Introduction: Firefighters perform an important public service that almost everyone is unaware of unless an emergency happens. We will discuss On-Call Firefighter Job Description here. Firefighters react to crises in local communities, except for large-scale natural disasters. Firefighters deal with fires and other emergencies like road accidents, medical issues, and natural disasters. They arrive at the scene in fire trucks and some other rescue vehicles. They employ the equipment aboard the vehicles and their people to deal with the problem once they arrive. They may be dispatched two and three times each week for short hours at the moment. On-call hours are determined by people’s availability and many other obligations. Based on the scenario, firefighters collaborate with paramedics, urgent medical technicians, police officers, and emergency management staff.
On-Call Firefighter Job Description
An on-call fireman is someone available to respond to a variety of crises. They conduct their jobs each day unless the call comes, at which point they become expert firefighters. They could be ‘part-time,’ however, they are highly trained and capable individuals from the front areas, trying to save lives. On-call firefighters are usually well compensated for their efforts, and they receive extensive training and know everything there is to learn about emergency cases. On-call firefighters perform more than just combat fires. As an on-call firefighter, one will be found in a wide variety of circumstances, such as floods, car accidents, & chemical spills, as well as rescuing pets from uncomfortable situations. Firefighters make reports regarding an emergency incident once it has been stabilized. These reports maintain department officials informed & assist firefighters in determining.
Duties of an On-Call Firefighter
Applicants for this position must be able to fulfill the following duties:
- Assists a corporation in responding to fires as well as other emergencies. Conducts search & rescue missions as well as removing people from dangerous situations.
- Operates a variety of fire engines to and from burning. In emergencies, handles fire hedgers, tankers, ladders, as well as other apparatus.
- Assists injured people with emergency medical & first aid needs.
- Carry out emergency aid duties when fires, floods, earthquakes, airplane rescues as well as firefighting, and other calamities are catastrophic.
- Carries out general cleaning duties in buildings, parks & facilities of the fire service. Makes small repairs & performs fireworks, equipment, and services preventive maintenance duties. Washes, hänges, and dries appliances and devices for testing, washing, cleaning, painting, and polishing.
- Carries out essential data entry in the report completion and record retention.
- Carries out fire control inspections and suggests relevant corrective actions under the guidance of an officer of the company—full monitoring and reporting actions and records.
- Carry out first response actions for assistance for dangerous materials, including detection of hazardous substances as described by necessary national, State, and local laws & directives, as well as related protection systems.
Responsibilities of On-Call Firefighter Job:
- Citizen protection in an emergency.
- Protects fire damage through hazard & enforcement inspections as well as codes.
- Prepare people by planning and implementing training & educational courses to avoid fire risk.
- Maintain fire-scene water availability through hydrant tests, requests & speed repairs, and verification of repairs.
- Decreases fire damage by alarm, driving & operating apparatus, water pressure regulation, the fight against and extinction of fires, and the rescue and recovery of persons.
- Notifies the necessary repair supervisor.
- Preserves operations through policy, procedures as well as necessary changes reporting.
- Provides information through report completion.
- Ensure the devices are running, follow the manufacturer’s directions, and diagnose problems, including compliance with preventative maintenance needs.
- Assesses new facilities and technology.
Hours of Work
Firefighters usually work long shifts with a wide range of hours. Overtime is a normal sight. Most firefighters work 24-hour jobs & are off for 48 – 72 hours thereafter. Some firemen perform 10/14 shifts, which means they work for 10 hours but rest for 14 hours. Firefighters may have to work for long periods to put out forest & wildland fires. For instance, if a wildfire breaks out, wildland firefighters might well be ordered to keep for days or even weeks.
Working Conditions
Municipal governments employ the majority of firefighters. Only a small proportion of people work for the federal and state governments. Firefighters operate in some of the most hazardous environments & have one of the highest percentages of injuries & illnesses of any profession. When reacting to emergencies, firefighters must wear thick safety gear and become overheated.
Required Education, Experience, And Age:
- Any high school degree and its equivalent is required.
- Physical and writing tests must be passed.
- Pre-employment drug screening
- Medical examination
- Have a valid driver’s license
- You must be at least 18 years old to participate.
Training, And Certification Required For On-Call Firefighter
- Driver’s license: In most cases, a normal driver’s license is required. Firefighters must receive the proper licenses and approvals to operate a fire truck and other emergency vehicles after being employed.
- Degree: Having an associate’s or graduate degree can offer you an edge in the recruitment process, but it isn’t always essential.
- Volunteer basis: A volunteer as a fireman can assist someone gets a job. However, it may be unrealistic for someone in the middle of their career looking to shift occupations. Volunteer firefighters make up the majority of small-town as well as rural zone fire departments.
- Certifications: Although an EMT certificate is necessary, several departments enable recruits to obtain it as part of their overall latest firefighter training. These programs are physically as well as mentally demanding.
- Training: Firefighter doesn’t require prior experience to be employed since the recruit training program is so thorough. If knowledge were essential, there would be no practical method for someone to earn it. Because firefighting is considered a specialized career, training can only begin once a job has been acquired.
Interests and Personality
Firefighters might also have the following characteristics:
- Communication abilities: Firemen must interact with the status of an emergency to fellow firefighters and emergency service crews.
- Bravery: During their work, firefighters are confronted with hazardous situations like approaching a burning structure.
- Ability to make decisions: In an incident, firefighters must make quick and informed decisions. The capacity to make sound decisions under duress can save a person’s life.
- A high level of physical endurance: To rescue & assist victims, firefighters might have to remain at calamity locations for a long period. They should be prepared to react to disasters at any time.
- Strength of body: During an emergency scene, firefighters must be capable of carrying heavy equipment & moving debris. Firefighters should also be capable of carrying injured or unable-to-walk victims.
Salary
Firefighters earned an average of $50,850 per year. Half of the workers in a given profession paid more than value, while the other half paid less. The bottom 10% of earners made less than $25,550, while the top 10% made more than $92,020. The following are the median yearly pay for firefighters in the major industries where they worked since May 2019: Except for education & hospitals, the state govt earned $55,030 in total. The government of the United States, except for the postal service, earned $52,140.
Conclusion
We hope we have provided you with all the required information which you were searching for. Becoming an on-call firefighter entails becoming a close team member, learning a variety of new skills, earning the extra money that works around existing employment and responsibilities, and making a positive impact in the community. Firefighters practice drills & go through training to maintain their wits and bodies in top shape, so they can battle fires and respond to other crises. They actively increase their experience with the community through public displays as well as speaking tours.
FAQ’S
Q1: Where are firefighters likely to perform rescues? Firefighters are dispatched to vehicle accidents, building collapses, caves, tunnels, and ice crises as the first responder. They may be called to elevator & industrial situations, especially those involving electrical lines, regularly. Pre-fire preparation, hydrant upkeep, as well as child safety gear installation are all handled by firefighters.
Q2: Is becoming a firefighter a wise career choice? A career as a firefighter is a fantastic choice because it is both enjoyable and exciting. The best aspect of the job is offering a service that has a positive impact on the community. Operating in a fantastic station with a fantastic crew is unbeatable, and being able to serve others who have fun even as on the job is essential.
Q3: Is it dangerous to battle fires? A career as a fireman is extremely fulfilling. Firefighting, on the other hand, has a darker aspect. Burning, smoke inhalation, as well as injuries from collapsing structures are all risks for firefighters. They may experience heat exhaustion and long-term occupational ailments like asthma, chronic cough, heart problems, cancer, & lung disease.
Q4: What are the advantages and disadvantages of becoming a firefighter? As a fireman, one might feel fulfilled while contributing to society and benefiting from good benefits and employment stability. Employment in the fire dept may be ideal for people who prefer working as part of a team. Cons include ongoing training, throwing your life in danger, as well as not being compensated adequately at times.
Also read Fire Fighter Job Description, Duties, and Salary Structure
