Job brief
Firefighters respond to emergency situations and protect people, the environment and property from all types of accident and emergencies. They work closely with the local community to increase their level of fire safety awareness in order to help prevent fires and accidents happening in the first place.
-
Responsibilities
- responding immediately and safely to emergency calls and requests for assistance
- attending emergency incidents including fires, road accidents, floods, terrorist incidents, spillages of dangerous substances, and rail and air crashes
- rescuing trapped people and animals
- minimising distress and suffering, including giving first aid before ambulance crews arrive
- safeguarding your own and other people's personal safety at all times
- cleaning up and checking the site after dealing with an incident
- taking time to become familiar with local streets, roads and buildings so you can respond to emergency calls with speed and efficiency
- inspecting and maintaining the appliance (fire engine) and its equipment, assisting in testing fire hydrants and checking emergency water supplies
- undertaking drills and physical training and taking part in training on techniques, use of equipment and related matters
- maintaining the level of physical fitness necessary to carry out all the duties of a firefighter
- educating and informing the public to promote fire safety by giving talks in schools and to local organisations, as well as home visits to offer advice
- maintaining links with the local community