Firefighter

A Firefighter, you will be responsible for being first responders to an emergency situation.  This involves being on scene and extinguishing any fires that are burning buildings, cars and forests.  In addition to the protection of property, FIrefighters also need to safeguard human lives as well as that of any animals.  The role of a Firefighter also includes promoting public safety, continuously updating your knowledge and performing basic first aid in medical emergencies.  

In order to qualify as a Firefighter, you don’t need to have a formal qualification.  However, there are certain courses that you study at tertiary institutions which will equip you with a Bachelor of Technology in Fire Technology or a Diploma in Emergeny Medical Care.

In general, a full-time Firefighter will work a 42 hour week in a shift pattern.  Your shifts will be determined by the department you work for.  There is also the possibility of working part-time as a Firefighter.

The average annual salary of a Firefighter in South Africa is R126 178.  In this career, your salary will increase significantly with the years of experience you have behind you.

Here are a few things you can expect from a career as a Firefighter:

• it goes without saying that you will often work in dangerous environments where your life is threatened – you will need to be physically fit, adventerous and able to cope in unpleasant conditions
• your job might also involve cleaning firetrucks and maintaining equipment
• you might be called upon to deliever talks around fire safety
• often you will exposed to be great heights, confined spaces and large crowds