Firefighting has become such a popular career that there are almost always several candidates for several available positions. In fact, many of those whose goal is to become a firefighter found that they need to look for positions throughout the country and be ready to move even to distant cities.
In this regard, we know some firefighters who tried three or four different times in different municipalities before hiring them.
All this means that in order to become a successful candidate, you must find ways to stand out from the crowd. There are certificates you can get that can help you do this and win this job.
In fact, some experts say that in order to win this desired badge, you must have all or most of the following:
1. EMT Certificate
2. Paramedical license
3. Experience EMT in an ambulance or in a hospital, either full-time or part-time. This is due to the majority of jurisprudence, firefighters respond to about 60% of calls to emergency medical services. Can you imagine that your fire department hired someone who has no EMT experience?
4. CPR for a professional lifeguard (American Red Cross) or CPR Healthcare Provider.
5. Certificate of the Academy of Fire 1 and / or fire safety 1.
6. Specialized training certificates. This could include training in public education, fire safety, fire investigations, autoexposure, rescue systems, fast rescue water, hazardous materials and the first responder.
Volunteer experience
It is also good to have volunteer experience. Many counties and small municipalities use fire volunteers, and this is a great way to gain experience. You can also contact the local fire department to find out if it uses volunteers as non-fire fighting tools, such as administration, magic training, fire protection, etc.
Bilingual ability
Many jurisdictions now favor those who are bilingual. The most common second language is, of course, Spanish. However, if your second language is something like Russian, you are likely to stand out from many other candidates.
Membership and Membership
If you are serious about becoming a fireman, do not wait. Start taking part in the fire service. One good way to do this is to join organizations that can teach you what it takes to be a fireman and how to be great. This includes such associations as:
- State Association of Firefighters
- International arson investigator
National Fire Protection Association
National EMT Association
It is also good to have an ambulance driver license, and you must have a clean driver's license.
A written exam
Of course, the best way to stand out as a candidate for fire is to score a very high level of written examination. This exam usually takes 3 1/2 hours and consists of 100 or more questions, often divided into seven different types.
1. Reminder, visualization and spatial orientation issues.
2. Questions of reading and verbal / hearing
3. Questions on understanding and application of basic mathematics and science
4. Issues related to tools and equipment
5. Questions about working with people
6. Matters Concerning Mechanical Devices
7. Questions that test judgment and reasoning.
The only real way to make money on your written exam is to get a book on fire exams and study it extensively. There are several of these books available on sites like amazon.com, and if you are ready to customize for the used copy, they are very inexpensive. Experts on this subject state that you should study for this exam every bit, how tough, if not harder - then you have to pass an important final exam in college. In fact, you literally can't spend too much time studying this exam.
You can stand out from the crowd, and you can win this desired badge. It just takes a lot of hard work and preparation.
