Requirements To Become A Firefighter

If you are interested in becoming a firefighter, you need to be aware of the requirements for the job. These will, of course, differ from state to state, sometimes from town to town as well. Although there are differences, these general guidelines listed below will give you an idea of what you can expect.

The most general age is usually at least 18 years of age, but there are some fire departments that allow 17 year olds to apply. The age listed on some applications as maximum age for applying is 29 years old. Your local fire department will have their age limits listed on their application forms. Most fire departments require each applicant to at least possess a high school diploma, or a GED. This is accepted as general practice in most states, and most usually is understood. This is a basis to work from when applying for continuing education specialized in your chosen field. There are some fire departments that require the applicant to have already attended different courses and to have acquired special education in fire fighting. Some fire departments require the applicant to have acquired EMT-Basic, EMT-1 or equivalent skills for the position you are applying to fill. If you have successfully completed your EMT-1 or higher, you should be registered with the NREMT (National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians). For those that require additional training, prior to hiring, you will need to show proof of having obtained certification from the Approved Fire Fighter Training program.

Some fire departments name a clear driving record as mandatory, and require the applicant to possess a valid and current driver's license with a clear driving record. Some states go back 3 - 5 years on the driving record concerning points and the reason you received them. It stands to reason that there must be no convictions for criminal offenses, especially for anything in relation to the job of an emergency worker. The applicant must show excellent physical fitness, and a physical assessment is mandatory during the recruitment process. You will also undergo a medical exam under the respective fire departments physician. Your vision is a necessity, and in most cases, they prefer you to have above average vision, unaided/uncorrected. Color vision as well as peripheral vision is also tested, along with your hearing, which must also be unaided. You as the applicant are generally preferred to reside in the county in which you are applying. You must definitely reside in the state.

The following are some qualifications you may want to attempt to obtain; these will escalate the worth of your application, and show you are already immersed in the world of firefighting. This is done by either volunteering or working during or after high school in career related fields. For instance, first aid work and/or training, driving large trucks or even emergency vehicles, any form of medical training or work. Completing any academic or trade program in your intended field is a benefit toward applying for a job as a firefighter, and be prepared to have a copy of your transcripts on hand. Most fire departments are particular in the applicants they choose for recruitment, and hiring. This is because there is a lot of stress and trust put on these men and women that make it to the final selection round. It takes someone physically strong and able, as well as emotionally and mentally strong. The stress alone is enough to bring a strong man to his knees, add to that, the fact that each call could be the last, or the fact that you could be facing long term health issues just from breathing the air around you at the scene of a fire. This and more are reasons that most people have no desire to be firefighters, however, there are a select few that make it all the way and become every little boys dream -- a firefighter.

What You Need To Become A Firefighter

If you are truly interested in the fire service, there are a few things you need to pass in order to do so. There is training, the application process, background check, physicals, and the health exam to name a few. Each department and county may have its own special requirements for those wanting to apply for a position as a full time firefighter. Most of the guidelines fall within about the same range as the other departments does. Once you have completed all the formalities of being able to join, you must complete the fire academy for your training. Being certified to fight fire is necessary or you could be putting not only your life at risk but also the lives of others. Let’s take a look at some of the things you will need to become a successful firefighter.

The first thing is the application process itself. You can expect to undergo some of the same things as if you were trying to apply for any other type of job. A background check and criminal history will be done to ensure you have a clean history with the law and to make sure you have never been convicted of arson or other fire related crimes. Many arsonists start out as firefighters. Also, a clean background check and criminal history will provide the public with a safe environment. Most of the time you are also required to pass a physical exam to ensure good health and also a psychological exam to make sure you are up to the task of facing the stresses of the job. Once you have passed the application process, you are now ready to learn the essentials of being a good firefighter at the fire academy.

The fire academy is the place where all the new recruits or applicants will learn about fire and the different techniques in fighting the fire. You can learn how to use the equipment properly and to carry out complicated rescue procedures. The most essential training you will receive is on the behavior and science of fire. You can not fight something you do not know about. Once you begin to understand the makeup and actions a fire will take, putting it out will be made much simpler. When you have completed the training at the fire academy, you may be placed in a fire department to get the hands on experience you need. This may be without pay until you can show you are ready to be hired on full time or until a position opens for you. Most of the time, there is a waiting list of those who have finished the academy and are waiting to be hired professionally.

Now that you have finished the application process and finished the fire academy, you are a firefighter of sorts. You now have the certification you need to recognize as having the training as a firefighter. What are most important are the inner qualities that you will never learn in school. These are the positive traits needed to be a firefighter like honesty, patience, dedication, love of the job and now you has everything you need to say with confidence that you are a firefighter and just maybe a pretty good one at that.