Firefighter (Retained Duty System)

JOB DESCRIPTION

For Firefighters in Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service
(Applicable to wholetime and retained personnel)

KEY PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

To respond safely and in accordance with procedures to calls for assistance in order to:-

Save life
Protect property
Render humanitarian services

To undertake other duties associated with the Service’s statutory and other objectives and obligations.

THE ROLE OF THE FIREFIGHTER

Your initial training will give you practical skills and technical knowledge so that you are able to do the things we require a Firefighter to do.  These are described below:-

1. Emergencies
Respond immediately and safely to requests for assistance.
Deal with emergencies as directed.
Minimise distress and suffering including giving First Aid. 

2. Dealing with people
Establish and maintain the confidence of members of the public. 
Maintain links with the community.
Operate as an effective member of a team.
Be sensitive to the needs of others, particularly with regards to equal opportunities issues. 

3. Training
Take part in a continuous training programme by attending lectures, exercises, practice drill sessions and other forms of training.

4. Local Geography 
Get to know the local streets, roads and buildings situated around your own and nearby Fire Stations.
Be aware of the risks and possible hazards to be found within the Fire Station area.
Identify fire risks during fire safety visits to local premises. 

5. Equipment
Test and inspect fire-fighting resources provided for Service use e.g., fire hydrants, dry risers, etc.
Maintain, clean and routinely test vehicles and Fire Service equipment so that they are ready for when emergencies arise.

6. Administration
Maintain and update records and compile reports associated with the main duties and responsibilities of the post, whether written or using basic computer skills.
Keep your own personal records up to date.

7. Health and Safety 
Recognise health and safety risks at work and deal with them appropriately.
Ensure your own and others’ personal safety at work at all times.
Wear uniform and/or protective clothing and equipment appropriate to the role.

8. Fitness
Keep a level of physical fitness necessary to carry out all duties of a firefighter and be available for medical examination by the Service's Occupational Health Advisers as required.

9. Fire Safety
Give good advice on fire safety matters that is in line with current best practice.
Carry out fire prevention inspections and become involved in fire safety initiatives.

10. Integrity
Maintain high standards of punctuality, personal appearance and self-discipline, in keeping with the expectations of a disciplined Service.
Maintain confidentiality of information acquired in the course of duty.

Contacts
Members of the public.
Uniformed and non-uniformed members of staff.

Supervisory Responsibility
None.

General information about firefighting can also be found at:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/fire/