Different Jobs in a Fire Department
Jul 12th, 2010
There’s nothing mundane about the job duties of a firefighter, because every day brings something new and different for these highly-skilled workers. Whether they are rescuing people after a tragic earthquake, treating patients at the scene of a car crash, or investigating a possible arson fire, firefighters are selfless workers, who are dedicated to saving lives and protecting our land. Here are some different job duties happening in fire departments today:
- Search and Rescue
Search and rescue is the most important job function of firefighters. Firefighters are trained to search for and rescue trapped victims in burning buildings, motor vehicle accidents and other life threatening situations. Searches are done in two stages — primary and secondary. Primary searches are done first in
areas closest to the fire. Once the fire is under control, firefighters will begin the secondary search by looking more extensively and in hidden areas. The rescue process varies depending on the location of the victim and the extent of the fire or accident. Firefighters are also trained in rescuing victims of motor vehicle accidents, using cutters, spreaders and rams, also known as the Jaws of Life. - Fire Control
While victims are being rescued, firefighters have to contain the fire. In order to do so, firefighters spray water or foam mixtures through a hose onto the fire. The fire becomes extinguished when it is deprived of fuel, oxygen or heat. Firefighters use various equipment and machinery to control fires, such as ladder trucks, pumper trucks fire hoses, fire hydrants, fire extinguishers and other useful tools. Depending on the type and severity of a fire, firefighters will typically attack a fire from the interior, exterior or both. If firefighters enter a burning structure, they must abide by the “two-in, two-out” rule so that no one is left alone in a dangerous situation. - Emergency Medical Services
Most firefighters are trained and certified emergency medical technicians and paramedics. Because firefighters are typically first on the scene of a fire or motor vehicle accident, they can assess the victim’s condition and provide emergency care immediately. Those who are trained in emergency medical services can also aid in treating injured firefighters. At the basic level of certification, firefighters-EMTs are qualified to treat patients at the scene, transport them by ambulance to the hospital, as well as check vital signs and manage respiratory, cardiac and trauma emergencies. - Fire Prevention
Teaching and enforcing fire prevention methods is an important duty of all fire department workers. In addition to fire safety education, firefighters also do community outreach programs about fire prevention. Fire prevention efforts include, reducing known hazardous materials and conditions, preventing dangerous acts that could start a fire, teaching proper use of fire extinguishers and how to ensure smoke detectors and alarms are working properly. Fire prevention teams may teach the community through safety brochures, educational videos, informative presentations, public safety announcements and much more. - Fire Safety Education
Firefighters can be seen teaching fire safety education programs to people of all ages. Firefighters may host programs at the fire station or attend local schools to teach children about basic fire safety tips, such as fire prevention, burn prevention and evacuation procedures. For fire safety in the workplace,
firefighters may visit offices to educate adults on fire prevention, evacuation procedures and fire hazards, as well as demonstrate installation and maintenance of smoke detectors and proper use of a fire extinguisher. - Disaster Management
When disasters strike, firefighters are some of the first rescue service workers on the scene. Wildfires, natural disasters and terrorist attacks are just a few of the many disasters that firefighters help with. They aid in search and rescue, emergency medical services and cleaning up the remains of a disaster. Firefighters are also trained in emergency management, including disaster awareness, evacuation procedures and emergency response plans. - Fire Inspection & Code Enforcement
Qualified fire department workers can work in fire inspection and fire code enforcement. Fire safety inspectors evaluate businesses, residential facilities and other places of assembly to ensure compliance with fire safety codes. Inspectors also evaluate evacuation routes, fire prevention equipment and any potential fire hazards. They may work with planners and developers to inspect construction and make sure new building meet state and local fire codes. - Fire Investigation
Some firefighters are trained to conduct fire investigations, in which evidence is collected and analyzed after a fire to determine the cause. Fire inspectors will interview witnesses, study the data and prepare reports that help determine if arson or criminal negligence was the cause. With years of experience and additional training, firefighters are eligible to work in fire investigations because of their expertise and knowledge of possible fire causes. - HAZMAT
Many firefighters work in hazardous materials units that help prevent, control and clean up hazardous materials, such as toxic chemicals, oil spills, explosives, poisons and radioactive substances. Hazardous materials are often flammable, combustible and dangerous to humans and the environment when used improperly. Therefore, HAZMAT workers are needed to contain these substances and dispose of them accordingly. - Mop-Ups
Firefighters are also subject to performing mop-ups after fires, or parts of a fire, are controlled. Mopping up involves extinguishing and removing smoldering, hazardous materials that may reignite or cause further damage. A mop-up operation also includes making sure burning fuel is burnt out, spread or buried to stop sparks, keeping logs and debris from rolling across the fire line and removing any burning roots, tree limbs, stumps or anything that might catch fire in the clean up.
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