Firefighters are called to deal with so much more than fires: Accidents, medical emergencies, rescues, hazardous material situations, and disasters all count on their response. Intense physical and mental demands are placed on firefighters, and they need to have the personality and stamina necessary to handle pressure and be successful in their job.
Characteristics Of A Successful Firefighter
Physically fit
Firefighters need to be agile and strong to get their job done successfully. Being in shape is essential to your job as a firefighter. You have to lift heavy equipment and be able to move fast while carrying a person, all while wearing incredibly heavy protective gear.
Trustworthy
The public relies on its emergency service workers, and firefighters are no exception. Civilians need to be comfortable enough to trust you with their lives and the lives of their families. Not to mention, the firefighting crew needs to have a huge amount of confidence in each other to work optimally.
People skills
A firefighter needs to know when to listen and when to speak. You will be dealing with angry or scared individuals, and knowing how to handle them is essential to the job. A firefighter also has to communicate with other emergency personnel, so you need to be able to speak clearly and precisely, especially when time is of the essence.
Team player
Being a firefighter is a team sport. You will be relying on your team, and they will be leaning on you. Each firefighter is in charge of a particular role, which is usually worked out by the fire chief during practice. It’s how you work as a team that enables you to accomplish success. When one person fails to do his or her duty, the rest of the group can break down. That cannot happen during an emergency!
Brave
Firefighters risk their lives to save the lives of others. You have to go into burning buildings and climb heights. You go to work knowing you may have to make the ultimate sacrifice, your life. It takes a very emotionally strong person to do this job.
Fit The Description?
Communities need strong men and women to serve as their firefighters. If you feel firefighting is the career for you, then start your training at an EMS school near you.
