When you envision the life of a firefighter, you might readily assume that firefighters spend their off time waiting around for calls, snoozing, playing cards, or cracking jokes with each other.
This sort of work day was typical a long time ago, but a lot has changed since then.
These days, firefighters spend their off time brushing up on their skills in various topics as well as taking on new training, challenges and opportunities.
A typical firefighter will work for 48 hours straight, followed by a pretty lengthy off period.
The following is a general 24 hour work shift in the life of a firefighter.
Beginning of the Day The firefighter will usually arrive at the firehouse at around 8:00 AM and participate in a roll call.
During or shortly after roll call, assignments and tasks are typically handed out.
The schedule is also given out, given that no calls come up during the day.
During the morning hours, firefighters will generally inspect and maintain the fire trucks to make sure they're in optimal shape for emergencies, take care of a little housework around the firehouse, partake in physical training to maintain at least a decent level of fitness and other miscellaneous duties.
The firefighter's schedule can change day to day due to different/new demands, so his time may be utilized differently each day.
Midday Once midday rolls around, most firefighters will go on break for lunch.
Lunch is generally over by around 1 or 2, and then firefighters will begin taking care of other tasks at hand.
For example, large training sessions will be held in the afternoon hours.
Firefighters will take care of things such as training for new firefighting techniques, bettering existing ones, partaking in inspections, maintaining equipment and vehicles and so much more.
Afternoon In the afternoon and late hours just before night falls, firefighters are generally still working with any left over tasks, completing reports and taking care of unfinished business.
Dinner is usually prepared during this block of time as well.
Late afternoon and the beginning of nightfall is also generally a span of unplanned time.
A firefighter might study for any tests or exams he is expecting, finish up reports, or work on any special projects or assignments.
Late Night Firefighters typically utilize the late-night hours for sleep, provided that no calls come in and everything during the day has been taken care of.
Calls This work day does not include possible calls that can come in at any given time.
Even if a call comes in at 3:00 in the morning, firefighters are expected to immediately respond, regardless of whether they were asleep or not.
Generally, a call can last anywhere from a half hour to several hours.
Some calls might call for just one fire truck, while others might require the aid of multiple trucks.
Because emergency calls are unexpected and spontaneous, the schedule for the typical day can be incredibly impacted or altered.
Because calls are random in their occurrences, firefighters must learn how to work flexibly to respond as quickly as possible.
Because calls can possibly come in at night, many firefighters will even need to sleep through parts of their days off to make up for lost sleep as well as recharge for the next shift.