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Occupation Information

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Firefighter

Duties and Tasks
Quick Facts
Work Conditions
Personal Requirements
Related Industries
Labour Market
Related Jobs
Earnings
Related Courses
Further Information
State Specific Information

Occupation Video




	Checking the fire hose

Firefighters control and extinguish fires and protect life, property and the environment as members of fire brigades.

Duties and Tasks

Firefighters may perform the following tasks:

respond to fire alarms and emergency calls
undertake activities designed to prevent fires
drive or crew firefighting appliances or other vehicles to fires or incident scenes
provide support in response to natural disasters such as floods and cyclones
operate pumps, spray foam or water from hoses, portable extinguishers or other appliances to extinguish fires, or to disperse or neutralise dangerous substances such as chemicals and petroleum
rescue people stranded or trapped in dangerous situations or inaccessible places using ladders or elevating platforms, or by cutting openings in buildings and/or crashed vehicles to free occupants
respond to industrial accidents
administer first aid and oxygen therapy
operate radio networks and computer response and reporting systems
take part in ongoing training in firefighting techniques and in demonstrations and fire drills
visit buildings to assess entry/exit points and locations of hydrants and identify potential fire hazards
inspect firefighting equipment and hydrants
undertake public education tasks including school visits, demonstrations, first aid, firefighting training and lectures
train industrial and volunteer firefighters and give instructions in evacuation, fire prevention, firefighting, rescue and use of breathing apparatus.

Quick Facts

Learning Area	Physical Education
Work Demand	Including driving Including dusty or polluted environment Including full use of hands/fingers Including handling chemicals/greasy items Including heavy lifting Including hot, cold or humid environment Including mainly outdoor work Including physical effort Including reading or writing
Work Field	Law, Security and Defence
Work Interest	Practical or Mechanical
Skill Level	Skilled Non-trade Jobs

Work Conditions

Firefighters wear uniforms, breathing apparatus and other personal protective equipment when fighting fires and dealing with other incidents. They attend daily drills where they practise skills such as driving, handling equipment and operating ladders. They are required to work rotating shifts in order to maintain a 24-hour service. Because of the nature of their shift work, firefighters work several days on followed by several days off.