Firefighters
Firefighters control and extinguish fires or respond to emergencies where life, property, or the environment is at risk. Their duties may include fire prevention, emergency medical service, hazardous material response, search and rescue, and disaster assistance.
Firefighters are a category of rescuers specialized in firefighting. Their main responsibility is to save lives from the threat of fire and extinguish flames in various environments such as buildings, homes, transport, public places, industries, etc. They are also involved in responding to public emergencies, safety and rescue operations, disaster prevention and medical aid assistance.
How to become a firefighter in India? A high level of training is required for one to become a firefighter. Both physical and mental aspects of candidates are tested and developed extensively through the course of firefighter training. Physical characteristics such as fitness, lifting, strength, steadiness and multi limb coordination need to be toned to the highest level. Although academic qualifications are not required, one can benefit from specialist certifications or degrees in fire and rescue.
Firefighters are usually required to live within five minutes of their stations. It is common for them to stay on call for long shifts that can often last up to 24 hours. They use sophisticated firefighting and rescue equipment, maintain fire stations, and perform drills. Although the work can be stressful and dangerous, a high level of job satisfaction can be achieved through community service. Firefighters' job descriptions and salaries depend on the type of employers including local fire services, airports and ports, military branches, and industries.
To be successful and avail firefighter salary in India, one needs to have peak physical fitness, be calm under pressure, have good listening and communication skills and be confident.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- NSQF Level 4 Fire Technology and Industrial Safety Management
- Training Course Assistant Fire Operator
Tasks
- Rescue victims from burning buildings, accident sites, and water hazards.
- Dress with equipment such as fire-resistant clothing and breathing apparatus.
- Assess fires and situations and report conditions to superiors to receive instructions, using two-way radios.
- Move toward the source of a fire, using knowledge of types of fires, construction design, building materials, and physical layout of properties.
- Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents.
- Create openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance, using axes, chisels, crowbars, electric saws, or core cutters.
- Drive and operate fire fighting vehicles and equipment.
- Inspect fire sites after flames have been extinguished to ensure that there is no further danger.
- Position and climb ladders to gain access to upper levels of buildings, or to rescue individuals from burning structures.
- Select and attach hose nozzles, depending on fire type, and direct streams of water or chemicals onto fires.
Progression Routes
READY FOR MORE?
Subscribe to our Premium package and you'll unlock a wealth of extra information about your favourite careers and gain access our library of immersive 360° VR careers experience.
As a Premium user you'll find out more about the day-to-day demands of any career, what you could earn and, importantly, receive expert advice on study routes, preparation expenses, and where & what to study to fulfil your potential.