Careers in emergency responding can range from fire rescue to fielding 911 calls.
Whether battling a house fire, fishing stranded residents out of flooded streets, or responding to an individual medical emergency, each year thousands of fire and rescue workers risk their health and lives responding to emergency calls. You can find career options in fire and rescue that will put you on the front lines or behind the scenes in a support role.
Firefighters
In 2009, 310,400 fire fighters were working in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. To become a firefighter, you must first pass medical, physical and written examinations and go through training to hone your endurance, strength and ability to do the tasking job of fighting fires and saving lives and property. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nine out of every 10 jobs in firefighting occur at the local government level so you can look for work in your own neighborhood. Projections through 2018 show a 17 percent increase in firefighting jobs so, while competition is high for firefighting positions, the occupation will also enjoy growth potential.
Search and Rescue
Though search and rescue operations cross-over between firefighting, police, and other emergency responders, you can also find a career in search and rescue with the federal government and the U.S. Military. The federal government employs search and rescue squads in our national parks to help stranded or lost hikers while the U.S. Military employs search and rescue operatives on missions throughout their branches. The Coast Guard, though, specializes in search and rescue operations, especially over water and in maritime rescues but also takes the point in emergency situations such as flooding rescues or responding to natural disasters such as hurricanes or tornadoes.
Emergency Medical Technicians/Paramedics
Emergency medicine never rests and, if you are considering a job as an emergency medical technician (EMT) or paramedic, be prepared to work in a variety of settings and shifts. In 2008, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 210,700 jobs in emergency medicine in the United States with a projected increase of 9 percent through 2018. EMTs must undergo emergency medical training and education in preparation for facing medical emergencies ranging from heart attacks to child birth.
Dispatchers
Fire and rescue departments also need support personnel so, if you are not comfortable being out in the field, consider pursuing a career as a dispatcher. Fire and ambulance dispatchers, also called 911 operators, monitor the activities of responders and send out services based on emergency calls. Some of the calls can be harrowing and the need for quick thinking is essential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2008, 99,900 dispatchers were employed nationwide with a growth potential of 19 percent through 2018, making this support role one of the growing professions in the fire and rescue profession.
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