What do firefighters do all day?

Throughout the day, Firefighters will respond to many different calls for service. Those calls may include structural fires, technical rescues, medical emergencies and hazardous material spills.
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What is a typical day as a firefighter?

Many work 24 hours on and 48 hours off schedules, with the shifts typically starting and ending at 7 a.m. or 8 a.m. The first order of business is checking all the apparatus, making sure the trucks, equipment, breathing apparatus and other devices are ready for service.
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Do firefighters sit around all day?

For most paid and career staff, traditional firefighting shift is usually 24 hours on, and 48 hours or even 72 hours off. That usually works out to about eight shifts a month. That may not sound like a lot to someone who works a five-day week.
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What do firefighters mostly do?

Respond to emergencies. Drive firetrucks and other emergency vehicles. Put out fires using water hoses, fire extinguishers, and water pumps. Find and rescue occupants of burning buildings or other emergency situations.
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Are firefighters always busy?

As a firefighter, your work keeps you busy–very busy. You are constantly on the move. Even when you're sleeping, you're ready to hop up and move whenever a call comes in. When you're not working, your days off are busy.
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10 Things Firefighters Do (almost) Daily



What do firemen do when no fire?

When not fighting fires, firefighters spend all day responding to medical emergencies and other types of calls, checking equipment, vehicle maintenance, housework/cleaning, writing reports, training and education, physical fitness, public safety demos, and station tours.
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How much sleep do firefighters get?

Despite this call, the firefighter is still able to sleep for 6 hours. The employer can still deduct 6 hours of sleep time for that firefighter. As a general rule, firefighters must be on-duty for more than 24 hours in order to deduct sleep time from hours worked.
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Do firemen sleep at work?

Firefighters do (sometimes) sleep at the station or firehouse. Stations usually are equipped with sleeping quarters, but depending on how busy the firefighters are, they may not have time to sleep while on duty.
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How long is a firefighters shift?

Firefighters generally work in long shifts that include weekends and holidays. These shifts might differ from one city to another. The two most common types of shifts for firefighters are 24 hours on followed by 48 hours off, or 10- to 12-hour shifts for three to four days in a row.
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Is being a firefighter a good job?

Firefighting is a rewarding career that offers a very high level of job satisfaction. Being a firefighter is a great job if you enjoy helping people and serving your community, but be aware that it can be demanding, stressful, and even dangerous at times.
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How do firefighters go to the bathroom?

Portable Waste Bags are the most practical solution to the firefighters' need for a sanitary and convenient option in the absence of an available toilet. Portable Waste Bags allow firefighters to focus on their jobs while minimizing health and safety risks.
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How often do firemen get called out?

On average, you could be called out two or three times a week for a couple of hours. If you can't be available all of the time it's not a problem. The Service is particularly keen to hear from people who are available during weekdays.
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What do firefighters eat?

Carbohydrate-rich foods include whole-grain products, beans, rice, corn, peas, potatoes, fruit, fruit juice, milk, yogurt, energy bars, and most sport drinks. During work, firefighters need 40 grams of carbohydrate each hour from snacks and sport drinks.
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Do firefighters have high divorce rate?

Based on their analysis, firefighters had a lower rate of current divorce/ separation than most other occupations (14.08% for firefighters vs. 16.35% for average across occupations).
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What are the pros and cons of being a firefighter?

Pros and Cons of Becoming a Firefighter
  • Pro: Sense of Fulfillment in Your Career. ...
  • Con: Unusual Shifts. ...
  • Pro: You Get Paid to Sleep on the Job Sometimes. ...
  • Con: Constant Training and Chores. ...
  • Pro: Public Approval of Your Job. ...
  • Con: Dangerous Job Duties. ...
  • Pro: Good Benefits and Job Security. ...
  • Con: Pay Isn't Great.
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How is math used in firefighting?

Firefighters need to use mental math when choosing how to attack a fire safely and avoid damaging the integrity of a building. Our degree program also trains firefighters to use a method called the Fire Flow Formula to determine how much water they will require to suppress a fire.
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Can firemen have tattoos?

Tattoos are acceptable for all sexes as long as they are in no way offensive. This would include tattoos with imagery or text that could be considered: Rude (including profanity or nudity)
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How long does it take to become a firefighter?

Typically four to six months (fire academy or other similar training). A few weeks to one year, depending on the specific certificate program. Two years full-time. Part-time programs are often available.
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How many holidays do firefighters get?

Everyone needs a break now and then so London Fire Brigade's annual leave allowance starts at 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays). There is also the opportunity to have extra 'optional days' depending on your normal working hours.
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Is firefighter a stressful job?

Firefighting ranked in top 3 most stressful jobs

Firefighting, with a median annual salary of $45,600, was given 71.59 as its stress score with a 7 percent projected growth by 2022. Researchers said most of the stress was due to the physically dangerous and psychologically taxing nature of firefighting.
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Where do female firefighters sleep?

Every firehouse now has separate locker rooms and bathrooms for women -- a requirement Bamattre mandated during his tenure. Some stations offer separate sleeping areas; in others, women share the dorm with men.
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Where does fireman live?

Fire Station Life

Firefighters often spend 24 hours at a time at the firehouse followed by 48 hours off duty. During this time they eat, sleep, shower, work and relax at the firehouse. So, they essentially live at the firehouse for approximately 1/3 of their career.
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What is the highest paying firefighter job?

Best-Paying States for Firefighters
  • $86,880.
  • $86,860.
  • Washington. $77,700.
  • New York. $77,380.
  • Hawaii. $68,590.
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How do firefighters get good sleep?

Stop eating 2–3 hours before bed to give your body time to digest your last meal and to prevent spikes in cortisol. Create a cool (65 degrees Fahrenheit is optimal), dark sleep environment. Take a daily nap. Naps can, in fact, make up for some of the sleep deprivation that comes with the job.
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Can firefighters have beards?

So, can firefighters have beards? Generally, no, you will not be allowed to have a beard and will most likely be required to be clean shaven all times while on duty. There's a variety of reasons for this, but there have also been some exceptions and even some legal battles.
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