Firefighting is a profession geared toward anyone, regardless of their sex. Unfortunately, when it comes to attaining firefighting positions, women have it doubly hard. Not only are they competing against hundreds of other people, but they most work extra hard to be able to prove that they can handle the physical aspect of the job as well as the mental one. Here are a few tips on how you can accomplish this.
There are plenty of ways for women firefighters to prove that they're more than capable of doing the job. One common way is to take a variety of related courses in college. These include studies that focus on fire science, first aid, nursing, forestry, rescuing, and more. These classes will not only help enormously in gaining experience, but they'll look good on your resume as well, especially as many station officers will be doubly impressed if you include your transcript with your resume and cover letter.
Another way for women firefighters to gain experience is through the job. Many firefighters start out gaining experience in related fields. These include paramedics, emergency medical technicians, forest rangers, and many others. Any physical training women firefighters can achieve is also a must for any resume. Getting a physical done to prove that you're physically sound can't hurt either.
Many women firefighters decide to attend a firefighting academy. These specialized schools focus solely on learning the theory of firefighting as well as the physical aspects. They often combine rigorous classes with challenging physical tests. Once women firefighters have undergone training in this way, they will have a distinct advantage over those who apply for firefighting positions without said training. Best of all, many firefighting academies provide their graduates with exclusive job searching tools to help them find a good department in their area.
These are only a few tips for women firefighters to consider when applying for a position. Many professional firefighters begin by doing volunteer work and working their way up until they land a professional paying position. As a volunteer, you will have to work a fixed amount of hours each month and will be paid in a small stipend. While you work, you will be able to get to know your coworkers and vice versa. Regardless of what method you choose, you will be able to create a lasting impression on your station officer. Learn more today about how women firefighters can achieve the prowess they need to succeed!
Are you desperate for new wildland firefighting gear? Whether you're just starting out and you want to make sure you have the best gear on the market or you're an experienced firefighter who wants to revamp your supplies with something a bit more reliable, finding the right gear can be very tricky indeed. Here are a few things to look for in quality gear.
Wildland firefighting gear is designed a bit differently than the gear firefighters use when handling residential or industrial jobs. Along with helping you to be at your best when fighting fires, your helmet, boots, gloves, and more are designed to make moving through the forest at your top speed as efficient as possible. This is why it's a good idea to visit a specialty surplus store when it comes to buying wildland firefighting gear. While buying online is convenient, you still need to be able to try on your gear and make sure everything fits perfectly before going out into the fray.
For example, your boots are a crucial part of wildland firefighting gear. Along with being made of material that's both fire resistant and waterproof, it should fit every contour of your foot without pinching or seeming too loose. Settling for anything less can drastically impede your footing and cause life threatening distractions. Ideally, your boots should also be equipped with steel toes, shin protectors, heel guards, and a sole that has a rough tread. This will prevent you from slipping up in slicker areas.
Your helmet is another important part of your wildland firefighting gear. Ideally, it should be made of a durable material that's both heat resistant and able to withstand impact. It should rest comfortably on the head and protect your eyes without squeezing or seeming too big. It also should be light enough that turning your head isn't impeded too much. It may sound unlikely, but wearing an overly heavy helmet can be quite exhausting after a few hours, especially if you're handling a big mission at the same time.
Finally, your gloves are a crucial part of wildland firefighting gear. Keep in mind that some gloves will be shaped or textured differently according to their purpose. Regardless of its purpose, your gloves should be flexible enough that it shouldn't impede your hands, whether you're on cleanup crew or you're operating a hose. It's not a good idea to risk fumbling, especially at a crucial moment. Learn more today about wildland firefighting gear and how it can benefit you.
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