Career as a Firefighter in India

Career as a Firefighter in India

Firefighters cooperate with their local community to enhance their awareness of fire safety. In addition, they are also responsible for promoting fire safety norms by conducting practice drills and other training in public and commercial premises. Firefighters apply the principles of engineering and science to protect people from risky scenarios. Firefighting is one of the toughest and challenging fields. It is a striking field as it deals with preserving the lives of many people around.

Aspirants who wish to become a firefighter must begin their careers by pursuing a high school diploma and training in substitute medical services. They are required to hold an emergency medical specialist (EMT) certification provided by many fire institutes in India. 

Educational Requirements

Aspirants can begin with a diploma followed by a degree in fire engineering and related fields. A strong academic background will confirm the job of the candidates. Check below the educational requirements for firefighters-

Aspirants must have a minimum of a high school diploma certificate.

Candidates need to hold a higher national diploma certificate. There are other related courses such as fire engineering, fire safety, and risk management or fire and explosion available for candidates.

Aspirants can also pursue a UG degree in fire management courses for a strong academic background.

Courses

Aspirants can pursue various degrees in fire safety and related courses. Fire and Safety courses concentrate on the science of fire and firefighting. The training module includes topics such as fire, fire prevention, hydraulics, first-aid, firefighting equipment, communication systems, etc.

Check below the courses available in firefighting-

1. Diploma in Industrial Safety
2. Diploma in Construction Safety
3. Diploma Disaster Management
4. Diploma in Health Safety & Environment
5. Diploma in Fire Safety & Hazard Management

 Training

Entry-level firefighters are required to attend a few months of exercise at fire academies run by the fire department or by the state. Through classroom teaching and hands-on training, aspirants study fire-fighting and fire-prevention methods, narrow building codes, and emergency medical techniques. They also learn how to fight fires with normal equipment, comprising axes, chain saws, fire extinguishers, and ladders. Post joining a fire academy, firefighters must customarily complete a provisional period.

Skillset Requirements

There are immense employment opportunities for firefighters in large manufacturing units particularly those involved in the manufacturing of chemicals or inflammable substances. Candidates with the necessary knowledge and skills in the field are likely to be hired. Check below the skills required for a career in firefighting-

Ability to respond quickly and remain calm

Decision-making skills

Knowledge of firefighting tools

Physical stamina and a high level of physical fitness

Working under pressure

Job Profiles

Firefighters are employed in private as well as government sectors. As the issue of safety is one of the primary and significant aspects in the present time, aspirants post the successful completion of the course, find lucrative job options. They can work for Refineries, Industries, Electricity boards, Fire safety Training Institutes, Armed forces, Chemical plants etc.

Besides, firefighters are also recruited by fire departments of local government, insurance companies, aircraft industry, and an area of safety where the option of fire or combustion represents a hazard. An experienced Firefighter may also be employed as a surveyor in insurance companies to give the correct assessment of the loss of the clients due to fire incidents in their units.

 Roles and Responsibilities of Firefighters

They are responsible to safeguard the security of the employees by making them aware of probable accidents through informative seminars.

To make them aware of the use of numerous safety gadgets through illustrative sessions.

They are required to respond to emergency calls, lay and connect the hose, hold nozzles and direct water streams, raise and climb ladders, use extinguishers, and other equipment.

Firefighters provide rescue in various forms from dangerous situations, operational responses to dangerous goods calls.

Salary

Firefighter earns a salary of Rs.15,000 per month initially and can go as far as Rs.40,000 with experience in the field. Besides this, Firefighters get uniforms and other benefits such as medical aid schemes and pension funds, annual leave, and housing subsidies. A firefighter with amazing skills and exemplary courage can reach higher positions in the organization.

Employment Sectors

Apart from the local fire departments, there are several opportunities for firefighters in the private sector as well. Check below the sectors providing employment to firefighters-

Refineries

Oil companies

Industries

Government Firefighting department

Government departments

Fire Safety training institutes

Electricity boards

Construction firms

Chemical plants

Armed forces

Scope

There are immense options and possibilities for firefighters to grow and absorb something fresh. Although a risky profession, it saves the life of many people from hazards. Firefighters can opt for a job in any division, either government or private as per their interests and choices. They can also get involved in other businesses such as chemical or combustible products manufacturing companies like petroleum refineries, textiles, fertilizers, etc. The job prospect is enormous in the field of engineering, chemicals, handling bottling plants, etc.

FAQs

Q1.      Is firefighting a good career?
Ans:     Yes, it is both a demanding and rewarding career option with widespread employment opportunities in India.

Q2.      What is the role of a firefighter?
Ans:     Firefighters are professionals trained in handling emergency situations. They attend emergency calls and rescue the people from hazards.

Q3.      How much does a firefighter earn annually?
Ans:     A firefighter earns an average salary of Rs. 3,45,799 annually.

Q4.      What is the minimum qualification required to become a firefighter?
Ans:     Candidates need to clear +2 followed by a diploma or UG course in the field to become a firefighter.

Q5.      How long is a fireman’s shift?
Ans:     A full-time firefighter works an average of 56 hours per week, however, the work hours are divided into 24-hours shifts.