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Volunteer Firefighter

Pershing Twp Vol Fire Dept

4696 W Columbus Pike
Freetown, IN 47235
812-497-2130


Description
Volunteer Firefighters serve their communities by responding to fires and other emergencies. Trained volunteers may also respond as emergency medical technicians (EMTs). This position requires a great deal of teamwork, especially when fighting active fires.

Hazardous Material and Firefighter training provided at no cost.

Volunteer Firefighter Duties and Responsibilities

The main responsibilities of a Volunteer Firefighter 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. Primary duties may include:

Inspection of 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.

Drive Emergency Vehicles

Volunteer Firefighters with the proper training may be called upon to drive fire trucks and other emergency vehicles. Some Volunteer Firefighters use their own vehicles to respond to fires and accident scenes.

Investigate Fires

Volunteer Firefighters help determine the cause of each fire they extinguish. If a fire is the result of arson, a Volunteer Firefighter may be called to testify against the perpetrator in court.

Volunteer Category: Firefighter, EMT


Requirements
Excellent interpersonal communication skills are a must for any Volunteer Firefighter. The position requires a great deal of contact with fire and accident victims, police officers and government officials. Because fires can rage out of control quickly, a Volunteer Firefighter must be able to make quick decisions. Fire departments also are looking for Volunteer Firefighter candidates with the following skills.

Core skills:

Operating, monitoring and maintaining fire-fighting equipment, such as hoses, extinguishers and personal protective equipment
Providing basic medical attention to fire and accident victims
Rescuing people from dangerous situations
Preparing accident reports

Advanced skills:

Training new Volunteer Firefighters to perform their duties in a safe manner
Administering basic life support
Rescuing accident victims in wet, icy conditions