There are certain requirements in how to become a firefighter that cannot be underestimated. The first of these would be a strong motivation. The others would need a number of cognitive, physical and technical competences that you have to possess in order to become a member of the fire department.
Firefighters have to have very strong communications skills, physically fit, and able to make tough decisions under pressure. They need to first have that intense training after their recruitment so that there is guarantee for their own safety and those people they help and protect. Also needed would be the intense training after their recruitment so that there is guarantee of their own safety as well as the people they help and protect. Like most other professions, everyone starts from the bottom. Education Like most other professions, the first step towards this ambition is to earn a high school diploma first or a GED. Having an associate or a bachelor’s degree is not exactly essential how to become a firefighter. However, earning a college degree can help one with his own advancements down the career road he is taking. Some states in the US also require that prospective firefighter obtain an emergency medical technician (EMT) certification. Many community colleges offer many EMT programs which can usually last from 6 to 24 months. Firefighting is a competitive field, with far more applicants than the spots can fill in. Volunteering Unlike other professions, firefighting is a competitive field because there re more applicants than can spots fill in. In one very good move, working as a volunteer firefighter can help you get your foot in the door. However, this needs a lot of commitment of time. In order that you can make an informed decision, some departments will even allow you to ride along in a fire vehicle to gain a better understanding of the role. If you decide that becoming a volunteer firefighter is a good fit, you will then need to complete a National Fire Protection Association certified course that lasts at least 110 hours. Training You will then need to undergo training through a fire academy or an apprentice program. In order to be considered for a spot at the fire academy, you need to pass written and physical fitness tests, background checks, drug tests and the interviews. Once accepted, you will undergo about 600 hours of training over a 12 to 14 week period. The training combines classroom education with hands-on experience to fight fires in a controlled setting. You will learn on the usage of fire equipment like the extinguishers and fire prevention techniques. There is also additional training in specialized topics like hazardous materials and anti-arson techniques under the training from the national fire Academy. Apprenticeships While many firefighters begin in fire academies, some fire department instead offer apprentice programs that enable new recruits to learn from experience firefighters over a 3 to year period. However, entrance to apprentice programs is also competitive and requires tests and interview process similar to fire academies. After which, you may go to some probationary period to stay mentally alert and physically prepared.
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Photos used under Creative Commons from Kecko, [SiK-photo], The National Guard, Tony Webster