A volunteer firefighter is a rescuer with extensive training in combating fires, mainly to extinguish violent fires that put lives, places, and environments at risk, as well as rescuing people and livestock from different dangers.
During training evaluations, the abilities needed for secure activities are frequently exercised throughout the life of a firefighter. Initial firefighting abilities are learned through fire academies or training courses that are local, regional, or state-approved.
As a firefighter, you can obtain additional abilities and certifications, such as technical rescue and pre-hospital medicine, depending on a department’s demands. Continue reading to discover more ways you can secure a job as a volunteer firefighter.
What Is a Volunteer Firefighter?
Volunteer firefighters are working tightly with other organizations for an emergency reaction such as police and emergency medical services. The function of a firefighter can overlap with both. Fire marshals or fire investigators look into the origin of the fire.
If arson or negligence caused the fire, their job would overlap with law enforcement. In addition to working with full-time paramedics, firefighters also often provide some degree of emergency medical service.
A volunteer firefighter operates for a local jurisdiction in a fire department consisting of volunteers performing fire suppression and other associated emergency services. Volunteers and retained firefighters will be on call to react to long-term emergency calls. They will be called to the fire station when their services are required.
Types of Firefighters
Fire departments must be prepared to send firefighters to emergencies at any hour of the day or night in a nation with extensive fire service to arrive on the scene within minutes. The job also implies that full-time paid firefighters typically have shift jobs in urban regions, with some providing coverage every night.
There are different types of firefighters, and that includes the volunteers. Volunteer firefighters work for the same department with the regular firefighters. However, in some countries, being a full-time or regular firefighter is not economically wise. Because of this, several fire departments employ personnel who spend long periods on call to respond to rare emergencies; they might work ordinary occupations in addition to firefighting.
Here are the other types of firefighters.
- Probationary Firefighter
- Firefighter/EMT
- Firefighter/Paramedic
Volunteer Firefighter Average Pay
According to Payscale, the average pay for a Volunteer Firefighter is $15.37 per hour. The average salary for a Volunteer Firefighter is $48,155 per year.
Where to Apply to Jobs as a Volunteer Firefighter
Engaging in a volunteer fire department is a gratifying way to contribute positively to your society. Here are some websites you need to follow if you plan to apply as a volunteer firefighter.
- Indeed – Indeed is a leading job search platform.
- GovernmentJobs – GovernmentJobs is a job search engine for federal, state, and city jobs.
- ZipRecruiter – ZipRecruiter, is a well-regarded job search engine.
How to Apply for a Volunteer Firefighter Job
You must maintain your composure in life-or-death situations as a volunteer firefighter. You need to keep your composure in helping with traumatic occurrences such as auto crash injuries and deaths. You should also put yourself in extreme circumstances like burning houses, crawling through narrow spaces, and entering other dangerous environments. There are just a few things you should keep in mind before applying as a volunteer firefighter.
Most volunteer fire services want you to devote a minimum quantity of time to function, so make sure you have time and flexibility to do that. It also implies you need the time to spend on the required firefighter training course.
The duration of the practice may differ depending on the country and the amount of certification needed; a Firefighter 1 certification may take between two and three days a week for six months.
Follow these instructions to become a firefighter.
- Contact your local government unit or local fire station department. Ask questions about the process during your call or visit, so you know what to expect as you become a volunteer firefighter.
- Apply as a volunteer firefighter. Once you have discovered the correct fire department for volunteers, you will need to find out about their service demands to see if you are qualified. A minimum age is required. If you are applying online, make sure to know if there are vacancies in your local fire department station.
- Get proper training. If your request is approved, taking the training course will be the next step in becoming a volunteer fireman or firewoman. These programs’ time requirements vary, but all firefighters must take a course certified by the National Fire Protection Association worth at least 110 hours.
Conclusion
One of the most gratifying professions is that of a firefighter. You get to save properties, and most importantly, lives. Before applying, make sure you have the passion for helping others and for putting their needs above yours.
If you plan to get a career in saving lives, click here for more options.
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