3 things about Firefighters that you didn't know

There are few jobs that require you to be as fit, alert, and collaborative as one that requires you to rescue and save lives on a daily basis. The main role of a fireman is to provide fire fighting, rescue and emergency medical services. When there are no missions, firefighters formulate, implement and enforce regulations on fire safety and civil defence issues.

First and foremost, being a fireman means that you need to be in tip top shape in terms of physical fitness. The daily training and drills train their lung capacity, strength, and stamina to handle a fire.

There are also regular simulations to check in with each person’s preparedness. As a fireman, there is almost no way to know when you will receive a call and need to be on duty. Hence, daily training is essential to stay conditioned and ready.

Secondly, firefighters have unwavering mental strength. Aside from physical training, they need to keep their minds sharp. Progression in the career of firefighting means that additional training courses need to be picked up. They need to stay up to date on the latest trends in the industry. And in order for them to avoid failure on their tasks, they have to focus and stay alert even under pressure.

Making decisions is a crucial skill to develop. No one person may come in perfectly ready to make split second decisions, but mentors and experience help along the way.

Discipline is key in firefighting as there are many tasks that need to be done in a short period of time. Aside from rescues, firefighters also need to do equipment checks. Every single fire equipment has its place and purpose, and any assumption could result in a lag in response time during their call of duty. The regular inspections may also highlight problems with tools needed in their fire suppressions systems. Firefighters are also responsible for their own gear. They test their protective clothing and apparatus for damage and cleanliness, and send them to get repaired or cleaned if necessary.

Their vehicles also need to be fully operational and they have a fire engine check sheet to be checked off everyday.

Lastly, firefighters are masters of teamwork. If you want to go fast, go alone, and if you want to go far, go together. For a firefighting team to succeed in any rescue mission, they will need a mixture of both. But even as one goes alone, there is constant communication for a backup in the strategy.

Teamwork here does not mean that everyone does the same actions, but rather, every single fireman knows what their role is, and executes it smoothly such that the sum is greater than its parts. Most fire equipment is also heavy and it requires coordination to effectively complete a mission. Every single team member must be equipped with the right fire equipment, knowledge and training, as well as SOPs that outline which equipment are needed for each task.

At the end of the day, a properly functioning firefighting crew must be on top of their physical fitness, maintain resilient mental strength and learn how to work as a team.

There are few jobs like that of being a firefighter where one’s success affects the matters or life or death. It can be stressful, and highly rewarding and meaningful.