
Average salary- $33,480 per year
3. Wildland firemen
Wildland firefighters are responsible for putting out wildfires in high-risk areas. They respond to emergency calls, rescue civilians, and maintain tools such as chainsaws that aid tree cutting. The duties of a wildland firefighter are similar to those of other firefighters, but they typically work only during the summer, when wildfires are most likely to occur.
Furthermore, they train to contain inevitable fires rather than extinguishing them to make way for new plant growth. As a result, wildland firefighting can be extremely dangerous and necessitates spending days and nights outside.
Average salary- $35,380 per year
4. Fireman engineer
A fireman engineer is primarily responsible for the fire engines and trucks that transport firefighters to the scene of a fire. They drive into emergencies and place tools such as water hoses and ladders for other firemen.
Furthermore, firefighter engineers repair and maintain the fire department’s vehicles and clean and maintain tools. Fireman engineers may receive special training to drive in hazardous conditions. This job type necessitates mechanical knowledge as well as knowledge of fire prevention and control.
Average salary- $40,763 per year
5. Airport fireman
An airport firefighter specializes in dealing with runway fires and other airport emergencies. Because of the dangers of mixing water with oil or electrical fires, they may use specialized equipment such as firefighting foams and chemical agents more frequently than other firemen.
Some airports keep their firefighting crews on site to improve response times and ensure that they evacuate all passengers in the event of a fire. Airport fireman training is similar to other types of training, but there is a focus on speed and airplane knowledge.
Average salary- $44,441 per year
6. Fireman paramedic
A fireman paramedic is a medical professional who trains to fight fires and respond to life-threatening emergencies. Firemen must first be certified EMTs and meet specific qualifications, such as having field experience and passing health checks to perform this job. Firemen paramedics not only put out fires and respond to emergencies but also diagnose and perform medical procedures on the scene. They also write and submit incident reports to hospitals after providing care.
Average salary- $57,907 per year
7. Fire investigator
After putting out a fire, fire investigators arrive to ascertain its origin. During an investigation, they examine evidence to identify arson suspects or negligence that may have started or allowed the fire to spread. The occupation necessitates knowledge of fire science, the scientific method, and, in some cases, police training. Depending on where they work, authorities may assign a fire investigator to a police department rather than a fire department. Before investigating the cause of a fire, fire investigators may train firemen to help extinguish fires and rescue civilians.
Average salary- $60,501 per year
Key takeaways
- A fireman’s job is risky. They fulfill their responsibilities towards the public with utmost importance.
- They need to have impeccable decision-making skills even if they are under pressure.
- As firemen, they should be physically fit and ready for any situation that may come their way.
Did you find this blog informative? If so, please share your thoughts in the comments below. Click here to contact us for more information on fireman jobs. We would be happy to assist you with your queries.
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FAQs
Q1. How long does it take to become a fireman?
Answer- All new firefighters must undergo extensive training, typically lasting between 12 and 16 weeks. Even firefighters who have been on the job for many years must undergo ongoing training.
Q2. What is the age limit to apply for a fireman?
Answer- You must be above 18 years of age.
Q3. What makes a fireman strong?
Answer- The crew’s integrity and trustworthiness are critical. You must be able to trust your coworker; trust them to know their job and to have your back.
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