If you’ve thought about becoming a firefighter, the process is physically demanding but doesn’t take long. You have to go through over 400 hours of basic fire protection training before you have to take an exam and become certified. If you choose to do this, there are several benefits to becoming a firefighter.
Professional Benefits
Firefighters have relatively stable careers. Unfortunately, there will always be fires. The community will always need emergency services to help them. As a firefighter, you can count on stable work. Likewise, many firefighters receive several different benefits. Odds are you will have solid healthcare coverage and dental insurance. These benefits also extend to your family. If you are ready, Google how do I become a firefighter in Texas, and think about all of the professional benefits it can provide.
Physical Benefits
To become a firefighter, you will go through physical training. At an emergency scene, you’ll be expected to lift patients and heavy equipment, to move and in and out of buildings quickly and to be able to navigate through uneven and dangerous terrain. When there’s a building fire, there may be times that the entrances and exits are either locked up or blocked by debris. You have to be able to move those obstructions or break the doors to help those inside.
Tests to become a firefighter include the following:
- A hose drag
- An equipment carry
- A stair climb
- A forcible entry
- A search
- A ladder raise
- A ceiling breach
This is just the beginning of your fitness training as a firefighter. If you pass the initial tests, then you need to keep up with this level of fitness throughout your career. As a firefighter, you are more likely to stay fit than you may be in other occupations.
Personal Benefits
As a firefighter, you are providing a lifesaving service to others. An emergency such as a house fire or car accident can be one of the worst times of another person’s life. You are one of the people there to help them through it. It can be extremely rewarding to know that you are saving lives with the service that you provide. Your community is a better place because you decided to become a firefighter.
If you want to become a firefighter, there are several classes that you need to take. Once you go through the curriculum, you have to take a test and receive certification. Once you pass your test, however, to become a firefighter can be extremely rewarding in several areas of your life.