Three Pointers To Becoming A Firefighter
Firefighters are vital parts of all communities where the goal is to provide aid in emergency situations. If you’re thinking of a career in firefighting, below are some tips to get started.
Enroll In A Fire Science Program
Most schools will require incoming students to be at least 18 years old and have either a high school diploma or a GED. Whether entering an associate’s degree program or a bachelor’s degree program in fire science, continuing your education will prepare you for what’s to come once you’re out in the field working as a firefighter. Courses you may take are EMS First Responder, Fire Protection Organization, Wildland Firefighting, Firefighter Survival, and Fire Behavior and Combustion.
Prepare For Hiring as a Firefighter
As you go through school, you’ll want to start preparing for your examinations. Most fire departments have qualifications when it comes to hiring incoming firefighters such as:
- Minimum of 18 Years Old
- High School Diploma or GED
- Valid Driver’s License
- Current EMT Certificate
- Current CPR Certificate
In addition, you’ll have to also prepare for a background check, various interviews, psychological exam, and a medical exam. If you are lucky enough to pass all the first stages of hiring, you’ll begin the firefighter academy which will be paid training building upon the information you gained in a fire science degree program.
Prepare Mentally and Physically to be a Firefighter
As a firefighter, you may encounter life and death situations. In these circumstances, not only do you need to be mentally prepared, but also physically prepared to do whatever you need to in order to be the best you can be. In fire science courses, you will learn what it means to be a firefighter, and what is expected of you. Of course, until you’re reacting to an actual problem you don’t know how you will respond, but you can start preparing through school, volunteering and networking.
The physical aspect of firefighting is also very important. As a firefighter, you will be wearing heavy equipment, as well as having to move around different tools. If you aren’t in your best physical shape, you may have some trouble adjusting to the physical demand that is required.
