When not on an emergency, they are responsible for cleaning and maintaining the station, apparatus, and equipment, completing reports, inspecting businesses, frequent training, and drills. Firefighters work out of the fire station for a straight 24-hour period followed by 48 hours off. They also give traffic and other tickets. In this career quiz, there are 10 questions that will give you a pretty good perspective on whether the career of a Municipal Firefighter is right for you. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. As a firefighter, I recommend everyone has updated smoke detectors that dont require battery changes, like these ones from Kidde,a fire extinguisher, like this one from Amerex, and a fire escape ladder if you have bedrooms above the first floor, I recommend this one from Hausse. You like working with, communicating with, and teaching people. You get to work with amazing people and help save lives. Pros of Being a Firefighter 1. Considering the median wage of all careers, firefighters tend to make less than nurses and teachers. A desire to keep learning and staying on top of trends in the community as well as technology in the line-of-work is a necessity of police work. In addition to the physical dangers, firefighters also face emotional and mental stress. Our mission is to empower you with information to help you decide which civil servant career path is best for you and to provide you with the tools needed to increase your chance of success in that career path. You like starting up and carrying out projects. This type of teamwork will give you the skills needed for any position you may enter after working in the fire service. Let's be real. They work on a crew of 3-5 people and respond on their apparatus (engine or truck). Good luck on taking the quiz. If the sight of blood or injuries makes you squeamish, a career as a firefighter, Pros and Cons of Being a Firefighter | Indeed.com. This means that you could be called out at any time of the day or night. Firefighters also have a great sense of community and they are able to work together as a team to help keep everyone safe. Familiarity with the traffic laws and the departments method of operation are both important parts of policing. Note: This information is coming from the perspective of a career firefighter (me), however, I work alongside police officers daily, so I have a basic idea of what their job is like. Most firefighters have at least a high school diploma, although some jurisdictions may require firefighters to have completed some college coursework or have an Associate's degree in Fire Science or a related field. That I can fix most anything, I'm kind of like a jack of all trades. I choose not to talk about it, it's nobody's business but mine. A lot of people want to be firefighters. In 2019, there were 57 firefighters who died while on duty, down from 64 the previous year. Jobs in the civil servant sector are held to the highest of standards both on and off the clock. These numbers vary by year, but that means that cops have about a 1-in-4644 chance of dying, while firefighters have about a 1-in-11,340 chance of dying. You may have to work in extreme temperatures and in hazardous environments. Since 2010, roughly 1600 police officers in the United States have died from. Dislike= 0 point. Once, our entire engine and accompanying ambulance crew literally burst out cheering when a sheriff's deputy happened to tail us as we responded to a call. A few police departments may use a longer 12-hour shift 3 days a week with adjustments made to make up the other four hours. They also need good eyesight, cardiovascular fitness, strength and flexibility. Police officers, on the other hand, die in the line-of-duty at more than double the rate of firefighters. For firefighters, there are many opportunities for career advancement. Great police officers are able to consider all the possibilities. Critical thinking skills are often pushed to the max in the fast-paced world of police officers. at the fire station, firefighters are expected to clean and maintain the rescue equipment as well as the fire trucks and emergency vehicles. Thus, while the job may not be everyones cup of tea, there are plenty of individuals who find satisfaction in working as a firefighter. Jobs in the civil servant sector are held to the highest of standards both on and off the clock. Nothing I can't handle. Special Offer on Antivirus Software From HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security. Firefighters are working to find safer, more efficient ways to do the job. Another risk firefighters face is exposure to hazardous materials. t arrived yet, police officers must determine if there is anyone in need of rescue. Firefighters in the United States start at around $25-30k per year with average salaries in the range of $45,000 per year. But not everyone can make the cut. For instance, to be a firefighter or police officer you need to take a psychological evaluation that covers the core values, priorities, underlying attitudes and behaviors upon which real-world performance lies. Smoke is a complex mixture of particles and chemicals that can irritate the lungs and cause difficulty breathing. battle the blaze. }); As a paramedic in New York City, someone with little experience could start off with a salary of $43,600 to $46,600. The website Indeed lists the median salary of a police officer is $53,267 per year. In the case of a fire, officers must prevent people from trying to enter the burning building for any reason. The average week is 56 hours per week. Both of these jobs have a lot in common, and to do either you need to be brave, heroic and ready to put yourself in danger at a moment's notice. Are you a team player?Firefighting is a team sport. Only one-third of the emergencies firefighters respond to are structure fires. If you have a fear of heights or are uncomfortable with being high up off the ground, a career as a firefighter might not be right for you.3. Sometimes I need time alone to process things. When buildings collapse, the rubble can fall on firefighters, trapping them or causing serious injuries. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business. Every firefighter needs to be able to follow orders perfectly in order to ensure the safety of everyone involved. I'll administer it while someone calls for help. I like having a group of friends I know and trust. We may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. What type of health conditions do fire fighters commonly develop? Firefighters see people at their worst, and they must often deal with the aftermath of tragic events. Even if you arent physically able to do much, your contribution to the team can still make a significant impact. Access to inexpensive health insurance. Imagine going to a call that turns out to be a drug lab, filled with dangerous chemicals. You like following set procedures and routines. cular physique of firefighters comes from the labor-intensive activities that come with battling fires and saving lives. well take the quiz and find out . Also, in order to work well as a team, firefighters must be able to trust one ano, Firefighters must be able to communicate information accurately and effectively, especially in highly dangerous situations. Most people arent usually happy to see them. Provide for public safety by maintaining order, responding to emergencies, protecting people and property, enforcing motor vehicle and criminal laws, and promoting good community relations. Approach the person because they don't look strong enough to take you. A study of 2500 police officers from 1950-1990 found that police officers had a significantly shorter life expectancy than the general population. Both firefighters and police officers must be able to demonstrate ethical and professional responsibility, relationship building, critical thinking and compassion, just for starters. Familiarity with the traffic laws and the departments method of operation are both important parts of policing. Police officers are on hand to determine what may have caused the accident. Whats do cops and firefighters have in common? Changes are always occurring which requires co. You are expected to maintain your composure while handling whatever situation you encounter. When it comes to public service, one of the most important and dangerous professions is that of a firefighter. 2) You can be part of the team Being part of a team is one of the best things about being a firefighter. Take note of what they look like and introduce myself. They are fine, especially at concerts, I like the energy. Here is a video that goes over salaries for different police positions: In general, there is much more competition to become a firefighter than to become a police officer. You Get to Exercise on the job 8. Career Quiz. There are many benefits to being a firefighter. Making yourself stand out. With hard work and dedication, any firefighter can find success and attain their goals. However, depending on the location of a fire department, firefighters may also be responsible for responding to medical emergencies or working alongside other emergency service personnel. Are you comfortable with heights?Many firefighters are responsible for climbing ladder trucks to access the upper floors of burning buildings. How to Become a Firefighter: The Complete Guide. ", "Tough times don't last, tough people do. Remember to rate this quiz on the next page! From towers and high-rises to schools and office buildings, firefighters are responsible for keeping people safe and sound. Heat and flames are also a major hazard for firefighters. Now count how many points you have. Who makes more money, firefighters, or police officers? They like leading people and making many decisions. Outside of the fire department, there are also opportunities for career advancement. but on a normal day-to-day basis I can see a . Many firefighters are responsible for climbing ladder trucks to access the upper floors of burning buildings. 5. Record facts to prepare reports that document incidents and activities. area_of_study: "41826B55", Answer Like if you tell yourself Yes, Im interested. Some departments schedule the standard 8-hour day, five days a week. The best way to secure a high salary as a firefighter is to gain experience and/or specialize in a particular area such as EMT or Paramedic work. Free civil service guide. felonious acts and work-related incidents. Being a firefighter holds great expectations from c. o-workers and the highest of standards from the communities they serve. How well do you handle blood and gore? So you may be wondering, which job is better? A few police departments may use a longer 12-hour shift 3 days a week with adjustments made to make up the other four hours. A few fire stations choose to use a different schedule where firefighters work 10-to-12-hour shifts 3 to 4 days straight. area_of_study: "41826B55", Dangers of firefighting include risks in dealing with structures that might collapse, the operation of large, heavy equipment, climbing high ladders or while suspended in unsafe places during a rescue. Police officers have to find the balance between being professional and being sympathetic to someone in hard times. What do you do? This makes being a firefighter very enjoyable and exciting. These events can trigger flashbacks, nightmares, and feelings of guilt or shame. This can be either day or night shift. I like them, but I look for exits in case I want to leave. Shift Schedules Examined. To learn how to best prepare and study for your firefighter exam click here. No single firefighter can battle a blaze on their own. 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