Tackling a wide range of emergency situations such as tackling fires, searching, rescuing and protecting people and animals
Occupational Profile
Firefighters tackle a wide range of emergency situations where problem solving and initiative is vital to resolve incidents quickly and calmly. These situations vary from tackling fires, searching, rescuing and protecting people and animals, by sustaining/preserving their life to protecting life and the environment from the effects of fire, natural and human disasters and hazardous materials. (Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives). They also respond to incidents involving planes, trains, road traffic collisions and marine emergencies. When in attendance, they must adopt a sensitive approach to dealing with members of the public and casualties who may be distressed and confused.
Firefighters engage with the community to provide information, advice and guidance to individuals and groups around health, safety and well-being. They may also conduct fire risk assessments and audits in businesses and homes, fitting detection and suppression equipment if necessary. By doing this, firefighters actively contribute to reducing the risk of fire or injury. Firefighters work as part of a close-knit team of professionals that provides 24-hour response cover to resolve fire and rescue operational incidents. They adopt multi agency working principles with partners and other services to achieve a swift and successful conclusion. They will also need to be able to carry out tasks individually.
Firefighters could be employed in any of the fire services across England, the Armed Forces, Civil Aviation or within small private sector fire services that may be incorporated in other organizations such as manufacturers and engineering.
The working day could include theoretical and practical training along with testing and maintaining equipment to ensure operational preparedness. It is essential a firefighter is prepared and ready to respond at all times when on duty. Firefighters must be able to carry out physically demanding work; at height, in enclosed spaces, and outdoors – working in all weather and environmental conditions. They could be called upon to treat injured casualties and deal with fatalities.
Summary of standard
https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/operational-firefighter/
Full standard
https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/media/1486/level-3-operational-firefighter.pdf
