What does it take to be a firefighter?

It takes...

• Fitness/Agility - Heart Attacks are the silent killer of Firefighters. Their heart rates and blood pressure will increase while inside of a burning building. And the fitness/agility is good for medical responses, also. It will help if ever performing CPR (which requires strength and energy to not tire out as quickly), lifting over-weight patients, and many other reasons.

• Knowledge - Training is the best thing that will keep Firefighters safe while working. There is a Firefighter saying that says,"Train like your life depends on it, Because it does."

• Focus - Firefighters must be aware of their surroundings when working at all times.

• Will - You have to like what you are doing; So if someone cannot stand to be a firefighter, they probably shouldn't be one.

Pre-Service Fire Fighter Education & Training or NFPA 1001 Level I & II or Ontario Certified Firefighter

Grade 12 Diploma or equivalent

First Aid and C.P.R.-Level C

DZ Driver's License (usually)

Valid Physical Fitness Assessment (usually)

Vision 20/30 uncorrected

Qualifications Cities Prefer:

Rope Rescue

River Rescue

Ice Rescue

Hazardous Materials (I, II & III)

First Responder

Basic Trauma Life Support

Mechanical training and/or experience

Building Construction training and/or experience

Heavy Equipment training and/or experience

Electrical education and/or experience

Post-secondary education

Experience working as a Firefighter

Ability to swim, including Lifeguarding qualifications

Community Involvement

Second Language, including Sign Language