Fire Fighter 1: Fire Fighters vs Fire Engineers

Fire Fighter 1 is a course you can take to become qualified as a fire fighter. These are first responders who handle emergency situations that go beyond just putting out fires, contrary to popular belief. Many TV shows and movies paint fire fighters as brave and selfless individuals that race to raging fires and put them out with hoses.

Whilst there is some truth in this portrayal it does not cover the full scope of what it means to be a fire fighter. They also attend to medical emergencies, they work with victims trapped in dangerous situations and aid the public in the event of natural disasters. They are also qualified to prevent fires by hosting training sessions and educating the general public. Many firefighters are also trained EMTs, able to save victims from fires as well as administer emergency medical treatment where necessary.

Different Types Of Fire Fighters

Fire fighters trained with the EMCARE's Fire Fighter 1 course are prepared to handle blazes, are educated on how to use specialised fire fighting equipment and also how to maintain it. This course also educates individuals on the science behind fire, allowing them to better understand and make judgement calls in the heat of the situation.

Additionally, there are several different types of fire fighters, they are as follows:

1. Full-Time Fire Fighters:
   Fire fighting is their professional field. They work full time as an emergency responder and spend most of their time at the fire station ready to respond to emergencies.
   
   
2. On Retainer:
   These individuals have also undergone training, but do not operate full time as a fire fighter. They often have regular jobs, but live or work in close proximity to a fire station and are on standby as reserves in the case of situations that require larger teams. They can be considered part-time firefighters as they receive payment for their work.
   
   
3. Volunteer:
   Volunteer firefighters do not get paid for their work, and usually have other part-time or full-time careers. Unlike fire fighters on retainer, volunteers are not necessarily required to live near the fire station. Furthermore, the training required to be a volunteer is minimal in relation to the other types discussed here.

Fire Fighting vs Fire Protection

Fire Fighter 1 teaches trainees how to fight and manage a fire, but this should always be considered a last resort. For many buildings in which people are hosted extensive measures are put in place when a structure is assessed for the risk of fire, there are also generally plans put in place to determine the best way to manage and contain a fire should one start.

Fire fighters attend to emergency situations where a fire has broken out, whilst fire protection engineers are responsible for installing systems that prevent fires from occurring in the first place.

These measures can directly affect the layout of the building, the materials used within the structure. In order to add extra safety to buildings there are also predetermined emergency exits and assembly points. It is also important that the location of extinguishers, fire hydrants and other systems like smoke detectors, fire alarms and fire sprinklers are clearly marked. This is the responsibility of a fire protection engineer.

Fire protection engineers are not qualified to fight fires, although many qualified engineers go into voluntary fire fighting. The majority of fire engineers, who have studied fire scene and civil or mechanical engineering, work alongside builders and architects to create structures that are fire resistant and have methods in place to eliminate the risk of fires and ensure that if a fire were to to occur, human life would be preserved, and the building would not trap them or collapse due to the heat.

Both fire fighters and fire engineers have a common goal: saving human life, the biggest difference is, one exists to prevent fires from starting and spreading, and the other is there to stop and contain fires as soon as they start.

Fire Fighter 1 With EMCARE

EMCARE Training Academy is a South Africa based organisation with branches situated all across the country, serving to offer essential and informative training courses that could save lives. Those entering the field as emergency medical professionals can undergo a variety of courses that deal with everything from hazardous materials to viral illnesses. EMCARE is a trusted training provider and provides formal qualifications to prepare and qualify trainees to handle emergency situations.

The Fire Fighter & Hazmat Awareness Course provided by EMCARE is recognised and accredited by the IFSAC as well as NFPA 1001 and is intended for individuals pursuing a career as a professional fire fighter. Through a combination of practice drills, classroom studies and rigorous training, EMCARE ensures that their graduates are capable of handling dangerous situations. The Hazmat Awareness portion of the course also trains them on the proper response and handling of hazardous or toxic substances that they will likely encounter in action, and the best way to handle this whilst protecting human life and the environment around them.

There is only so much one can learn in a practice setting, but a large portion of the Fire Fighter 1 course is presented by veteran fire fighters and emergency responders, whose experience in the field is an invaluable learning tool.

Fire Protection Engineering may put measures in place to prevent and manage fires, but when the worst happens, it is up to fire fighters to manage and control the blaze. EMCARE is here to ensure that they are able to do this, whilst protecting themselves and others.

A fire is the last thing anyone wants to happen, but with the training provided by the Fire Fighter 1 course, civilians can rest assured that lives and structures can be saved, and fires extinguished, by a team of trained fire fighters. If you are interested in pursuing a career in fire fighting, or any other areas of emergency medical response, visit the EMCARE website to find out more.