Advice for becoming a Firefighter?

[Up_Tilt_390]

Like everyone on the forums my ultimate dream is to be a train driver, but at the present time I am looking to work my way towards becoming a firefighter. This doesn't require any formal qualifications bar the standard requirement of five GCSEs at A* to C grade. Nevertheless, I'm doing a bit more to make sure any applications stand out among 2,500 others.

For one thing I have a BTEC Level 2 Engineering qualification from college, and I've also taken up a swimming hobby as well as a form of exercise to get myself down to a decent level of fitness (my local brigade recruited a few weeks ago but I'm not exactly in shape) in which I can do a total of 3km per week (1km three times a week in a 25m pool, equal to 40 lengths or 20 laps). I am also planning to start driving lessons soon since it's a requirement to have a full UK driving license.

But I've also considered going to learn basic first aid. Not to the level of being a fully qualified doctor or paramedic, but more just basic first aid in circumstances where it would reduce the need to call an Ambulance or to keep one going until an Ambulance can arrive. This is more for a general skill to put on any job application because one time I saw one guy having a seizure or epileptic problem, and it felt kind of downing to not be able to do anything about it. What kind of course would I need for this though would be a really helpful bit of information too if anybody knows.

So aside from the required GCSEs along with the Engineering and First Aid lessons, could anybody recommend anything else to strengthen my application? My local brigade plans to recruit soon within the next 12 months, but no time was specified (bearing in mind I'm prepared for it to be not in my ideal time, but then they're training new ones so I doubt it'll be too soon). I know there are some former firefighters on the forum, so maybe you could tell me what you did in your life to help you get your application accepted. Thanks in advance.

 

[John Webb]

Fitness, common-sense and ability to work as part of a team are the characteristics most sought in fire-fighters. Your BTec may also be of help - fire service (FS) equipment can be heavy, hence the need for fitness, and can also be mechanically complex. First aid these days is primarily aimed at keeping people going until the paramedics arrive, and will feature in your FS training. The fact you've volunteered to learn first aid is an extra - can you become a first-aider in your present job which could enhance any references?
Are you good at heights? Much FS work involves the use of ladders and other access equipment, either for going up or down to deal with incidents.
There are several websites which would be worth looking at, including the one for the FS you hope to join, and the Institute of Fire Engineers www.ife.org.uk - you can become an Affiliate member; as soon as you start training in the FS you will qualify as a student member.
(I should explain I was on the scientific staff of the Fire Research Station for 28 years and frequently worked closely with the fire service; although never a FS member I was trained as a fire-fighter for our internal fire brigade and to deal with our experimental fires.)
Best wishes,
John Webb MIFireE

 

[Up_Tilt_390]

Fitness, common-sense and ability to work as part of a team are the characteristics most sought in fire-fighters. Your BTec may also be of help - fire service (FS) equipment can be heavy, hence the need for fitness, and can also be mechanically complex. First aid these days is primarily aimed at keeping people going until the paramedics arrive, and will feature in your FS training. The fact you've volunteered to learn first aid is an extra - can you become a first-aider in your present job which could enhance any references?
Are you good at heights? Much FS work involves the use of ladders and other access equipment, either for going up or down to deal with incidents.
There are several websites which would be worth looking at, including the one for the FS you hope to join, and the Institute of Fire Engineers www.ife.org.uk - you can become an Affiliate member; as soon as you start training in the FS you will qualify as a student member.
(I should explain I was on the scientific staff of the Fire Research Station for 28 years and frequently worked closely with the fire service; although never a FS member I was trained as a fire-fighter for our internal fire brigade and to deal with our experimental fires.)
Best wishes,
John Webb MIFireE

Thanks for your helpful reply, it's just a pity that I'm not the best in group work, though I think that's more down to disorganised teams. I've completed projects with proper communications in small groups at college. Common sense? Oh dear, let's just not talk about that one

In regards to learning first aid on the job, I'm not currently working and am receiving ESA at the present time. Becoming a first-aider is a skill which I would like to learn for any application and not just for firefighting. Perhaps my lack of work experience would be a problem, but that's a separate issue altogether. I do wonder though whether basic first aid training would be offered to the unemployed. Perhaps one could help me out there as well? As for working at heights? Well, I think I might be able to if it feels stable. At the moment I get this very unnerving feeling whenever I so much see somebody on a mounted ladder, so I don't go on them myself. Nevertheless, I'll be working on that in the future so I can overcome that feeling. I mean any adequate ladder wouldn't have a high risk of falling so long as it's placed properly. Might tell me how good I am working at heights too.

Oh by the way, being on the scientific staff of the Fire Research Station, perhaps you could also tell me whether having a knowledge on fires would strengthen an application? I know all the kinds of fires from Class A to F, what kind of extinguisher to use, and the effects of the extinguisher such as what it would do to extinguish the fire, or make it worse in some cases. You can quiz me on that if you so wish and once again, thanks very much for your reply

 

[John Webb]

Glad to have been of help. I've been retired for some 20 years, having left early when Fire Research (part of Building Research from 1972 onwards) was taken out of the Civil Service in 1997. But I'm still actively involved in fire safety in several areas, hence my response to your posting. The fact that you have taken the trouble to learn something about fire etc. should count in your favour. If you are fortunate enough to be selected, you will find your FS training will be a considerable mix of both theory and practical work. Good Luck!

 

[Cowley]

It’s something I’ve considered a few times over the years (probably a bit old now unfortunately), I’ve had quite a few friends in the fire service over the years.
I’m interested to see how you get so good luck.

 

[Up_Tilt_390]

Thanks for the responses. If I ever apply for a vacancy I shall update the thread to let you all know what goes on. Should be recruiting within the next twelve months.

 

[Bromley boy]

If you want to become a train driver, you’re over 21 and you meet the other requirements such as colour vision.

I would say go straight for that.

Just my two penneth.

 

[Bevan Price]

I think one requirement is not to be squeamish - you will see some pretty unpleasant things, including deceased victims of fire...

 

[DarloRich]

I think one requirement is not to be squeamish - you will see some pretty unpleasant things, including deceased victims of fire...

I have a mate who is a firemen ( he drives the fire engine) and one who is a retained fireman. It is a hard ( and dangerous) job physically, mentally and emotionally but also very rewarding & uplifting. Team work, mutual trust and discipline are vitally important.

 

[Lockwood]

I wanted to be a firefighter, but I have a work ethic.


(Please don't hurt me)