It used to be that all you needed to become a firefighter was the desire
to do the job and a certain level of physical fitness. But formal training
is becoming increasingly important.
Dave Schafer is an instructor at an emergency services college. "Departments
are quickly recognizing the benefits of having candidates trained when they
walk through the door," he says.
You can get your basic training at a firefighter academy, or you
can do more in-depth study at college or university. Hundreds of colleges
offer two-year fire science programs. A handful of universities offer four-year
bachelor's degrees, but these tend to be for people who've already done their
basic training.
Glenn Corbett is a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in
New York. He says the program doesn't duplicate training already provided
by the fire department's fire academy.
"We offer courses that complement a firefighter's basic training," he says.
"We offer a rigorous curriculum of technical and management courses that prepare
the student for leadership roles in the fire service."
Corbett's students take a year of physics and chemistry before moving
on to courses such as risk management, fire safety engineering, analysis
of urban hazardous materials, tactics and strategy and fire service hydraulics.
If it's mostly hands-on training you're after, a fire academy or emergency
services training college is your best bet. Schafer says only 25 to 35 percent
of the eight-month course at his college is spent learning theory in a classroom.
The rest is spent on practical skills, such as how to deal with hazardous
materials, drive a fire truck and perform vehicle extrication.
Physical fitness is very important. Schafer suggests getting into
a structured workout program while you're still in high school in order to
prepare for the tough strength and endurance requirements you'll be expected
to meet.
"It is suggested that high school students take as many science, mathematics
and writing courses as their high school schedules will permit," says
Corbett.
Outside of school, there are other things you can do to prepare. "Try to
become an auxiliary firefighter in the city where you intend to apply for
a career position," says Corbett. "Take an emergency medical technician (EMT)
course."
The International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) accredits
fire service certification programs as well as fire-related degree programs
in Canada and the United States.
Tuition fees vary, depending on what type of course you select. If you're
training with a local fire service, your employer may cover your costs. Students
may also be required to purchase or rent a set of personal protective clothing,
including a helmet, firefighting pants, coat and suspenders.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Firefighters
Sparky the Fire Dog
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Fire Rescue1
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world
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