Requirements of a Volunteer Firefigher
Have you ever wanted to give back to your community? Many small towns are looking for people who have extra time to donate to make the community a better place to live. One organization constantly on the lookout for volunteers is your local fire department. Firefighting is a difficult and dangerous job, which can consume many hours of your time. Yet the time spent can be rewarding. The grateful wife when you saved her home from a fire. The relieved child when you rescued his cat from a tree. The frantic mother when you find her missing child down the street. The injured passenger when you responded to a car accident to provide first aid and control the traffic flow. Each of these situations is an example of what you can do for your friends and neighbors.
The benefits of firefighting don't stop there, either. Carrying fire hose can produce great biceps. Climbing ladders can give you muscular thighs. But seriously, knowing you have helped someone in need gives you such a good feeling inside, and you feel like you can take on the world. When you feel good about yourself, you don't worry about anything.
Volunteering as a firefighter can lead to a paid position with professional fire departments. The experience you gain gives you the understanding of what skills are required for the position.
Training is required to become a firefighter. Firefighter Sec I will give you a basic understanding of how fires develop and spread, and teach you the tool necessary to fight the fire. Training also includes being taught how to properly dress in fire gear. You also have to demonstrate you are physically capable of carrying hose, climbing ladders, and having control of a fully charged fire hose. This class meets twice weekly for four hours and lasts approximately six weeks. After taking and passing the exam, you can join most fire departments in some capacity.
Firefighter Sec II is a continuation of Sec I, and must be completed within one year of taking Sec I. This class teaches the implementation of the Incident Management System, along with reinforcing the training from Sec. I. You are taught how to fight different types of fires, such as car fires or wild fires, along with other types. Besides firefighting, you are required to receive First Aid training and become a first responder to medical emergencies. You are taught many management skills, as it is possible to rise through various ranks as a firefighter, such as captain or chief.
Completion of both Sec. I and II means you have passed the Minimum Standards Course and are now considered a certified firefighter. At this point, you will be eligible to be employed as a paid full-time professional or certified firefighter. There are many other classes to take about firefighting, such as arson detection. The sky is the limit and the only obstacle is how much training you choose to obtain.
