JOB DESCRIPTION
Firefighters control and extinguish fires and protect life, property and the environment as members of fire brigades. Firefighters wear uniforms, breathing apparatus and other personal protective equipment when fighting fires and dealing with other incidents. They attend daily drills where they practise skills such as driving, handling equipment and operating ladders. They are required to work both day and night shifts in order to maintain a 24-hour service. Due to the nature of shiftwork, firefighters work several days on followed by several days off.
DUTIES AND TASKS
Firefighters may perform the following tasks:
- respond to emergency calls regarding fires, vehicle accidents, rescues and other emergency situations
- undertake activities designed to prevent fires
- drive or crew firefighting appliances or other vehicles to fires or incident scenes
- provide support in response to natural disasters such as floods and cyclones
- operate pumps and spray foam or water from hoses, portable extinguishers or other appliances to extinguish fires, or to disperse or neutralise dangerous substances such as chemicals and petroleum
- rescue people stranded or trapped in dangerous situations or inaccessible places using ladders or elevating platforms, or by cutting openings in buildings or crashed vehicles to free occupants
- respond to industrial accidents
- administer first aid and oxygen therapy
- communicate with other emergency response personnel using radios, computers and other communication technology
- take part in fire drills and ongoing training in firefighting techniques
- visit buildings to assess entry/exit points and locations of hydrants, identify potential fire hazards and ensure they comply with fire codes
- inspect and maintain firefighting equipment and hydrants
- undertake public education tasks, including school visits, demonstrations, first aid, firefighting training and lectures
- train industrial and volunteer firefighters and give instructions in evacuation, fire prevention, firefighting, rescue and use of breathing apparatus.
PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS
- good communication skills
- enjoy helping people and contributing to community safety
- able to work as part of a team
- enjoy practical work
- able to cope with the physical demands of the job
- able to pass a medical examination
- able to work under pressure
- able to work at heights and in confined spaces
- willing to undertake ongoing training and professional development