Description

Firefighters carry out firefighting and fire prevention activities, and assist in other emergencies. They are employed by municipal, provincial and federal governments and by large industrial establishments that have internal firefighting services. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.

Job Titles

• Airport firefighter
• Fire captain
• Firefighter
• Firefighter lieutenant
• Industrial firefighter
• Shipboard firefighter

Main Duties

• Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents, bomb threats and other emergencies
• Rescue victims from burning buildings and accident sites
• Control and extinguish fires using manual and power equipment, such as axes, water hoses, aerial ladders and hydraulic equipment and various firefighting chemicals
• Administer first aid and other assistance
• Ensure proper operation and maintenance of firefighting equipment
• Prepare written reports on fire incidents
• Inform and educate the public on fire prevention
• Train to maintain high level of physical fitness
• Assist the public, the police and emergency organizations during times of major disasters
• May participate as members of a trauma or emergency response team and provide paramedical aid to accident victims or ill persons
• May supervise and coordinate the work of other firefighters
• May conduct building inspections to ensure compliance with fire code.

Workplaces

• Internal firefighting services of large industrial establishments
• Municipal, provincial, regional and federal governments

Skills

• Critical Thinking
• Decision Making
• Evaluation
• Monitoring
• Coordinating

Abilities

• Explosive Strength
• Far Vision
• Night Vision
• Pattern Identification
• Pattern Organization Speed

Personal Attributes

• Collaboration
• Stress Tolerance
• Adaptability
• Analytical Thinking
• Attention to Detail

Similar Occupations

• Fire chiefs and senior firefighting officers (40041)
• Paramedic (in 32102.00 Paramedical occupations)

Source: OaSIS