Close to a third of the total American population is dependent on volunteer firefighters. Most of the areas, more so the rural ones, find it difficult to fund a fulltime firefighting staff. Because of this, volunteering as a firefighter is considered to be a very important job. becoming one, however, requires one to go through a detailed application. For this reason, we have come up with a detailed guide that will help you learn about the essentials involved in becoming a volunteer firefighter.
First, you need to know exactly what a volunteer firefighter does. The duties of a volunteer firefighter vary depending on their area of residence but most of them do the same thing as a professional firefighter. You may have to rescue people from burning buildings, administer first aid, and prevent or put out fires just like a career firefighter. Volunteer firefighters should therefore have the ability to carry out challenging and physically demanding jobs. However, you may also have to assist with non emergency work just like career firefighters such as maintaining the firehouse and fire trucks and giving tours of the station. Creating time for continued training is also important as it is through this that you get to learn the methods, techniques and first aid methods that are needed for your job. It is rewarding job but you need to make sure you can live up to its demands.
Before you get to work as a volunteer firefighter, there is an application process that you need to go through. For the success of the process, you may have to put in some time and research. To learn more about the application process, you can read more here.
Make contact with your local fire department. There are many ways through which you can do this. For those that do not live far from the fire station, making a quick personal visit is always an option. For those who cannot make a personal visit,. Calling the non emergency number is always an option and ask to speak to the station officer. Unless you are reporting an emergency, calling the non emergency number could get you arrested and that is why you should always use the non emergency number. The call is an opportunity for you to find out about any need for volunteer firefighters.
Ensure that you meet all the requirements. There are some requirements that you need to satisfy in order to become a member of the team. Find out about the requirements as they may be different depending on the fire station. The age limits may be different but each fire station will need you to qualify according to their specification. Some departments may allow you to join as a junior volunteer if you are still young.