Firefighters are heroic figures who risk their lives to save that of their fellow citizens. In Italy there are two different classes of Fire Brigade: the Permanent, that is, those who make this job a profession and are hired on a permanent basis by the State. And the Volunteers, those who are not professionals but are still trained and then employed in case of need or called to intervene if they live in areas that are particularly difficult to reach for permanent teams. Access to the career of Permanent Vigilant implies passing a public competition. The Volunteer Vigilant requires you to apply to the Command of the Province of residence, which organizes courses based on the need to train new Volunteers. In this article we will talk about the figure of Permanent Firefighter. Although it is a noble job and with a growing employment trend, the annual salary does not exceed 28,000 euros gross. If you want to pursue a professional career in the fire department, you need to think seriously about the impact that the job will have not only on your physique and psyche, but also on your family. Think you have what it takes to become a permanent firefighter? Read on to find out.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Have the Right Requirements
Step 1. You must be of legal age
As with almost all professions, 18 is the minimum threshold to become a firefighter. The maximum limit for accessing the National Fire Brigade may vary, but generally does not exceed 35 years.
Step 2. You must have the middle license
To be able to practice this profession, it is necessary to have at least a lower secondary education diploma (lower middle school certificate).
Step 3. Public competitions for this body generally require a driver's license
If not strictly necessary, having a driving license is still an important advantage for this activity, as you may be required to drive to perform non-rescue services.
Step 4. Your criminal record must be clean and you must not have any pending criminal charges
The National Fire Brigade will do a thorough inspection of your past, so make sure there is no trace of crime in your past. Every little detail of your life as a citizen will be taken into consideration.
Step 5. Be of healthy and robust physical and mental constitution, without severe impairments or chronic disabling diseases
Method 2 of 5: Have extra points in the open competition
Step 1. Get a high school diploma or college degree
Even if these qualifications are not expressly requested, they raise the candidate's score. In addition, some who initially become firefighters later use these titles to advance to inspection or management careers within the Corps. Normally preferred subjects are architecture, engineering, earth sciences (geology) or physics.
Step 2. Get your license to drive heavy vehicles
In general, this license is a preferential title because there is a constant need for police who are able to drive emergency vehicles.
Step 3. Generally a quota of places is reserved for those who already serve as a Volunteer Vigilant and have a certain minimum number of days of service and years of appointment behind them
The requirements to become a Volunteer Vigilant are the same as those required of a professional: you will not be paid, but in this case the process is simpler and the maximum age allowed to submit the application is 45 years.
Step 4. In some public competitions for Fire Brigade, subject to the age requirement, a quota of places is reserved for those who have served as a Volunteer in the Army or for those coming from other State bodies
Method 3 of 5: Sign up and pass the public competition
Step 1. A public competition is periodically launched which allows eligible candidates access to a series of written and oral, practical and physical tests (visit the website www.vigilfuoco.it/ for more information)
The application must be submitted to Area I of the Central Directorate for General Affairs in Rome.
Step 2. Pass your criminal background check
As already mentioned, for your application to be considered, your profile must meet certain requirements. In particular, you must have always maintained a regular civil and moral conduct.
Step 3. Pass a written and oral exam comprising several topics
Demonstrate communication, judgment, memory and problem solving skills. There are guides to help you prepare for these tests. Try to get the highest score possible, you will place yourself in a better position in the rankings and have a better chance of being hired.
Step 4. Pass the medical exam
To be a firefighter you need coordination, agility and strength; one must generally be in good health and be free from physical limitations. Height should not be less than 1.62m and body weight should be normal. It is also necessary to have healthy eyesight and to be able to distinguish the basic colors correctly.
Step 5. Pass the physical test
It is a series of motor tests, divided into four modules, designed to demonstrate the candidate's speed, agility, strength and endurance. For each of the four modules a maximum score of 15 points is assigned: the test is passed if the candidate obtains an overall score of not less than 42 points and not less than 9 points in each module. The test usually includes a dozen exercises and tests, including bar, rope, pole, beam, climbing, tunnel, weight-bearing running, and freediving. In particular:
- Pull-ups on the fixed bar (at least three, each starting with outstretched arms).
- Motor circuit, to be completed in a maximum of 120 seconds: ascent to the rope of 5 meters (with mandatory use of the legs) and descent to the ground using the pole; I walk in balance on a 5 meter long beam; climb over a smooth wall 2 meters high; go through a tunnel 6 meters long and 80 centimeters wide; carry on the shoulders a mass of 40 kg for 10 meters.
- Swimming test: free swimming in a 25-meter pool, eight of which overcoming submerged obstacles in apnea.
Step 6. Pass the psychological assessment test
You will have to go through tests to show that you can handle the stress and pressure of work, that you are brave as well as that you are able to communicate effectively.
Method 4 of 5: Once you pass the public competition
Step 1. The National Fire Brigade has set up three schools in Rome for the preparation of its personnel:
Basic Training School, Operational Training School and Higher Fire Fighting Institute. Here are some things you will learn during training as a Firefighter Student:
- Fire extinguishing techniques
- Use of technical rescue equipment
- Fire prevention
- Control of hazardous materials
- Emergency health procedures
- Building regulations and shoring
- Rescue operations at airports, during natural disasters or other major emergencies
Step 2. Each subject examined or operational course has a final exam
The sum of the scores obtained determines one's position in the ranking of the course.
Step 3. After Central School training, you will finally be assigned to a Provincial Command as a Trial Firefighter
Once the trial is over, you will finally be a Permanent Vigilant.
Method 5 of 5: Your life as a firefighter
Step 1. Prepare to perform those grueling (but still rewarding) tasks that are an integral part of the profession
You must be proud of being hired, but keep your feet on the ground and always try to improve your skills.
Step 2. Get a good experience
Even if you've proven that you have the skills and qualifications to be hired, your commitment doesn't have to end there. There are many new skills that you can commit to achieving, and much more training to do (even alone) to always be reliable and ready. The training you need also depends on what is needed most in your area; for example, if there is a strong need for divers, or dockers.
Step 3. Maintain some physical prowess
If you want to be a great firefighter and keep doing your job well, you need to commit to staying fit. Even if your profession will always require a great deal of effort, take care of your body: go to the gym, or run, and don't forget to maintain a healthy diet and get adequate sleep. Whatever workout you choose to do, there must always be a good relationship between muscle strengthening and aerobic exercise.
Advice
- Discuss becoming a firefighter with your family. Firefighters put their lives on the line every day, and work for many hours at a time. Such stress can be difficult for some families to bear.
- Take a tour of the barracks. Before submitting your application to participate in the public competition, go to the barracks in your area to introduce yourself and get an idea of how the people who work there behave (but remember not to be pushy).
- Volunteer. Being a firefighter takes dedication and commitment to your community. Volunteering while setting yourself the goal of becoming a firefighter will develop your selflessness and teach you the spirit of sacrifice. It does not necessarily have to be related to the profession you want to do, but it will train you to take care of people: children, the elderly or others who need help.
