No two days are ever the same when you’re a firefighter. From responding to medical emergencies to battling raging structure fires, these brave individuals never know what to expect when the alarm sounds. Let’s take a closer look at what a typical shift might hold for these everyday heroes.
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The Daily Responsibilities of Firefighters
Firefighting is a physically and emotionally demanding career that requires top-notch training, discipline, courage, and compassion.
According to the 2022 workforce statistics, around 337,000 firefighters are employed across the United States. The job growth prospects for this occupation are modestly higher than average, with an expected increase of 3.59% over the next decade as communities rely on fire departments for emergency response. Firefighting salaries also provide a living wage. According to Data USA, the mean annual pay is $82,167.
Firefighters remain committed to their careers despite facing dangerous situations such as battling severe blazes. They handle hazardous materials incidents regularly. Firefighters often cite the personal fulfillment of helping others. This sense of fulfillment keeps them dedicated to their work.
Some of the key responsibilities firefighters take on each day include:
- Controlling and extinguishing fires: Whether structure fires in buildings or wildfires in nature, firefighters work to contain the flames. The goal is to completely extinguish the fire with specialized equipment.
- Investigating fire causes: Firefighters assist authorities in determining how a fire started. Understanding ignition sources helps with education efforts and determining accidental versus intentional causes.
- Providing emergency medical care: As trained EMTs, firefighters can treat patients in accidents and illnesses until hospital transport. Many fire departments also operate ambulance fleets for emergencies.
- Educating the public on fire safety: Outreach activities like school sessions teach kids prevention strategies. Demonstrations increase awareness of hazards to reduce accidental blazes, especially among children.
- Maintaining apparatus and gear: Inspections and repairs keep vehicles and tools functioning properly for incidents. Oxygen tanks, protective suits, and other critical equipment must operate safely.
- Responding to hazardous materials situations: Chemical spills or toxic releases require firefighters to contain and assist with cleanup while safeguarding injured individuals.
- Managing emergency scenes: This involves securing areas, assisting law enforcement, directing resources, and communicating with the media and the public.
The Shift Pattern of Firefighters: A 24-Hour Rotating Schedule
A typical firefighter’s work schedule follows a 24-hour shift pattern. Here are some key details:
- Shift rotations are usually done across 3 platoons (A, B, C shifts) to provide 24/7 coverage.
- Individual firefighters work a 24-hour shift, followed by 24 hours off.
- Their average work week over a 24-day period is 56 hours.
- The 24-day cycle usually follows a “4-4-4-6” rotation.
- Firefighters work 4 consecutive 24-hour shifts, separated by 3 days off after each shift.
- After the 4th shift, they get 96 consecutive hours (4 days) off.
- Then they return to work another set of 4 consecutive 24-hour shifts, again separated by 3 days off each time.
- Finally, they receive 144 consecutive hours (6 days) off to conclude the 24-day cycle.
This rotation allows adequate rest and recovery between shifts while maintaining staffing levels to respond to emergencies around the clock.
Risks Associated With Being a Firefighter
Being a firefighter comes with significant occupational hazards. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 94 firefighters died while on duty that year. This included 38 career firefighters, 49 volunteer firefighters, and 7 wildland firefighters. Of the total deaths, 6 were caused by COVID-19, while 62 resulted from injuries or illness related to an emergency response.
In the long term, firefighters face higher health risks than the general population. These risks stem from recurring exposure to carcinogens, toxins, and physical and psychological stressors that are part of firefighting.
Some of the most serious long-term health threats firefighters face include:
Cancer
Firefighters are more prone to cancer risks due to regular exposure to carcinogens like benzene, asbestos, and diesel exhaust. These substances can enter the body through skin absorption, inhalation, and ingestion. According to TorHoerman Law, studies show increased rates of certain cancers among firefighters, including mesothelioma, leukemia, and brain cancer.
Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has raised additional concerns. Victims are now pursuing legal action by filing firefighting foam cancer lawsuits against AFFF manufacturers to seek the justice they deserve.
Long work hours and shift work can exacerbate cancer risks by causing fatigue and weakening the immune system.
Cardiovascular Disease
The physical demands of firefighting and exposure to smoke and chemicals increase the risk of cardiovascular problems. Smoke and chemical exposure generate free radicals in the body, potentially damaging cells and causing inflammation that affects heart and blood vessel function.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Firefighters have a greater likelihood of developing PTSD due to the stressful nature of firefighting incidents. Exposure to fires, accidents, and disasters can lead to symptoms such as:
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Anxiety
- Depression
Respiratory Illnesses
Constant exposure to smoke, chemicals, and airborne particles increases the risk of respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These substances can irritate and damage lung tissue, causing inflammation and reduced lung function. The weight of protective gear can also contribute to breathing difficulties, potentially leading to occupational asthma.
Requirements to Become a Firefighter
Becoming a firefighter takes dedication and hard work. It is a competitive field that requires meeting certain minimum requirements. Here are some of the key things to know about becoming a firefighter.
You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Some departments may have an upper age limit, usually between 28-35 years old. A high school diploma or GED is necessary, at the very least. However, many firefighters obtain a degree in fire science or become an EMT to increase their chances of being hired.
Physical fitness is crucial for firefighters. They must pass physical ability tests to perform duties like climbing stairs, dragging hoses, and raising ladders. Focused training is also crucial for building strength and endurance.
You will also need to meet legal and character standards. If asked about past mistakes during the hiring process, you should explain them honestly. Your social media presence and driving record will also be checked. Maintaining financial responsibility through good credit is advised.
Getting involved in community service shows a commitment to public service. Volunteer experiences, even if not fire-related, can demonstrate valuable skills and character.
Finally, extensive study is needed to pass the written exam, which assesses knowledge in areas relevant to firefighting. Being well-prepared is key to success.
FAQs
1. What challenges do firefighters’ spouses face?
A: One of the main difficulties for firefighters’ partners is managing frequent separations. Firefighters often work 24-hour shifts, typically starting and ending at 7 AM. Their work schedule usually involves about 56 hours per week, translating to approximately ten 24-hour shifts each month. This unique schedule can put a strain on family life and relationships.
2. What does a typical day look like for a firefighter?
A: A firefighter’s daily routine involves various tasks to ensure readiness for emergencies. This includes maintaining and organizing fire engines, conducting minor vehicle repairs, and thoroughly inspecting critical equipment. They regularly check oxygen tanks, fire-resistant clothing, hazardous materials suits, and other vital gear to guarantee everything functions properly during emergency calls.
3. Is firefighting considered a dangerous occupation?
A: Firefighting is undeniably a high-risk profession. The job involves significant physical dangers, resulting in numerous injuries and, unfortunately, fatalities among firefighters. Interestingly, nearly half of the deaths in this profession are attributed to cardiovascular issues. This highlights both the immediate physical risks of firefighting and the long-term health impacts of the job’s stress and physical demands.
Ultimately, firefighters definitely have guts, but they also have hearts of gold. The work may be tough each day, but making a difference in people’s lives keeps them going. Props to all the firefighters out there for protecting communities with bravery, compassion, and all they’ve got.