Firefighters

The work

Core tasks

1. 01Rescue survivors from burning buildings, accident sites, and water hazards.
2. 02Dress with equipment such as fire-resistant clothing and breathing apparatus.
3. 03Assess fires and situations and report conditions to superiors to receive instructions, using two-way radios.
4. 04Move toward the source of a fire, using knowledge of types of fires, construction design, building materials, and physical layout of properties.
5. 05Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents.
6. 06Create openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance, using axes, chisels, crowbars, electric saws, or core cutters.
7. 07Drive and operate fire fighting vehicles and equipment.
8. 08Inspect fire sites after flames have been extinguished to ensure that there is no further danger.
9. 09Position and climb ladders to gain access to upper levels of buildings, or to rescue individuals from burning structures.
10. 10Select and attach hose nozzles, depending on fire type, and direct streams of water or chemicals onto fires.
11. 11Operate pumps connected to high-pressure hoses.
12. 12Maintain contact with fire dispatchers at all times to notify them of the need for additional firefighters and supplies, or to detail any difficulties encountered.

Capabilities

Essential skills

Employment outlook

Where the role is heading