What It's Like to Train as a Fireman

Entering a burning house demands skill. Prospective firefighters spend hundreds of hours in training to become proficient.Firefighters spend hundreds of hours during training to become proficient.Training to be a firefighter is a full-time job, lasting over three months. Factor in the hours you spend learning and practicing; this totals aboutTraining to be a firefighter is a full-time job, taking just over three months. Count the hours you spend learning and practicing; this adds up to aboutFirefighters work 40 to 48 hours a week.You must want this job badly.

Mr. Magoo fails as a firefighter. When spraying water on a burning window, you must see your aim. Most fire departments accept "corrected" vision, meaningContacts or glasses work fine.Keep your vision at 20/20.

Thousands apply to be firefighters yearly; only a few get selected. Gain an edge by becoming a certified EMT or paramedic.Become a certified EMT or paramedic before applying.Get on-the-job experience before you apply.

Fire departments use two training grounds. The first involves buildings that were abandoned or condemned.These buildings get refitted with fire-resistant materials.These become "burn buildings." The structure is rebuilt so it collapses harmlessly if a fire causes too much damage.

No one claimed the training was safe; fatalities occurred in the past. Despite safety measures, 99 trainees died.99 trainees were killed between 1994 and 2004 while using the burn buildings.Between 1994 and 2004, trainees used burn buildings. This caused a reevaluation of training methods. Danger remains present.

Fire departments now use "simulated fire buildings" for training. They build these from the ground up with fire training in mind.These buildings use flame retardant materials.They use concrete and create fires that shut down instantly with built-in suppression systems.

The new simulated burn buildingsare computer controlled.They use sensors to set fire temperatures and intensities. The computer reacts to the trainee's performance, telling the fire how to act based on their tactics.

A fire science degree helps you compete. Combine it with EMT experience, and you might beat other applicants. If firefighting fails, your degree lets you become a fire investigator.

The Fire Department seeks people who can work well with a team, not just the strongest or brightest fires.They want team players.Besides written and physical tests, they use an aptitude/personality test to see if you fit the firefighter environment.

Convicted criminals cannot become firefighters.Convicted criminals cannot become firefighters.Bosses worry former criminals might steal from a burning building. Few applications get accepted yearly. They look for any reason to say "no."

You do not need a college degree, but you still need a high school diploma to become a firefighter.You still need a high school diploma to become a firefighter.Many national fire departments now require a college education. Get studying!

You must pass a written exam. This exam covers much more than just high-pressure water jets.The written exam usually has 100 multiple-choice questions.These questions test spatial awareness and reading comprehension.

The physical examinationis the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). This test checks your endurance, strength, and agility. It confirms you can handle fifty pounds of gear while fighting a fire. Pass the physical exam or fail to complete 600 hours of intense training.The physical examination is the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). This test checks your endurance, strength, and agility. It confirms you can handle fifty pounds of gear while fighting a fire. Pass the physical exam or fail to complete 600 hours of intense training.

Teams put out large fires; individuals do not. Team building exercises matter.Team building exercises are important.Team building exercises include having everyone work together to retract a hose nozzle after a drill.