/ Sunday, September 26, 2004
eh.. i got this from a source.. well basicallyfire fighters in US n spore is the same though only US fire fighting team is world no.1
THE JOBFIRE FIGHTERS in city fire departments work to protect the community againstinjury, loss of life, and destruction of property by fire. When a fire isreported, Fire Fighters respond quickly and work as a highly organized teamto put it out. They train and drill hard and often in order to do theirduties and prepare for emergencies.Arriving at a fire as fast as safety permits, Fire Fighters assess thesituation to determine what actions to take. Using their knowledge ofvarious types of fires, construction design, building materials, andphysical layout of properties, Fire Fighters work toward the source of thefire. They lay and connect hose lines, select and attach nozzles, anddirect streams of water or chemicals onto the fire in a way that best stopsit. They may place ladders and force their way into a burning structureusing axes, crowbars, saws, and power tools. Equipped with fire resistantclothing and breathing apparatus, Fire Fighters may have to make their waythrough smoke-filled passages to get to the source of a fire or to rescuepeople who are trapped in the burning structure.When the fire is completely out, Fire Fighters must look for clues as to itscause. Any evidence must be preserved, especially when arson is suspected.Fire Fighters may help salvage property by removing broken glass, pumpingout water, ventilating buildings to remove smoke, and checking utilities orappliances to insure that they can be safely used.Fire Fighters rescue people from burning structures, give first aid to theinjured, and help in the resuscitation of victims overcome by smoke. Rescuetrucks are equipped with such tools as cutting torches, saws, resuscitators,first aid kits, lights, and other rescue equipment. Some departments haveparamedic units able to provide more complex medical aid.Fire Fighters may spend only a small part of their schedule on emergencycalls. If not responding to alarms, they may drill to improve teamwork,exercise, or study new fire fighting techniques and the properties of newbuilding materials. They maintain department vehicles and fire fightingequipment. They also keep up the station, living quarters, and grounds.In most fire departments, fire prevention and public safety education arehandled by special bureaus. Fire Fighters from these bureaus inspectbuildings and grounds for conditions that might cause a fire. They alsospeak to groups to educate the public about fire prevention and safety.However, at the neighborhood level, all Fire Fighters are increasinglyinvolved in these activities.WORKING CONDITIONSWhen not fighting fires, on-duty Fire Fighters spend a lot of time incomfortable surroundings. They stay in the fire station throughout the longshift, where they cook, sleep, and relax while not doing drills or stationduties. They must, however, become used to being constantly in the companyof coworkers.When a fire is reported, all this changes and Fire Fighters must work inconditions that are highly stressful and very physically demanding. Theyare exposed to many hazards including falls, falling objects, flames, smoke,toxic chemicals, and noxious fumes. While fighting a fire, Fire Fightersrisk death or injury. EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOKThe following information is from the California Projections of Employmentpublished by the Labor Market Information Division. Estimated number of workers in 1993 20,130Estimated number of workers in 2005 24,640Projected Growth 1993-2005 22%Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 10,840(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)The number of Fire Fighters will grow more slowly than the average for alloccupations through 2005. The number of Fire Fighters employed is and willbe affected by the availability of funds in the cities where the firedepartments are located. Employment will likely rise mostly in rapidlygrowing areas. In recent years, the number of qualified applicants has beenconsistently greater than the number of job openings.WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITSSalary schedules vary according to jurisdiction and skill level. InCalifornia, the hourly median wage for Fire Fighters is $17.25. Journey-level Fire Fighters with several years of experience can earn $3,800 amonth and more.Additional skills such as Emergency Medical Technician or Fire Sciencecertification may be the basis for additional compensation. Fire departments have rotating shifts that involve working 24 hours,followed by 24 or 48 hours off duty. Scheduled on-duty shifts average 56hours per week.Fringe benefits include paid vacations, holidays, sick leave, and group
insurance and retirement programs. Additionally, many fire departmentsprovide a clothing allowance of up to $400 a year.ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAININGHiring requirements for Fire Fighters are very strict, reflecting thecritical nature of the job. Fire Fighters must be emotionally andphysically fit and able to work under stressful and physically demandingsituations. Applicants must usually pass a written test, an oral interview,a physical abilities test, a medical evaluation, and a backgroundinvestigation. Those who get the highest scores have the best chances for ajob. Appointments are made on a probationary basis and become permanentafter six months to one year of satisfactory service. Residency in thelocal municipality is required for permanent employment in many firedepartments. High school graduation or the equivalent is often required.A good driving record may be necessary.Physical standards for prospective Fire Fighters are very high. A problemthat may seem minor to the applicant can be disqualifying. Standards onvision require good eyesight before correction and nearly perfect visionafter correction with glasses or contact lenses. The physical abilitiestest, given by most fire departments, is made up of tasks such as runningand climbing while carrying weight, which measures physical ability to dothe job. In addition, applicants must have the mechanical aptitude neededin the use of fire fighting equipment.Community college courses in fire science may help the applicant to obtain ahigher score in the written examination and the interview. Experience as avolunteer Fire Fighter can also be helpful.ADVANCEMENTAdvancement in most fire agencies is by competitive exam. A Fire Fighterseeking a promotion is often required to participate in college or continuingeducation programs to keep current with the latest concepts and proceduresrelated to fire suppression, medical training, and management techniques.Promotions can be made in the command direction to positions such asassistant chief, battalion chief, captain, deputy chief, engineer, firechief, or lieutenant; or the specialist direction, such as boat pilot, fireprevention specialist, hazardous materials squad member, helicopter pilot,inspector, or scuba diver.
/now that you are gone.yazid <3
9/26/2004 01:59:00 PM
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