How to Be Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 13, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Being a Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is a demanding job that requires a high level of training, physical fitness, and mental toughness. The cause of this is the wide range of duties that an EMT must be prepared to handle. This includes responding to emergency calls, providing medical care to victims of accidents, administering CPR, using specialized medical equipment, and providing support to other medical personnel.

The effect of these duties is that EMTs must be trained in an extensive range of medical procedures and safety protocols. In addition, they must also be physically fit enough to carry heavy equipment and perform strenuous activities. Furthermore, EMTs must have the mental fortitude to handle highly stressful situations and make quick decisions in the face of danger.

All of these elements combine to make Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician one of the most challenging and rewarding professions available.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most fire departments require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED.
Complete an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification program. This program is typically offered at community colleges, technical schools, and other accredited institutions. It includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology, as well as hands-on training in trauma management, medical assessment and treatment, and patient care.
Obtain certification as a Firefighter. This can be obtained through a local fire department academy or through the National Fire Academy.
Undergo a physical exam that meets the standards of the fire department. This will include vision, hearing and physical fitness tests.
Pass a background check. The fire department will need to make sure that you do not have any criminal convictions or other issues that could interfere with your job duties as a firefighter or EMT.
Participate in an interview process at the fire department. This will include an oral board interview, psychological evaluation and written test.
Complete any additional training required by the fire department. This may include courses on hazardous materials, emergency response and fire prevention.
Become certified as a Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). This involves taking a state or national certification exam, which covers topics such as emergency medical services, fire suppression, hazardous materials operations and safety, hazardous materials identification and operations, and hazardous materials response.

Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) play a vital role in the safety and security of our communities. They are highly trained and skilled professionals, who have dedicated themselves to providing reliable and capable services to those in need. This dedication requires an ongoing commitment to excellence, with regular training and practice.

Firefighters/EMTs must be able to assess a situation, provide first aid and medical care, battle blazes, rescue people from hazardous situations, and handle hazardous materials. Their ability to remain calm and professional in stressful situations is essential for ensuring the safety of everyone involved. In addition, the ability to work as part of a team and follow orders quickly and accurately is also key to their success.

Without the dedication and commitment of Firefighter/EMTs, our communities would be at risk of increased threats, injuries and disasters.

You may want to check Community Paramedic, Event Paramedic, and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) - Paramedic for alternative.

Job Description

Respond to emergency calls, providing medical assistance and fire suppression services.
Drive and operate firefighting and medical equipment, such as fire hoses, ladders, pumps, ambulances, and medical kits.
Administer first aid and CPR, as well as other life-saving techniques.
Extinguish fires using appropriate extinguishing agents and techniques.
Investigate the cause of fires, inspect buildings for fire hazards, and recommend corrective actions.
Prepare reports on fire-related activities and incidents.
Educate the public on fire safety, emergency response, and emergency preparedness techniques.
Participate in drills, training exercises, and other emergency preparedness activities.
Dispense emergency medical treatment, including splinting and bandaging.
Monitor vital signs and administer medications to patients as needed.
Perform rescue operations in hazardous environment conditions.
Transfer patients to and from medical facilities as needed.
Document patient care activities and maintain patient records.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Fire suppression and fire prevention techniques
Ability to operate and maintain firefighting equipment
Knowledge of hazardous materials and hazardous situations
Ability to respond to medical emergencies
Knowledge of CPR and first aid techniques
Ability to assess medical situations and determine the best course of action
Knowledge of emergency medical regulations and protocols
Knowledge of local emergency services
Ability to effectively communicate with other emergency personnel
Ability to work well in high-pressure situations

Being a firefighter/emergency medical technician (EMT) requires a special set of skills in order to be successful in this role. The most important skill to have is the ability to stay calm and composed under pressure. Firefighters/EMTs must be able to think and act quickly and respond aggressively in emergency situations.

They must also be able to work with other emergency personnel and implement the correct protocols in order to mitigate the situation. In addition, they must possess excellent communication skills in order to effectively communicate with the public and other professionals. Finally, they must be able to use specialized medical equipment to properly diagnose and treat patients in need of medical care.

These skills are essential for firefighters/EMTs, as they are often the first responders in several life-threatening situations. Without these skills, they would not be able to effectively and efficiently provide the necessary care to those in need.

Aeromedical Evacuation Technician (AET), Field Paramedic, and Critical Care Flight Paramedic are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What skills and experience do you have that make you a good fit for this role?
How do you handle emergency situations?
What is your experience with firefighting and emergency medical services?
What safety protocols do you follow when responding to emergency calls?
How do you stay up to date with changes in firefighting and emergency medical technology?
What strategies do you use to calm and reassure individuals during an emergency?
Describe a time when you faced a difficult challenge while on the job as a firefighter/EMT.
What is your experience working with hazardous materials and controlling fires?
How have you developed relationships with other emergency personnel?
How do you stay physically fit for the job?

Common Tools in Industry

Fire Extinguisher. A device used to extinguish small fires by spraying them with water, foam, or other fire retardant substances. (eg: ABC Fire Extinguisher)
Fire Hose. A flexible tube used to transport water to put out fires. (eg: The Big Red Fire Hose)
Fire Axe. A metal tool used to break down doors, windows, and other obstacles in order to gain access to a burning building. (eg: The Firefighter's Axe)
Flashlight. A portable light source used to illuminate dark areas. (eg: The Tactical Flashlight)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Specialized protective clothing and equipment worn by firefighters to protect them from extreme temperatures, smoke, and fire. (eg: Heat-resistant Firefighting Suit)
Radio. A handheld device used for communication between firefighters and command centers. (eg: Motorola Talkabout T800 Radios)
First Aid Kit. A collection of supplies and equipment used for providing medical assistance in emergency situations. (eg: St. John Ambulance First Aid Kit)
Oxygen Tank. A pressurized container of oxygen used in rescue operations or to provide oxygen to patients in need. (eg: The Oxy-Max Oxygen Tank)
Stretcher. A device used to transport injured or incapacitated patients. (eg: The RescueLift Stretcher)
Automated External Defibrillator (AED). A portable device used to restart the heart of a patient who has gone into cardiac arrest. (eg: The Lifepak 500 AED)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)
National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
National Emergency Medical Services Association (NEMSA)
National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT)
National Association of EMTs (NAEMT)
International Association of Fire Service Instructors (IAFSI)
International Association of Fire Safety Science (IAFSS)
American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)

We also have Emergency Physician Assistant (EPA), Ambulance Dispatcher, and Air Ambulance Paramedic jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Incident Commander. an individual responsible for managing an emergency response, typically the highest ranking fire department or EMS official on-site.
Fireground Tactics. the strategies and techniques used by firefighters to combat a fire.
Firefighting Equipment. the tools used to combat fires, such as fire hoses, nozzles, ladders, and axes.
Extrication. the process of freeing someone from a confined space such as a car or collapsed building.
Hazardous Materials. substances that pose a potential risk to human health or the environment.
Fire Code. a set of laws and regulations that govern the use of fire safety equipment and structures.
NFPA Standards. National Fire Protection Association standards that provide guidelines for fire safety and prevention.
EMS Protocols. Emergency Medical Services procedures which guide the treatment of patients in medical emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a Firefighter/EMT?

Firefighters/EMTs are emergency responders trained to provide emergency medical care, fire suppression, and hazardous materials mitigation.

What qualifications are needed to become a Firefighter/EMT?

To become a Firefighter/EMT, individuals must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a state-approved firefighter training program, obtain certification as an EMT, and pass a physical exam.

What type of tasks do Firefighters/EMTs carry out?

Firefighters/EMTs perform a variety of tasks, including responding to fires, providing medical treatment to the sick or injured, rescuing those in danger, combating hazardous materials spills, educating the public about fire safety, and conducting inspections and maintenance of firefighting equipment.

What tools do Firefighters/EMTs use in their work?

Firefighters/EMTs use specialized tools such as hoses, fire extinguishers, ladders, medical kits, and breathing apparatus. They also use communication equipment such as radios and cell phones to coordinate their efforts.

How many hours does a Firefighter/EMT typically work?

Firefighters/EMTs typically work 24-hour shifts, with 48 hours off between shifts. They may also work additional hours depending on the needs of the department.