Fire-fighter
Job overview
Fire-fighters?'? primary duty is to prevent and extinguish accidental, unplanned fires and to save lives and property?
What do people do in this job?
The work of fire-fighters varies daily as they have to deal with all sorts of emergencies.
In saving the lives of others, their own lives are often at risk.
The fires they fight may be in built-up areas or on the open veldt.
They are often called to rescue people from car accidents, and to help injured people in inhospitable areas, such as on mountains, under water, or under collapsed buildings.
They also may be called upon to deal with other emergencies, such as rescuing animals.
Fire prevention involves inspecting and approving building plans and fire-prevention devices in buildings.
Lectures, pre-fire planning visits and drills keep fire-fighters abreast of what is expected of them.
They give lectures and demonstrations to the public e.g. school groups.
As getting to the scene of a fire or other emergency as soon as possible is vitally important, fire-fighters must ensure that their vehicles and equipment are in good condition.
What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Fire-fighters receive regular training and refresher courses to enable them to carry out all these tasks.
They need to be able to decide quickly and accurately what action needs to be taken in any emergency.
They should be healthy and adventurous.
Their work requires strength and physical fitness.
They need to be brave, but calm.
They must also have initiative and keen perception.
Common sense, discipline and the ability to work in a team are important.
They should not be afraid of heights or confined spaces.
They often have to work under great stress, in uncomfortable and dangerous situations.
What qualifications are needed?
There are no formal, paper qualifications for starting work as a fire-fighter, but nowadays a good basic education, preferably with emphasis on the science side, is the norm.
Qualifications are then increased by in-service training?
