Firefighters

Nature of work

Firefighters carry out firefighting and fire prevention activities and help in other emergencies. They work for municipal, provincial and federal governments and large industrial organizations that have internal firefighting services.

Job duties

Firefighters:

• Respond to fire alarms and other calls for help like car and industrial accidents, bomb threats and other emergencies.
• Rescue victims from burning buildings and accident sites.
• Control and put out fires using manual and power equipment like axes, water hoses, aerial ladders and hydraulic equipment and various firefighting chemicals.
• Provide first aid and other support.
• Make sure firefighting equipment is maintained and operational.
• Prepare written reports on fire incidents.
• Teach the public about fire prevention.
• Train to maintain high level of physical fitness.
• Help the public, the police and emergency organizations during times of major disasters.
• May participate as members of a trauma or emergency response team and provide paramedical aid to accident victims or ill persons.
• May supervise and coordinate the work of other firefighters.
• May conduct building inspections to make sure they meet fire code.

Sample job titles

• airport firefighter
• crash firefighter
• fire captain
• fire department platoon chief
• fire inspector
• fire lieutenant
• fire prevention officer
• firefighter
• firefighter apprentice
• industrial firefighter
• shipboard firefighter
• structural firefighter
• training firefighter

Skills

• You must be in excellent health and physical condition to work as a firefighter. Mental alertness, courage, and mechanical aptitude are necessary. You must be able to perform under stress, react quickly, and be willing to take risks. Leadership and problem-solving skills are needed, as well as the ability to cooperate in a team effort.

Job requirements

• High school is required.
• A college program in fire protection technology, fire science or a related field and a period of supervised practical training is usually required.
• Firefighting and emergency medical care training courses are provided and vary in length depending on the requirements of different fire departments or services.
• Certification for firefighters is compulsory in Nova Scotia.
• Experience as a volunteer firefighter may be an advantage.
• Physical agility, strength, fitness and vision requirements must be met.
• Several years of experience are required for senior firefighters like lieutenants and captains.

Other considerations

• Firefighting is one of the most hazardous jobs, involving risk of injury and death. Most paid employment exists in the more heavily populated areas of the province, while smaller communities rely more upon volunteer firefighters. Experience as a volunteer firefighter may be an advantage for entry to paid positions. Movement to senior officer positions like fire chief is possible with additional training and several years of experience.

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