How to Become a Fireman in North Carolina

Firefighters have changed in the past 50 years. First of all, we have firefighters now, not firemen. Firefighters often pull people and cars from the water after an accident. They are often trained in first aid and CPR, so they can save lives. They are equipped to enter burning buildings to do search and rescue. Women have become firefighters because they can do the job equally as well as men. It took a long time for that to be accepted, but finally through legislation, it has become so. Firefighters don't just fight fires. They find out what caused the fire and if it was set intentionally or not. In most states, firefighters need certification and must meet certain requirements before they can become firefighters. North Carolina has certain criteria that applicants must meet before being hired as firefighters.

Instructions

1. Realize that criteria may be different in different towns and cities of North Carolina. The State Fire and Rescue Commission has established minimum professional qualifications for all levels of fire and rescue service personnel, but independent commissions, although they must meet the minimum standards, may have their own set that differs somewhat from the state requirements.

2. Be prepared to meet all entrance requirements, including being at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.

3. Be in good physical shape. You must undergo a physical examination prior to any activity to ensure your ability to perform the required tasks. The examination will be performed by a physician.

4. Meet certification standards as set forth by the state of North Carolina. Applicants must attend training classes and pass examinations given with a qualified Level II Instructor serving as proctor.

5. Pass a practical examination to measure the firefighting skills of the applicant. Only applicants who have satisfied training class requirements shall be given the practical examination.

6. Pass a written exam that measure the cognitive skills of the firefighter.

7. A firefighter certified by another state may be granted equivalent certification.

8. All firefighters must demonstrate knowledge of the use of all equipment, policies and procedures as set forth in the Fire Department Orientation & Safety Fire Department Orientation & Safety manual. These include, but are not limited to the following: fire alarms and communications, fire behavior, portable extinguishers ventilation, personal protective equipment, fire Hose, appliances, streams, forcible entry foam, ventilation fire control, ropes overhaul, rescue ladders, fire control sprinklers, salvage haz mat operations, emergency medical care determination, fire prevention, public fire education, and fire cause determination.