Fire Fighting Course: Pursue A Professional Career

Completing a fire fighting course and pursuing a career as a firefighter will make you an essential part of your community, and it can be an extremely rewarding position. Firefighters save countless lives each year, and it’s a job that takes special training, along with a high level of mental and physical skill.

The qualifications needed to pursue your career can be obtained through an Emcare fire fighting course. We will guide you through the steps needed to become a professional firefighter, along with the necessary qualifications needed to pursue a career in the emergency response field. Take a fire fighting course today and kickstart your professional career.

Necessary Requirements To Become A Firefighter

The following are just a few basic requirements needed to start your career as a professional firefighter before you complete a fire fighting course:

• You must be 18 years of age or older
• You need to have completed Matric
• You must obtain a driver's licence
• You must be physically healthy and pass a physical test
• You shouldn’t be afraid of heights
• You shouldn’t be claustrophobic
• You must complete a fire fighting course

Steps To Becoming A Professional Firefighter

Becoming a firefighter is an extremely dangerous career choice, so you need to ensure you are prepared to put your life at risk to save others. If you know you can go to extremes and are passionate about your community, the following are the first steps to becoming a professional firefighter.

1. Speak to your local fire department
   
   Each fire department may have its own criteria when it comes to hiring, so it’s important to speak to them first and find out exactly what they require. Getting in contact with professionals in your field will also give you a better understanding of the job before you start your training. Ensuring you can meet all the requirements and criteria is a crucial first step to becoming a firefighter.
   
   
2. Complete an Emcare Fire Fighting Course
   
   You will need to complete a fire fighting course in order to start a career as a firefighter. It’s crucial you enrol in the correct course in order to become the type of firefighter you want. Emcare offers a range of fire fighting courses depending on your needs and qualifications needed. After successfully completing your training you will be on the right path to following a career as a firefighter.
   
   
3. Apply for a job
   
   Decide where you would like to work and look out for job opportunities in local newspapers or online. It's important to familiarise yourself with the application process, and you can do this by getting in contact with the department you are applying to. When applying for a job, your first impression often makes all the difference. Ensure you present yourself professionally, and have a well-written CV which includes all relevant documentation and training certification.

Emcare Fire Fighting Course To Jumpstart Your Career

Emcare offers a wide range of fire fighting courses, from the most basic training to advanced career courses. All courses are delivered by thorough professionals and are accredited and affiliated with the necessary authorities. The following are the most basic courses offered by Emcare:

• Basic Fire Awareness course (BFA) - The duration of this course is half a day
• Basic Fire Fighting and Fire Marshal Course (BFF) - 1-day duration
• Intermediate Fire Fighting course (IFF) - 2-day duration

These courses are highly beneficial to anybody working in a dangerous environment and will give you a good skill set to prevent fire emergencies, as well as handle them safely and successfully. Although, if you are planning to follow a career as a firefighter, you will need more in-depth knowledge and training to qualify. Emcare offers two career fire fighting courses that will allow you to pursue a career as a professional firefighter. These include:

1. Firefighter 1 and Hazmat Awareness Course
   
   This course takes place over the duration of 9 weeks and your certificate is valid indefinitely. It covers everything needed to become a firefighter and must be completed successfully before you can continue with your job application. This fire fighting course covers in-depth theoretical knowledge of fire fighting, as well as physical training on all the necessary equipment used in emergencies. It also includes all Hazmat operational skills.
   

2. Firefighter 2 and Hazmat Awareness Course
   
   This course has a duration of 7 weeks and is intended for anyone hoping to grow their career as a professional firefighter. If you have started work and wish to level up your training and knowledge this is the perfect course for you. Everybody wishes to be promoted and improve their position in the workplace, and completing this added training will ensure you stand out. You will be equipped with advanced knowledge of fire fighting and an improved skillset to add to your fire fighting 1 training.
   
   It’s important to note that both of these courses take place at our Polokwane branch only. There is the option for this course to run on your premises if the attendance is a group of 20 or more. Certain charges for transport and accommodation may apply for on-premises training. Contact Emcare Training Academy for more information.

Qualities Of A Good Firefighter

The following are a few great qualities and traits which will make you the perfect candidate to become a firefighter:

• Discipline: It’s important to know how to take commands and follow precise instructions
  
  
• Passion and commitment: someone’s life may depend on you, and your commitment is necessary to successfully prevent a tragedy.
  
  
• Problem-solving abilities: When you're in the middle of an emergency situation, you’re going to need to think on the spot and come up with creative solutions to manage the situation effectively.
  
  
• Be physically fit: As a firefighter, you’re going to be on your feet and working in harsh conditions. You will need to be physically fit in order to handle this strenuous job.
  
  
• Keep calm in stressful situations: This will allow you to get the job done efficiently and safely.
  
  
• Good communication and teamwork: Firefighters work as a team, and good communication is essential to all.
  
  
• Positive attitude: In an emergency situation, people will be looking to you for comfort and reassurance. Maintaining a positive attitude is vital for keeping people’s spirits up despite the stressful situation.