5 Good Reasons You Should Become a Firefighter
Firefighters save lives, and they protect people as well as property from extreme fire hazards. It is a very admirable career choice because you spend your life giving back to the community.
If it interests you, keep reading to find out why you should become a firefighter and what you’ll achieve from it.
Why You Should Become a Firefighter
Public Service
The reason people mainly become firefighters is to save lives and to try to improve society in one way or another. It is an opportunity for you to provide your community back with the services it has given. Firefighters consequently also receive a lot of praise and are superheroes.
However, remember that this job requires you to be sensitive and empathetic towards your colleagues, victims of accidents, and everyone else around you.
Job Security
Firefighting is a stable and secure career. There is always a demand for this job because there are always more people you can try and save from accidents. Because of this, it provides good benefits and retirement options. It is a recession-proof profession, as there will always be a need for firefighters to protect communities.
At the same time, if you ever apply for another job, such an experience gives you great credit in the community and a chance for multiple good references.
Career Advancement Opportunities
Firefighters have the opportunity for career advancement and growth within their departments. As they gain experience and training, they can increase their rank and take on more responsibility. Firefighters can go up the ladder to become fire investigators, fire inspectors, fire captains, battalion chiefs, and even fire chiefs. These positions come with more responsibility and higher pay.
Personal Satisfaction
The contentment you receive from this profession is one of the main reasons you take up this job. Firefighting is one of the most rewarding careers out there. You get to save children, elders, and families. The realization that you have saved people from danger and long-term grief is a feeling unmatched by another.
Job Excitement
The job always keeps you on your toes. Though it may seem unfortunate, you could have a new thing to care about every day. As a result, there is no boredom or mundanity in the job.
Qualifications Needed to Become a Firefighter
Education
You don’t need a certain degree or specialization in academia to be a firefighter. More often a simple high school grad can apply for a position if they are willing. However, some institutions might require further education like a bachelor’s degree. It is to ensure that you are aware of the hazards that come with the job. The rest is mainly on-the-job training.
Physical Fitness
Of course, firefighting is a very physically demanding job requiring strength, agility, and immense endurance. People who apply for the job must undergo multiple fitness exams to know whether they can handle the high-intensity job. The physical training is generally very similar to what you need when joining the army.
Training and Certification
Firefighters must complete extensive training and certification programs. Training for firefighters includes cylinder training, training in firefighting techniques, hazardous materials handling, and emergency medical procedures.
Challenges of Being a Firefighter
Stressful Work Environment
Firefighters work in high-stress environments. Not everyone can handle being emotionally taxed every day and still can stay at the job. They are called during life-or-death situations and often have to see injuries or deaths every other day. Having to watch the regular loss of life often can also take an emotional toll on a person.
Physical Demands
Firefighting requires strength, endurance, and agility. You might also have a regular intensive workout to maintain your endurance over time.
Exposure
Firefighters are exposed to hazardous materials on the job every day, and they inhale toxic fumes and chemicals and sometimes even suffer burns. Most of these have long-term effects, like trouble breathing, that may not show immediately.
Conclusion
If you’re finally considering this job, you must know it’s an excellent profession. Yes, you face dangerous situations, as mentioned already, but there’s also a great deal of responsibility and satisfaction in knowing you’re making a difference in people’s lives.