How To Become a Fireman Continued

Initial Response to Incidents – tasks occurring between the receipt of an alarm and initial firefighting or emergency scene activities
Watch Duties – stands watch to receive incoming alarms and information, answers phones, and monitors access to the station house
On-Scene Communication – communicates at an emergency scene to insure appropriate coordination of apparatus and personnel
Driving – drives apparatus, (engine, truck, ambulance, etc.) to and from, and positions apparatus at, emergency scenes
Pump Operations – connects or hooks up apparatus to fire hydrants and operates pumps to supply water in appropriate pressure and volume – using couplings, hoses, spanner wrenches and other tools
Hose (and Extinguisher) Operations – stretches line or uses extinguisher to deliver water, foam, and other extinguishing agents to emergency scene
Mechanical Ladder Operations – stabilizes ladder trucks and elevates and operates aerial ladders in order to rescue victims, provide access for ventilation, operate master stream devices, etc.
Manual Ladder Operations – carries, raises, extends and climbs manual ladders to perform search, rescue and other operations
Forcible Entry – pries open, cuts or breaks down doors, or otherwise enters structures, vehicles, aircraft and other entrapments in order to search for and rescue victims and provide access to the emergency scene – using axes, halligan tools, hooks, rabbit tools, batter rams, sledge hammers, power saws and other tools
Ventilation – opens or breaks windows, chops or cuts holes in roofs, breaches walls or doors, and aims fog stream out of window or hangs fans in windows or doors to remove heat, smoke and/or gas from structures or entrapments
Search – searches assigned area in order to locate victims and to obtain further information about incident, following standards search procedures
Rescue – assists, hoists, carries or drags victims from emergency area by means of interior access (stairs, hallways, etc.) or, if necessary, by ladders, fire escapes, or other means of escape – using rescue harnesses, ropes, backboards and other equipment. Extricates victims from vehicles, aircraft, cave-ins, collapsed buildings or other entrapments in order to save lives – using shovels, torches, drills, pry bars, saws, jacks jaws, air bags, and other equipment
Salvage – moves and covers furniture, appliances, merchandise and other property; covers holes in structures; stabilizes damaged structural components; and redirects or cleans up water in order to minimize damage – using plastic and canvas covers, ropes, staple guns, mops, squeegees, and other tools
Overhaul – opens up walls and ceilings, cuts or pulls up floors and moves or turns over debris, in order to check for hidden fires which could rekindle or spread – using hooks, axes, saws and pitchforks
Clean-Up/Pick-Up – picks up, cleans and returns equipment to vehicle and rolls or folds hose, so that the company can go back in service
Emergency Medical Care – performs thorough patient evaluation and intervenes with the appropriate medical care for persons requiring medical care and/or requesting assistance with medical care
Equipment Maintenance – checks, cleans, and maintains personal gear and equipment to ensure proper and safe operation
Apparatus Maintenance – checks, cleans and maintains apparatus to ensure proper and safe operation
Station Maintenance and Duties – checks, cleans, and maintains house facilities. This includes the performance of routine housekeeping chores
Inspection of Buildings and Fire Protection Devices - inspects building for fire prevention/hazardous materials code violations or hazards on a periodic basis or during the course of their activities. Inspects alarms, hydrants, sprinkler systems, and standpipe systems for operational use.
Public Relations - engages in activities that have an impact on the department’s image in the community. Such activities include providing information to the media, providing assistance and support to civilians seeking help or information, and giving presentations to community groups and other members of the public.
Training and Professional Development - participates in training drills and classes to enhance job-related skills and abilities. Reads internal memos and bulletins to keep apprised of new developments in departmental operations and procedures. Attends lectures, seminars, courses, etc., and reads external documents (e.g., professional trade publications) to remain current in the fire service.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A SUCCESSFUL FIREFIGHTER

maintain effective working relationships with superiors and subordinates
get along with others
stay calm; handle stress
use common sense
listen to others
be flexible
be self-motivated
be decisive
counsel, support and be empathic toward others
work under stressful conditions
maintain emotional control
do repetitive tasks
work with little or no supervision
take charge when needed
determine priorities
have a good sense of humor
accept constructive criticism from others
be resourceful
handle critical decision-making under life-threatening conditions
perform complex tasks under life-threatening conditions
work under tight time frames
deal with critically injured/ill people
perform tasks requiring log periods of intense concentration
perform under unpleasant circumstances or in traumatic situations
work as a team member
maintain a positive attitude
enthusiasm
honesty
initiative
innovativeness
judgment and common sense
stability
willingness to be patient, non-judgmental and accepting of other people
desire to serve and help people regardless of who they are, where they are and what their beliefs are
demonstrate a genuine caring attitude toward all people
must have an awareness and understanding of differences between different cultures
have an optimistic attitude and believe that the best outcome will occur in emergency situations
driven by strong values and ethics along with an awareness to act upon those values and ethics
willing to put the best interests of the organization above personal interests or differences
be able to function as a member of a team