Firefighters' goals are to save life, property and the environment. A fire can rapidly spread and endanger lives; however, thanks to modern firefighting techniques and preventative measures, tragedy can often be avoided.

To prevent fires from starting a firefighter's duties include public education and conducting fire inspections. It is usual for firefighters to be the first responders to people in critical conditions and so they must provide basic life support as emergency medical technicians or advanced life support as licensed paramedics. They may also be involved in dealing with floods, chemical spills and other emergencies.

Fire fighting can be a full-time career, or it can be part-time and on-call in rural areas and in case of emergencies. Recent tragedies have highlighted the dangerous nature of fire fighting and the serious impact it can have.

Training
Fire fighters are recruited directly by the relevant Local Authority and positions are advertised in the local or national media. Candidates should be in good physical health, have referees who can vouch for them, and have passed the Junior Certificate or equivalent exam.

Older recruits aged from 23 to 30, who have some maturity and life experience, are generally preferred. People who have a trade, such as carpentry or plumbing, have a distinct advantage as they have already demonstrated that they can work with their hands and take instruction.

The recruitment process consists of aptitude and fitness tests, and an interview. The aptitude test examines your mechanical reasoning and spatial and numerical ability, and is marked on speed and accuracy. The interview tests your ability to work in a team, communicate clearly and make decisions. Physical tests make sure you have the capacity to undertake all fire service duties.

If you are accepted as a recruit, you will go on to train as a fire fighter. The training process involves learning fire station and brigade procedures, how to operate appliances and equipment, and rescue techniques. Recruits also receive training in the use of breathing apparatus, road traffic extrication, dealing with hazardous chemicals and coping with stressful environments and situations.

Options after Qualification
Fire fighters can be either full-time and based in cities (Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway) or ‘retained’ and based in rural areas. Retained fire fighters have other jobs and usually work near the station, as they are always on call.

The Work
Although the primary occupation of the fire-fighter is fighting fires, they are also required to assist at a range of other emergency situations, such as floods, explosions and car crashes, chemical spills, water rescue, general rescue, flooding and a host of other incidents. Many fire crews are also trained as first responders so they can render first aid until the arrival of ambulance personnel.

They also check the accident site for safety after the danger has been curtailed and produce detailed reports on incidents they attend. Insurance companies or accident investigators often use these reports. While they are waiting for call-outs, fire fighters perform maintenance checks on equipment, review procedures and go on fire safety visits in the community. They also spend time practising drills and training.

District officers with the Fire Service are trained fire fighters who transfer from operational fire duties to fire prevention, and work primarily at night checking pubs and clubs to make sure they meet safety regulations.

Junior officers are recruited from the general fire-fighter grades. They undergo training in command and control and in station management. Initially, junior officers start as crew commanders and are then promoted to station commanders.

Full-time fire prevention officers are usually recruited at graduate level, and are already qualified engineers, architects or surveyors. Their work involves surveying both existing buildings and buildings under construction to ensure they adhere to fire safety regulations. They can also be called to a major fire where a coordinator is required to oversee certain operations.

Personal Qualities & Work Environment
Fire fighters must have a brave disposition. It is a career that calls for both mental and physical strength, and an ability to work well in a team is also vital. The work can be of a dangerous nature and working hours are not nine-to-five.

The Money
Fire fighting is a pensionable job that allows for retirement at the age of 55. Standard wages range from €387.94 to €640.00 per week, while officers earn higher salaries. There are also meal, weekend and night work allowances.

Jargon
AFA:  Automatic Fire Alarm/Actuating Fire Alarm
Reflash Watch: A person assigned to observe and monitor an extinguished fire, to ensure that it does not reflash or re-kindle
Road Traffic Extrication: Cutting open vehicles that have been involved in accidents to rescue people trapped inside
Backdraft: Very dangerous situation where a fire is starved of oxygen and ceases to burn but room retains very high temperatures, explosion may occur if oxygen reintroduced, e.g. by opening door

Job Titles
Fire fighter
Fire Prevention Officer
Fire Engineer

Further Resources
Irish Fire Services Resource
Web: www.irishfireservices.ie  

Dublin Fire Brigade
Brigade Training Officer
Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre
Malahide Road
Marino
Dublin 3
Phone: 01 833 8313
Web: www.dfb.ie