Wednesday, September 3, 2014

How To Join Fire Department Training Classes

By Mattie MacDonald


During the young days, everyone who saw fire fighters in action wished to do the same when they grew up. Desire for riding on the back of a fire truck or climbing high buildings kept these dreams alive. As people grow up, they become more realistic and many lose interest as they pursue other ventures. For others however, the desire to serve humanity in this line persists to adulthood, though with better reasons this time. Well, the first step is to enroll for fire department training classes so as to get the ins and outs about this exciting career.

The number of people seeking to be considered for the limited training slots in these institutions has plummeted recently. This rising interest, it is said, has emanated not only from the fact that professionals in this field are paid highly but also because people want to be more self-reliant. To be considered therefore, a candidate has to have abilities that stand out from the rest.

It is evidently one of the industries experiencing the highest growth currently. Basically, anybody with a high school diploma can apply. However, the chances that one will be considered if he or she has not gone to college for at least two years are very slim. Recently, even people with university degrees in disaster management and medical courses have started sending requests.

Once selection is done, the candidates still have to undergo elimination tests. Physical assessment is mandatory since the occupation requires strong and persevering individuals. This will involve racing up and down a building, climbing ladders at high speed, running around while bearing sacks full of sand, and the likes of activities.

Recruits therefore have to prove that they are able to cope with strain. This involves carrying heavy sacks filled with sand while running, racing up and down tall buildings, climbing ladders at high speed, and the likes. However, strength only does not make a good fire fighter. The interviewers will therefore conduct aptitude tests to check on mental and social capabilities of recruits. One will for example be asked to write an essay about the world around them.

The ability of a person to relate well with others and to follow instructions will also count a lot. The training process is usually very intensive and drilling, both mentally and physically. The mantra of learning by doing takes a centre stage in the curriculum. Learners are exposed to real fires that have been started using straws and other fuels.

Institutions usually acquire abandoned buildings or create their own and seek permit to burn them. Here, cooperation comes in handy, as hoses have to be operated by more than one person. Simulated buildings are however becoming more preferred by institutes. These are considered much safer and easier to operate. Fires can be started or stopped easily since they are controlled by computers.

The computers can also be used to create different situations similar to real fires. When a trainee for example positions the hose wrongly, this is detected and a response similar to that of a real blaze is created. Once the training is over, those who wish to take fire fighting as a full time profession are required to take licences. Others can also decide to be volunteer fire fighters. This means that they do other jobs and are only called upon for assistance whenever there are emergencies.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment