Understanding the Life of a Firefighter
As a firefighter, you are constantly on the move. You may be at a relaxed fire station one minute, and in the next moment, you are racing to an unimaginable scene. This could be anything from a minor car accident to a major one. You might even have to rescue people from burning cars. These experiences can leave a firefighter with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Firefighters must have compassion and physical stamina to complete their duties. In addition, they must be able to evaluate the severity of a fire and determine if it is spreadable. They must also be able to work as a team to coordinate activities.
Protective gear
Whether a volunteer or a professional firefighter, such as experienced firefighter, Daniel Ahasic, you should always wear protective gear to keep yourself safe in the field. Firefighters may be exposed to falling objects, electrical shocks, and chemicals during an emergency. Fortunately, these hazards can be reduced with the proper protective gear and personal protective equipment.
PPE helps firefighters stay safe from smoke, fire, and electric shocks. However, wearing the right gear is important because one wrong move could cause a serious injury.
Responsibilities
A firefighter’s primary responsibility is to protect lives and property from fire and the community from its dangers. These duties involve responding to emergency calls, operating various equipment, and providing emergency medical care and first aid. Firefighters also participate in training, code enforcement, and other activities to prevent fires and save lives.
Some firefighter responsibilities include administering drugs and injections to patients in need. They must also have the proper training to deal with various hazardous materials. Other responsibilities include operating radio and telemetry equipment, driving the department ambulance, and laying down hose lines. Depending on the location, firefighter positions may also involve travel.
Stress levels
Firefighters have extremely challenging jobs. Not only is it physically dangerous, but it is also emotionally and mentally draining. And because conditions are constantly changing, stress levels can be high. This is why firefighters need to find ways to manage their stress. Below are some tips to help firefighters cope with their stress.
The first step in reducing stress for firefighters is recognizing and acknowledging it is a problem. Identifying and recognizing the signs of stress can help firefighters avoid burnout and dissatisfaction. Thankfully, support systems are in place to help firefighters cope with this difficult work environment.
Holidays and weekends
While holidays and weekends are important for any job, they can also be tough for firefighters. Most firefighters must work twenty-four hours a day, so they cannot take a day off during their shifts. For this reason, it is not easy to schedule vacations around your work schedule. However, even though it can be difficult to coordinate vacation days, many firefighters are willing to trade them with other firefighters to get the days they need.
Schedules for firefighters can vary depending on the city and the department’s size. Additionally, firefighters may have emergency calls that extend well beyond their shifts, so they are often scheduled for extra hours on holidays and weekends.
PTSD
If you’re a firefighter and suspect that you or a loved one may have PTSD, you need to seek help. Although it may be difficult to reach out for help, it’s important to understand that treatment options are available for those with PTSD. In most cases, effective treatment will involve counseling and medication. A common choice is an antidepressant. Unfortunately, while many firefighters know they could experience PTSD, stigmatization can limit their ability to seek help. While the fire service has made strides to promote open discussion of mental health issues, the stigma persists. As a result, many fire departments are unwilling to discuss this difficult issue with their firefighters.
