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/or crashed vehicles to free occupants
- respond to industrial accidents
- administer first aid and oxygen therapy
- operate radio networks and computer response and reporting systems
- take part in ongoing training in firefighting techniques and in demonstrations and fire drills
- visit buildings to assess entry/exit points and locations of hydrants and identify potential fire hazards
- inspect firefighting equipment and hydrants
- undertake public education tasks including school visits, 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 other personal protective equipment when fighting fires and dealing with other incidents. 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.
Personal Requirements:
- good communication skills
- able to work as part of a team
- enjoy practical work
- physically fit and able to pass a medical examination
- able to work under pressure
- able to work at heights and in confined spaces
- willing to undertake ongoing training and professional development.
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