As the name implies, Firefighters take part in fire suppression operations. However, this is only one aspect of the job. They also provide Emergency Medical Service (EMS). Eighty percent (80%) of the calls firefighters respond to are for emergency medical care. The calls include motor vehicle accidents, heart attacks, strokes, home accidents, and drowning. When not responding to emergency medical calls, firefighters are involved in a variety of other activities, such as; Emergency Preparedness, Community Education, Public Service Work, Building Inspections, Personal Development/training, Station and Apparatus Maintenance. Firefighters are usually required to work long shifts, lasting from 8 to 96 hours straight.
Most Fire Departments require that you are at least 18 years of age by the closing date of the recruitment period. Required is a HSD or GED. Successful completion of Fire Science College course work, previous firefighting or EMS experience (full-time, part-time, or volunteer) is highly desirable in the interview process , but is usually not required for testing. Good Vision in both eyes is required. Laser surgery may be acceptable, provided the above-mentioned standards Are met. Must have the ability to distinguish Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) color codes for hazardous material (blue, red, yellow, and white), and have no depth perception or peripheral vision problems. Successful long-term soft contact lens wearers may not be subjected to the uncorrected criterion. These are NFPA 1582 requirements. You must be a US citizen or be eligible for employment in the United States. You must posses a Valid Driver's license and maintain a clean driving record.
Firefighter Selections Process
You will then be permitted to take a written examination; those with a passing score will be placed on an eligible list. From that list, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the physical ability test. Following the physical performance test, the most qualified candidates will be invited to the preliminary interview. Candidates who are not selected for further testing at this time will remain on the eligible list and may be contacted at a later date if necessary. Those who are selected will go on to the second interview were the Fire Chief will make final selection from the eligible list with the approval of the City Manager. EMS Departments follow many of the same guidelines, but are not as restrictive when it comes to vision, physical abilities and the testing process. If you have your pursuing an entry-level job or that next level promotion dress as though you already hold the position. Casual attire is not appropriate for testing and oral interviews.
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