Candidates must successfully complete a nine week Firefighter Recruit Academy at Bates Technical College. Overview of Duties Firefighters are required to perform a wide variety of tasks. The predominant activity of this job includes providing medical care to sick or injured individuals. This work may involve exposure to contagious disease and, sometimes, the unavoidable death of patients or fire victims. It requires attention to detail in carrying out emergency needs as well as skill in communication, with dignity, respect, and compassion.
Firefighters encounter many challenges in fighting fires.
Identifying the source of fire, applying appropriate suppression techniques, and performing search and rescue of victims are key activities. Working conditions are often dangerous and may include heat, smoke, fumes, and working in confined spaces with limited vision. A firefighter s job is physically demanding. Firefighters must be in peak physical condition at the time of hire and throughout their career. Their work includes climbing many flights of stairs and working at heights and in confined spaces to fight fires and rescue victims.