NFPA 80A, to the average citizen this group of letters and number do not mean much, however this group of letters and numbers actually can be translated into the National Fire Protection Association Code number 80A. This NFPA code is the “Recommended Practice for Protection of Buildings from Exterior Fire Exposures”. Fire careers require a dedicated individual, male or female that is able to complete the duties of a working firefighter. This type of service career is known for having strong, brave and intelligent individuals that can be a leader when needed by giving out orders as well as someone who keeps calm under stress and can communicate with a patient in need. Fire careers require its employees to maintain a high level of physical fitness as well as keeping updated on the most current medical practices. Searching for a fire job can be frustrating at time, but keeping a clear mind and focusing on your goal will help you get hired faster than most candidates. The fire service is all about hard work, for this includes being on stand-by when they are on shift, to respond to any emergency calls that are dispatched to the department. Emergency calls may be for something as simple as a child injuring their ankle at a soccer game or it may require the attention of multiple units for a mass casualty incident. Fire careers have become one of the highest booming careers available. Most everyone can remember watching the fire engines zoom on by when they were younger, watching the bright lights and pulling over to the side to allow the firefighters to get to the emergency scene as soon as possible. Fire departments are searching for well qualified individuals that will enhance their department by bringing energy and knowledge to their department. The fire service constantly has a turnover rate that enables new recruits to get a shot at one of the strongest careers available.
Getting hired for any type of job can become a daunting task however, fire careers requires the candidate to compete with a large number of other hopefuls and can become a stressful time in the candidates life. Applying to a large number of fire career jobs allows the candidate to become familiar with the type of examinations and knowledge that is required to move on to the next phase of testing. The next phase in the fire careers testing is known as the oral interview. The fire job oral interview is generally conducted by a few current working employees such as firefighters or captains. Becoming prepared for your interview is one of the first steps forward to successful fire careers. Working employees are required to complete daily chores, exercise and training, especially rookie recruits. The fire service is known as a brotherhood for good reason. The working crew must eat, work and sleep under the same roof which requires each member to get a long with many different types of people. Strong relationships inside the fire house will generally translate to a strong working team out in the field. Firefighters rely on each other for their safety and general well being. Working as a team is essential for fire careers. The fire service is one of the largest brotherhoods because of each firefighter commitment and passion towards their job and tasks performed. Although fire careers were first developed strictly to put out fires, the modern day firefighter is also required to perform emergency medical services when a patient is in need. This may include ventilating patients, bandaging wounds or even assisting with an emergency childbirth. The scope of practice varies upon what type of qualifications the candidate may possess. Obtaining a paramedic certificate will greatly increase your chances of landing a fire career. Candidates should remain positive and put in the effort that will ultimately be rewarded if they have the opportunity of serving their community in the fire service.