Being a Firefighter

Traditionally, Firefighters are seen dealing with fires and rescuing people from burning buildings. However, the firefighters of today respond to a wide range of emergencies including road traffic collisions, people who are trapped, chemical spillages and the new threats associated with terrorism.

Firefighters need sensitivity to deal with members of the public when they are distressed and confused. To solve problems using relevant information and your initiative is very important.

Dealing with such emergency incidents is important, but today’s Fire Service has an equally important role within the community.

Firefighters are extensively involved in community fire safety work. This preventative work recognises that the best way of fighting fire is to stop it ever starting. This aim is achieved in a variety of ways, but is primarily focused on educating and informing the public.

As a Firefighter, you would find yourself involved with schools, community groups, voluntary groups and other statutory bodies, to name but a few, in order that the burden of fire on the community is minimised. So being able to communicate effectively to varied individuals and groups is important, as is treating people with dignity and respect irrespective of their backgrounds and cultures.

This vital work is at the cutting edge of what the Fire Service does and the Humberside Fire & Rescue Service are very proud of the community safety work that has been developed and introduced throughout the area.

Wholetime Firefighter - Retained Duty System Firefighter

What’s the difference?

Wholetime Firefighters are personnel whose main employment is being a Firefighter. They may not live near the fire station where they work but a Retained Duty System Firefighter must live or work near to a fire station.

What is a Retained Duty System Firefighter?

This is a group of men and women who are 'on call' to respond to a range of emergencies when their alerter goes. These may be fires, floods, road traffic collisions or chemical spills. Many Retained Duty System firefighters have other full or part-time jobs, but when the call comes they are ready to drop whatever they are doing and become part of a team.

How does the Retained Duty System work?

Retained Duty System firefighters will generally be in full-time employment with an agreement from their employers to allow them to leave work in the event of an emergency call. Many people who are unemployed are also attracted to this worthwhile commitment. Each Firefighter is issued with a pocket alerter, which will alert the user in the event of an emergency. Depending on the type of cover given, the Firefighter will respond to their local fire station from home or work, day or night.

Interested?

Essential Criteria

To be considered for selection as a Wholetime or Retained Duty System Firefighter you must be at least 17 ½ years old when you apply.

You must be physically fit to meet the requirements of the role and you must also be committed to maintaining and developing new skills.

Recruitment information for the Wholetime and Retained Duty System Firefighter role is available on this website.