2 answers
Isaiah
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
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How is it to be a firefighter and dangerous is it?
I’m Isaiah and I’m 13 I’m from Arizona and I wanted to be a firefighter and all I wanted to know is how difficult it is and the dangers being a firefighter. So if anyone was a firefighter or is I want to know how I can be one and what different types of firefighters there are.
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2 answers
Ryan Pfeiffer, MA
Firefighter Training Officer / EMT
83
Answers
Fort Collins, Colorado
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Hi Isaiah. You asked lots of good questions, some of which are complicated.
How difficult it is varies person to person. If you're less naturally athletic you may find the physical demands of the job are very difficult to overcome. Or, you might be natural athlete and have no struggle at all, but maybe you're not the best test taker and you struggle to pass the certification exams. Being a firefighter doesn't mean you have to be good at everything; you can lean on your teammates for help where you're weak, and help those that are weak when you're able. How difficult it is depends how good you are at being physically strong, fast, and flexible, how good you are at overcoming claustrophobia, darkness, heights, blood and guts, and how good you are at being woken up in the middle of the night, recovering from seeing some of the horrible things that can happen to people, being a team player, working in extreme hot and cold temperatures, etc.
There are many dangers of being a firefighter, and fire itself is actually somewhat rare. We're also exposed to severe weather, toxic gases, bloodborne pathogens, heights, swift moving water, acts of violence against us, etc. etc. Some of the dangers are invisible, like being at a higher risk of heart disease and cancer than the general public. It all sounds scary, but the truth is that the vast majority of firefighters will never be critically injured or killed in their careers.
There are many ways to become a firefighter, and there are several types of firefighter. Firefighters are primary divided into structural firefighters and wildland firefighters. In a big enough city, they may be further divided into smaller categories based on specialized needs, like aircraft rescue firefighters or firefighter paramedics. But even those specialized firefighters usually start off as just plain firefighters first. To become a structural firefighter you typically either need to put yourself through a firefighter academy (such as through a local community college) or get hired by a fire department that will put you through their own internal firefighter academy. There are other ways, but these are probably the two most common ways. I suggest visiting a local fire station sometime and asking them - they'll be happy to talk to you, and they can tell you wants offered and available in your specific community.
Let me know if I can answer any other questions you have about firefighting!
How difficult it is varies person to person. If you're less naturally athletic you may find the physical demands of the job are very difficult to overcome. Or, you might be natural athlete and have no struggle at all, but maybe you're not the best test taker and you struggle to pass the certification exams. Being a firefighter doesn't mean you have to be good at everything; you can lean on your teammates for help where you're weak, and help those that are weak when you're able. How difficult it is depends how good you are at being physically strong, fast, and flexible, how good you are at overcoming claustrophobia, darkness, heights, blood and guts, and how good you are at being woken up in the middle of the night, recovering from seeing some of the horrible things that can happen to people, being a team player, working in extreme hot and cold temperatures, etc.
There are many dangers of being a firefighter, and fire itself is actually somewhat rare. We're also exposed to severe weather, toxic gases, bloodborne pathogens, heights, swift moving water, acts of violence against us, etc. etc. Some of the dangers are invisible, like being at a higher risk of heart disease and cancer than the general public. It all sounds scary, but the truth is that the vast majority of firefighters will never be critically injured or killed in their careers.
There are many ways to become a firefighter, and there are several types of firefighter. Firefighters are primary divided into structural firefighters and wildland firefighters. In a big enough city, they may be further divided into smaller categories based on specialized needs, like aircraft rescue firefighters or firefighter paramedics. But even those specialized firefighters usually start off as just plain firefighters first. To become a structural firefighter you typically either need to put yourself through a firefighter academy (such as through a local community college) or get hired by a fire department that will put you through their own internal firefighter academy. There are other ways, but these are probably the two most common ways. I suggest visiting a local fire station sometime and asking them - they'll be happy to talk to you, and they can tell you wants offered and available in your specific community.
Let me know if I can answer any other questions you have about firefighting!
Cameron Stanley
Paramedic/High school teacher
2
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Cameron’s Answer
Firefighting is a profession that, while statistically risky, is also incredibly fulfilling. The potential hazards range from exposure to toxic chemicals, operating in treacherous highways, to venturing into blazing and unstable structures. Despite these risks, we strive to minimize danger through the use of protective gear, comprehensive training, and keen situational awareness. Even though it's a risky job, the rewards are immense, especially when considering the positive impact you can make on your patients and you're community.
In addition to firefighting, most individuals in this profession are also EMTs or paramedics, making education crucial. Excelling in school, particularly in STEM subjects, is vital. As paramedics, the use of math is prevalent, particularly when calculating dosages for the various medications administered to patients. Physical fitness is equally important; when applying to a fire department, you'll undergo a test to assess your strength and endurance. This job may be challenging, but the rewards and the impact you can make are truly remarkable.
In addition to firefighting, most individuals in this profession are also EMTs or paramedics, making education crucial. Excelling in school, particularly in STEM subjects, is vital. As paramedics, the use of math is prevalent, particularly when calculating dosages for the various medications administered to patients. Physical fitness is equally important; when applying to a fire department, you'll undergo a test to assess your strength and endurance. This job may be challenging, but the rewards and the impact you can make are truly remarkable.