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Career Details :: Municipal Firefighters
Description
Control and extinguish municipal fires, protect life and property and conduct rescue efforts.
Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a drywall installer might benefit from experience installing drywall, but an inexperienced person could still learn to be an installer with little difficulty.
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.
Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.
Tasks
- Positions and climbs ladders to gain access to upper levels of buildings or to rescue individuals from burning structures.
- Protects property from water and smoke, using waterproof salvage covers, smoke ejectors, and deodorants.
- Creates openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance, using ax, chisel, crowbar, electric saw, or core cutter.
- Selects hose nozzle, depending on type of fire, and directs stream of water or chemicals onto fire.
- Administers first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation to injured persons and those overcome by fire and smoke.
- Responds to fire alarms and other emergency calls.
- Sprays foam onto runway, extinguishes fire, and rescues aircraft crew and passengers in air-crash emergency.
- Inspects buildings for fire hazards and compliance with fire-prevention ordinances.
- Participates in courses in hydraulics, pump operation, and fire-fighting techniques.
- Participates in fire drills and demonstrations of fire-fighting techniques.
- Maintains fire-fighting equipment and apparatus, vehicles, hydrants, and fire station.
- Drives and operates fire-fighting vehicles and equipment.
- Establishes fire lines to prevent unauthorized persons from entering area.
- Assesses fire and situation, reports to superior, and receives instructions, using two-way radio.
Related Careers
- Fire Inspectors
- Fish and Game Wardens
- Forest Fire Fighting and Prevention Supervisors
- Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists
- Forest Firefighters
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers
- Municipal Fire Fighting and Prevention Supervisors
- Security Guards
- Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
- Transit and Railroad Police
Important Abilities
General Work Activities
- Performing General Physical Activities
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Communicating With Other Workers
- Operating Vehicles or Equipment
- Assisting and Caring for Others
Important Skills
- Service Orientation
- Coordination
- Problem Identification
- Critical Thinking
- Judgment and Decision Making
Frequent Work Context
- Responsible for Others' Health & Safety
- Consequence of Error
- Job-Required Social Interaction
- Frustrating Circumstances
- Provide a Service to Others
Related Majors
| Major | Add to XapPack |
|---|---|
| Fire Science |  [ add ] |
| Fire Science/Public Safety | [ add ] |
Institutions Offering Related Majors
No institutions found.