Fire and Emergency Services as a Career

Fire and Emergency Services Orientation and

Terminology5 th Edition

Chapter 1 — Fire and Emergency Services as a Career

Learning Objective 1

Discuss the fire and emergency services culture.

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Emergencies involve hard work that drain energy and test endurance.

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Firefighters are expected to evaluate situations calmly.

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Learning Objective 2

Identify f ire protection and emergency-service careers in both the public and private sector.

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Firefighters may be part of a career or volunteer department.

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Firefighters may be part of a career or volunteer department.

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Career departments protect larger cit ies, counties, and districts.

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Volunteer departments are found in small or rural communities.

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There are several other types of departments.

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REVIEW QUESTION

Compare and contrast f ire protection and emergency-service careers in both the public and private sector.

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Learning Objective 3

Recognize the components of career preparation and goal setting.

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Career f irefighters are offered several benefits.

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Learning Objective 4

Discuss firefighters as public f igures.

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Firefighters are required to conduct themselves responsibly.

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Physical f i tness must be maintained to perform tasks effectively.

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Firefighters must dress appropriately at al l t imes.

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Teamwork is based on several factors.

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REVIEW QUESTION

Why do veteran firefighters need to maintain a certain level of f itness?

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REVIEW QUESTION

What are the main differences between fire service training and fire service education?

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Learning Objective 5

Differentiate between fire service training and education, and f ire protection certif icate program and f ire service degree programs.

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Training comes through classroom study or skil ls training.

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Training is available through several sources.

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Education is provided through colleges, universit ies, and NFA.

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Training can be provided in other, non-traditional ways.

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REVIEW QUESTION

How is a fire protection certif icate program different from a fire service degree program?

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REVIEW QUESTIONS

What are good sources for continued training for f ire and emergency services personnel?

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Certif ication shows that individuals are able to handle the responsibi l i t ies of the job.

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Learning Objective 6

Summarize the career f irefighter selection process.

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Departments must go through a strict selection process.

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REVIEW QUESTION

How can setting goals help fire and emergency services personnel achieve advancement during his or her career?

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REVIEW QUESTION

How does wellness and fitness affect an applicant’s chances of earning a spot in the fire department?

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Learning Objective 7

Describe the volunteer f irefighter selection process.

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The volunteer selection process differs from career departments.

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Summary

• Firefighters are expected to work well as a team and be wil l ing to undergo continual training in basic and new skil ls.

• A successful f irefighter candidate wil l be one who is in good physical condit ion and who is wil l ing to study and work hard.(Continued)

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• Firefighters must remember that they represent a very public organization and behave professionally to avoid tarnishing the image of the department.

Summary

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