subject: How To Be A Firefighter [print this page] Becoming a firefighter can be a very rewarding decision on your part. Firefighters perform essential duties to help protect the public from the horrifying threat of a fire, as well as rescuing people trapped within burning buildings and much more. However, if you want to become a firefighter, then you need to know a bit more about the qualifications. First, there are several personal qualifications and characteristics that you will need to meet if you want to become a firefighter.
One of the most important characteristics is a deep sense of confidence in yourself and in your abilities. You also need to be able to communicate effectively with others, both other firefighters and the public. Finally, you need to be highly adaptable, as situations, technology and even your role will change considerably over time. One of the most important qualifications to become a firefighter is your eyesight. Uncorrected vision should be no worse than 6/18 in your best eye and 6/24 in the other. With corrective lenses, your vision should be 6/9 with both eyes. You must also have normal binocular vision, as well as normal colour perception. Of course, you must also be in decent physical condition to become a firefighter.
You will undergo physical testing to determine how well you can climb a 13.5 metre ladder, how well you handle casualty evacuation, raising and lowering a ladder, assembling your equipment, and carrying your equipment all in simulated fire situations. Key psychological tests will also be given to you before you can become a firefighter. You will have to work with numbers, have your understanding of provided information assessed, have your problem solving abilities tested and have your situational awareness tested, as well.
The overall assessment contains a total of 127 questions within these areas. However, no previous experience with fire situations or firefighting equipment is needed to pass these examinations. Your criminal record will also be assessed. However, the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act is enforced with UK firefighters, so if you meet the qualifications of this Act, then your criminal record will not bar you from working as a firefighter. Finally, you will have to undergo a medical examination in which your hearing, step, lung function, physical stamina and other areas are assessed and graded.
Once you have passed these examinations, you will undergo ongoing training for the duration of your tenure as a firefighter. Throughout the selection process it is vital that you try as hard as possible to match the assessable Personal Qualities and Attributes that are relevant to the Firefighter's role.
