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Firefighter
Health and safety

How to become a Firefighter

What does a Firefighter do?

If you’re passionate about health and safety, and want to make a real difference in your community, you should think about becoming a Firefighter…Firefighters help protect people, their property and the environment from fire. They are called upon to tackle emergency situations on a daily basis, ranging from putting out domestic fires through to dealing with suspicious packages, bomb threats, road accidents and even chemical spillages.Whilst day-to-day activities may vary, typical duties for a Firefighter could include:
  • Controlling and extinguishing fires
  • Responding to emergency calls
  • Performing search and rescue operations
  • Educating the community about the dangers of fire, and giving information on fire prevention
  • Maintaining equipment, including performing regular checks to make sure everything is in working order

Is a career as a Firefighter right for me?

Becoming a Firefighter is an incredibly rewarding career choice, however, it’s not for the faint-hearted.It takes an incredible amount of bravery, courage, dedication and discipline to even make it through the selection process. Days (and nights) can be long, and it will take a positivity and resilience to progress. Excellent vision, the ability to follow orders and an aversion to claustrophobia will be similarly essential. You will also need to be over the age of 18.Other key attributes include:
  • A high level of physical fitness
  • Excellent problem solving skills
  • Calmness under immense amounts of pressure
  • Sensitivity, and a reassuring and comforting approach
  • Assertiveness
  • Excellent communication skills

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Career progression and salary expectations for a Firefighter

1

Firefighter

| Up to £30,000
2

Station Manager

| Up to £40,000

Get qualified as a Firefighter

No particular qualifications are needed to become a Firefighter. However, there are a series of written exams and aptitude tests you’ll need to pass in order to be eligible. You will also need to complete a number of physical tests as part of the selection process.

Recommended Firefighter training courses

  • Fire Marshal Diploma With Complete Career Guide

    Training Express Ltd
    10 FREE Certificates | 10 CPD Accredited Courses | Unlimited Retake | Lifetime Access
    • 17 students
    • Online
    • 70 hours · Self-paced
    • Certificate(s) included
    • 100 CPD points
    • Tutor support
    Great service
    This Fire Marshal (Warden) Training is your pathway to mastering the essential skills required in the field of fire safety and emergency management . This course is meticulously designed to equip you with the knowledge and competencies needed to excel as a Fire Marshal , ensuri …
    £50

  • Fire Marshal Level 3

    Cambridge Open Academy
    5-in-1 Bundle | CPD Accredited | Interactive Learning Materials | Free PDF Certificate | Tutor Support | Lifetime Access
    • Online
    • 1 hour · Self-paced
    • Certificate(s) included
    • 10 CPD points
    • Tutor support
    Great service
    Unlock the critical knowledge you need in fire safety with our comprehensive Fire Marshal Level 3 course. Delve deep into the theoretical foundations of fire safety and legislation in the UK. Explore the intricacies of different fire types and their characteristics, and develop a …
    £35

What's it like to be a Firefighter?

"I started out as a Retained Firefighter, meaning I had a different day job but provided flexible cover for my local station as and when required. After a few months, I knew Firefighting was for me, so I quit my job and never looked back. It can be really tough at times, both physically and mentally, but the rewards are well worth it. I’m part of a crew, a unit of like-minded people who risk their lives every day to save others. Job satisfaction doesn't come much bigger than that."

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