Factors To Keep In Mind For Becoming A Fire Fighter

Fire Fighter

There are many factors to consider if you want to become a fire fighter. The career is quite demanding, both physically and emotionally. If you are currently consider on how to become a fire fighter, here are some factors that you need to take into account:

1. Physical demands:

The job’s physical demands require skills in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, defibrillation, and advanced emergency medical care. It also requires training in military tactics and weaponry defense. However, no matter how demanding the physical will, a firefighter must be mentally prepared for it.

2. Emotional challenges:

The job is highly dangerous. Although a fire fighter’s life expectancy is quite long compared to other occupations (it is around 69 years while the average American’s life expectancy is just 68), he or she has to train every day to be better at his/her job. Therefore, to become a fire fighter takes a lot of preparation and involves studying many different kinds of things, especially those that deal with fighting fires.

3. Salary:

Fire fighters receive decent wages. The average fire fighter earns $51,760 per year, while the average American earns more than $40,000 annually. This means that fire fighters have higher pay compared to most other jobs in the country, especially in large cities where the risk of fire is high since they have more hazards and risk incidents. There is also a chance that they become eligible for pensions, health care benefits, and overtime pay, among others.

Fire Fighter

4. Family and nature of the work:

Fire fighters consider their family while they are working on their burning buildings. They also take care of their family as best as they can during such times. Fire fighters are highly exposed to danger. They face constant dangers and are often ready to act at a moment’s notice. The career is also very demanding, both physically and emotionally.

5. Job security:

The job of a fire fighter does not offer many financial opportunities for those who have humble family backgrounds. Moreover, the job is quite risky since they are constantly surrounded by dangers such as fire, gas leaks, and explosions. They also risk their lives when they approach burning buildings.

6. Careers in fire fighting:

There are many career opportunities for those who want to become fire fighter. The firefighter is the basic level for all fire fighters, including probationary firefighters, firefighters, and engineer firefighters, among others.