Fire Science and Safety

What does a basic operations firefighter do?

A basic operations firefighter is an entry-level firefighter responsible for providing the public with firefighting, fire-prevention training, and emergency services. They are trained to operate equipment and tools to extinguish fires and rescue people from dangerous situations. They also respond to emergency service calls, including medical emergencies and natural disasters.

They also assist with other emergency services by securing scenes and controlling crowds. Emergency services are crucial in their duties, collaborating with other teams to ensure public safety and well-being during crises. In summary, a basic operations firefighter is a first responder performing various firefighting and emergency service duties. They work to ensure public safety and provide assistance.

What do firefighters do?

Firefighters are responsible for responding to emergency calls and providing firefighting and emergency services. They are trained to extinguish fires and rescue people from dangerous situations. They also respond to emergency calls, including medical emergencies, search-and-rescue, and natural disasters.

Firefighters collaborate with police and ambulance crews, playing a critical role in ensuring public safety and well-being. In summary, a career as a firefighter involves providing emergency services and responding to various 911 situations. Firefighters work to keep people safe in their communities.

Are all firefighters paramedics?

Not all firefighters are paramedics, but many are trained as emergency medical technicians (EMTs) or paramedics. Firefighters may also provide essential life support (BLS) or advanced life support (ALS) services alongside their firefighting duties. While many firefighters have medical training as EMTs or paramedics, it is not a requirement for all firefighters.

Paramedic education at Elgin Community College is part of the emergency services training program. It covers their role, medical/legal considerations, ethics, EMS systems, personal wellness, injury prevention, and patient assessment. The curriculum also includes communications, documentation, assessment-based management, and life span development. EMT and paramedic courses focus on hands-on skills, preparing students for roles with ambulance services, governments, and hospitals. Some also work as volunteers with local fire departments, but many are career firefighters.

Is being a firefighter a promising career?

Firefighters are in demand in many parts of the world, as firefighting and emergency services are essential for public safety. Population growth, natural disasters, and changing fire safety regulations impact the growing demand for firefighters. Firefighting and emergency services are vital, with growing demand for firefighters as communities expand and face new challenges.

Employment of firefighters is projected to grow 4 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Firefighters.