Firefighting Job Duties

Fire fighters number one job is to protect the public against fire and other emergencies. Every day lives and property are lost to fires; similarly every day a fire fighter will save a life and someone's home, pet, or car. It's not just fires that fire men respond to however. They can also be seen at traffic accidents or medical emergencies, depending on who the first responders are. For this reason firefighter training is more than just holding a hose and knowing where to point the water. Emergency rescue skills (starting with CPR but involving much more) are an absolute necessity.

When fire fighters are on duty, they have to be at the ready all the time. There are few other jobs to consider like this, where you must respond in a moment's notice. And a normal firefighter's shift is not a 9-to-5 affair. Some shifts are 24 to 48 hours long, so maintaining a high level of alertness can be a challenge.

Responding to a fire call requires the utmost in teamwork. No one fights a fire alone (or if they do, they're often not around long enough to tell stories about it). Successful firefighting depends on teamwork. A clear chain of command and obedience to orders are absolutely required.