Firefighters

Individuals who are responsible for controlling and extinguishing fires and responding to emergency situations where life, property and/or the environment are at risk. They are frequently the first emergency personnel at the scene of a traffic accident or medical emergency and may be called upon to put out a fire, treat injuries or perform other vital functions. At fires, they connect hose lines to hydrants, operate a pump to send water to high pressure hoses and position ladders to enable them to deliver water to the fire. They also rescue victims and provide emergency medical attention as needed, ventilate smoke-filled areas and attempt to salvage the contents of buildings. Duties may include fire prevention, emergency medical service, hazardous material response, search and rescue, and disaster management.