The main responsibilities are to assist people in distress, rescue fire victims and extinguish fires as quickly as possible. To accomplish these goals, a Volunteer Firefighter must perform a wide range of tasks. We reviewed several job listings to determine the primary duties of a Volunteer Firefighter.

Inspect Equipment

Communities rely on Volunteer Firefighters to inspect and maintain fire trucks, ladders, hoses and other fire-fighting equipment. Volunteer Firefighters regularly inspect their equipment for cracks, leaks, holes and other signs of damage. If a piece of equipment is damaged beyond repair, the Volunteer Firefighter submits a request for a replacement.

Administer First Aid

In addition to fighting fires, Volunteer Firefighters also respond to auto accidents and other emergencies. When responding to a fire or accident scene, a Volunteer Firefighter may have to administer CPR or perform other first-aid procedures. With special training, a Volunteer Firefighter may also perform basic life-support procedures.

Suppress Fires

A Volunteer Firefighter uses a variety of techniques to control and extinguish fires. Volunteer Firefighters use ladders, hydrants, hoses, fire extinguishers, and other tools to prevent fires from spreading. In some cases, a Volunteer Firefighter may have to enter a burning building to put out the flames or rescue fire victims.