WHO ARE FIREFIGHTERS AND WHAT IS FIREFIGHTING

Every year, fires take many lives and destroy billions of dollars worth of property. Firefighters help protect people and property. They are often the first at an accident or emergency.

Firefighters put out fires, which is not possible for common people. Fighting fires is dangerous and complex and it can not be done by single one.

Fire fighting is the process and profession of extinguishing fires. Firefighting and firefighters have become very popular around the world, from urban areas to wild land. Firefighters save people who are trapped in burning buildings. Some firefighters work at airports or in factories. Others work in forests and rural areas. Special firefighters who are called smoke jumpers, fight forest fires. They parachute from airplanes to the required area.
Firefighter has to do very dangerous work. During a fire, floors can cave in and walls can fall on the head. Flames and smoke can burn or kill. Firefighters may come in contact with poisonous gases or other hazardous materials. To protect themselves, firefighters wear protective dress which can be heavy and hot.

Firefighters need sensitivity to deal with members of the public when they are distressed and confused.They treat people who are hurt or ill, both at fires and in other situations.

During duty hours, fire fighters must be prepared to respond immediately to a fire or any other emergency that arises. Because fighting fires is dangerous and complex, it requires organization and teamwork.Many firefighters work more than 50 hours a week. Some are on duty for 24 hours straight. Then, they get 48 hours off. They also get another day off on a regular basis. Others work a 10-hour day shift for 3 or 4 days. Then, they work a 14-hour night shift for 3 or 4 nights and have 3 or 4 days off.

The fire service has changed a great deal in the last forty years or so. In 1960s a city firefighter had to take care of the fire engines and the station and when there was a fire ,went to it and put it out .But by the 2000's, almost all of this had changed. Firefighters in most fire departments now take part in public education, fire inspections, and other forms of community outreach. Almost all fire departments provide emergency medical response at the basic level, and many offer full-service paramedic care and patient transport.

Article provided by Future-tech Inc.