There is nothing more noble and respectable than saving lives. How out this video on how to become a firefighter and see if this profession is for you. For more info visit www.excite.com/education
1. How To Become a
Firefighter
There is nothing more noble and respectable than
saving lives. Check out this video on how to become a
firefighter and see if this profession is for you.
2. Did you know that some of our Founding Fathers
were fire fighters?
Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Samuel Adams and
Thomas Jefferson all served as volunteer firefighters.
3. Being a firefighter is unlike any other job; you wonât
be sitting at your desk and filing reports all day.
In fact, youâll get to use your training and knowledge to help
people in life-threatening situations.
5. So, hereâs what you need to know about how to
become a firefighter.
âą In order to apply, the first thing you have to do is finish high
school. And if that doesnât work out, you can also apply with a
GED certificate.
âą And remember, you must be over 18âand in some states,
21âwhen you apply.
6. Health Requirements
âą Next up are the health requirements. Now as you wouldâve
guessed, firefighting requires stamina, agility and the ability
to think on your feet. So if you want to become a firefighter,
stay fit and healthy!
7. Bill Glanz, the director for media relations with the International
Association of Firefighters, recommends that applicants go
through EMT training to improve their prospects.
9. There are two levels of EMT training
âą Basic and Paramedic
âą Going for a certification may seem like a drag. However, you
need to keep your eye on the prize and remember that being a
licensed paramedic improves your chances of getting hired as
a fire fighter.
10. The next step will be to prepare for the entrance
exam.
âą Every department across the country has its own testing
standards, so the best thing you can do is to get in touch with
your local firefighting department.
11. Physical Ability Test
Some candidates may also be asked to take the Candidate
Physical Ability Test, which is used by over a 1000 departments
in the US. It is designed to test your fitness, strength and agility.
13. But wait, thatâs not all.
There will also be a thorough background check, a drug test,
and an interview.
14. A Quick Reminder
While these guidelines have been generalized for all fire
departments in the US, there may be some variations regarding
entry requirements and minimum age limits that you will have
to check up on before you apply.
15. Being hired by your local firefighting department does not mean
that you can start putting out fires right away. Even after getting
hired, you wonât be a firefighter until you complete your
departmentâs testing and training requirements.
16. You will be required to go through a medical exam
and a rigorous training program that may last up
to three to four months.
âą Firefighting skills are typically instructed by a state approved
fire academy that also helps applicants learn lifesaving skills.
Some fire departments have accredited apprenticeship
programs that can last for up to 4 years.
17. Lastly, being a firefighter isnât all hard work
and no pay.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, firefighters earned
an annual median salary of $45,250 in 2012, while the top 10%
received more than $79,150 in compensation during the same
year. Firefighters also receive generous insurance policies and
retirement packages.
18. So you think you have what it takes to jump into a
burning building and save precious lives?
If yes, then a career as a firefighter may be just what the doctor
ordered.