noordinary ordinaryjob fire&rescueservice beingafirefighter

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1 noordinary queensland ordinaryjob fire&rescueservice beingafirefighter

2 about department of community safety Queensland s Department of Community Safety (DCS) is unique in Australia. The Department provides services covering all phases of emergency and disaster management - prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. DCS employs approximately 10,000 full time and part time employees, and is supported by more than 88,000 volunteers across Queensland. The Department s vision is to create a safer community and better quality of life in Queensland through world class emergency and disaster services. The three operational divisions of DES are Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS), Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS), Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) and Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ). about queensland fire and rescue service QFRS provides fire and rescue services to the entire community of Queensland through approximately 2,000 permanent firefighters, 2,000 Auxiliary firefighters and over 36,000 Rural Fire Service volunteers. These services are aimed at protecting people, property and the environment through the delivery of community safety and awareness programs, response capability and capacity (preparedness), and incident response and recovery. QFRS operates under the Fire and Rescue Service Act being a firefighter 01

3 firefighting - it s more than just fighting fires The responsibilities of firefighters are many and diverse - firefighters don t just fight fires. A main emphasis of a firefighter s job is on the prevention of fires. As well as educating the community on fire, its risks, management and prevention, firefighters also conduct safety inspections of commercial and industrial buildings and licensed premises. Other community education programs that firefighters are involved in include Fight Fire Fascination (FFF), Road Awareness and Accident Prevention (RAAP) and Operation SafeHome. In addition, firefighters conduct rescue operations. These include road accident, swift water and vertical rescues, and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), encompassing trench, confined space and building collapse rescues. Disaster response is also an integral part of a firefighter s job. Furthermore, firefighters are required to undertake ongoing training, skill maintenance and study towards career progression. More mundane tasks associated with the job include station maintenance and cleaning. vicki shailer Station Officer, Bundaberg Fire Station I commenced as an Auxiliary firefighter in 1993 in Bundaberg, where I ve lived most of my life. I became a permanent firefighter in I chose firefighting as a job because it provides great career opportunities. I also like the physical side of the job, working in a team environment and the variety the job offers. When I started, I was very excited and proud to be a firefighter. I couldn t wait for the alarm to sound so I could turn out to my first job. The Service has changed a lot over the years. We have better equipment and trucks and we are certainly more proactive in the community, especially with our education and awareness programs. We also specialise in rescue operations. With firefighting, every day is a challenge. You never know what the next job will be, where it will take you or, at times, when you will be getting home. Every day is different and every job is different. I enjoy working with children, their visits to the station and educating them on fire safety. I see their faces light up when they see the big red truck and flashing lights. being a firefighter I also like working for, and being part of, the community. For anyone who is considering a career as a firefighter I d say, Go for it! Be positive, work hard to achieve your goal, and give it more than 100%. If you do, at the end of the day, you will end up with the best career ever. 02 With firefighting, every day is a challenge. VICKI SHAILER - bundaberg

4 do you have what it takes? A career as a firefighter can be very rewarding but it is not for everyone. Firefighting is an extremely technical and multi-skilled activity, vital to the welfare of the community. As such, it is a highly valued profession. But being a firefighter is tough. If you re considering becoming a firefighter, ask yourself these questions: Do you like working as part of a team? Are you able to keep a level head in stressful situations? Are you willing to carry out orders and follow directions? Do you have a genuine willingness to contribute to the community? Are you physically fit? Do you enjoy working with people from diverse backgrounds? Can you work efficiently and solve problems in a timely manner? Do you enjoy shift work? Are you a good communicator? Do you possess a high level of personal integrity? Are you committed to maintaining and developing your skills? Can you adapt well to new and unpredictable situations? If you ve truthfully answered yes to all these questions and you have the passion and drive to become a firefighter, your journey has just begun. The next step is to become familiar with the extensive QFRS firefighter recruitment process and ensure you have the requirements for application. ian ames Station Officer, Capalaba The fire service is everything I had hoped for and more. We responded to plenty of fires in the early days then we found that we were involved in more and more motor vehicle accident rescues. When someone is trapped, the look in their eyes when you explain to them that you are going to get them out is unforgettable. They put so much trust and hope in you. It is a real achievement to get them out quickly and safely. Over the years, I have been involved in numerous rescues - both vehicle accident related and others. The Boondall bus crash in October 1994, remains Queensland s worst ever traffic accident on record. We rescued dozens of people from the wreckage. We also had to extricate 12 fatal victims from within and under the bus. The fire at Gateway Motel on Ann Street in Brisbane was also a massive operation. A hydraulic platform was used to rescue 51 people from the third floor. This remains the largest number ever to be rescued from a fire in Queensland. There is so much satisfaction in rescuing people from situations that would normally seem so hopeless. They put so much trust and hope in you. IAN AMES - capalaba being a firefighter 03

5 being a firefighter careers and training The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service is committed to training and education as a long term investment aimed at maintaining a highly skilled workforce. An essential component of a firefighter s job is to maintain skills and undertake ongoing training. It is through quality training that firefighters develop the confidence, skills, knowledge and abilities to combat and manage increasingly complex emergency situations. People considering firefighting as a career must note that ALL firefighters undertake continuous training and studies. Commencing at initial appointment and continuing throughout their career, a firefighter must undertake a multitude of training programs, activities and assessments, to ensure their skills remain at an optimum level. the professional development unit The School of Fire and Rescue Services Training, situated at the Queensland Combined Emergency Services Academy (QCESA) in Brisbane, is responsible for implementing training. QCESA s focus is on the professional firefighter. As well as overseeing the strategic direction of education and training, QCESA develops, conducts, supervises and evaluates a range of best practice programs designed to ensure Queensland s firefighter knowledge and skills compare with the best in the world. QCESA is a Registered Training Organisation which means its curriculum is accredited and audited by the Queensland Department of Education, Training and the Arts (DETA). Ten programs are implemented through QCESA s three campuses - Main Campus, Live Fire Campus and Online Campus. recruit training During the recruit course, training generally occurs between 8.00am and 5.00pm, however some night exercises are also included in the program. Firefighter recruits are required to undertake a recruit training course at QCESA in Brisbane. The recruit training course consists of 78 days of training. Training includes the use of a wide range of firefighting equipment, driving instruction and the use of self-contained breathing apparatus. It also encompasses vertical rescue, Road Accident Rescue and Occupational Health & Safety modules. In this program recruits complete PUA20701 Certificate II in Public Safety (Firefighting and Emergency Operations), and a number of units from PUA30601 Certificate III in Public Safety (Firefighting and Emergency Operations). This training is part of the Diploma of Fire and Rescue Operations. further training At the completion of the initial recruit training, all firefighters enroll in a Distance Education program which uses self-paced instructional materials. This program is part of the Diploma in Fire and Rescue Operations. The program, supported by peers and mentors, Area Directors and regional Training Officers, consists of a series of steps. Each step requires modules to be completed, and progression is dependant on each step being completed within a 12 months. Each module enhances knowledge and skills in subject areas, expanding on the foundation acquired in previous modules. Completion of this course of study is compulsory. Firefighters may then choose to maintain this level of competence or undertake further training and study to prepare for supervisory duties and Officer ranks. Details of the compulsory training are provided in the following flowchart below: Year 1 POST RECRUIT COURSE Year 2 Year 3 RECRUIT COURSE 12 units from PUA20701 successfully completed FIR302A Suppress Urban Fire (remainder) FIR303 A Suppress Wildfire CMOO1B Communicate in the Workplace Completion of Certificate III QFR503 Apply scientific practices in firefighting and rescue operations Regional Face to Face Practical Assessment QSTEP1-2 QFR513 Assess combustion process and fire risk control and suppression QFR504 Assess building construction QFR510 Combat specific types of firefighting incidents - Book 1 QFR510 Combat specific types of firefighting incidents - Book 2 QFR510 Combat specific types of firefighting incidents - Book 3 QFR512 Demonstrate structural firefighting techniques PUASAR003A Undertake technical rescue Regional Face to Face Practical Assessment QSTEP2-3 QFS514 Assess building fire protection systems - Book 1 QFS514 Assess building fire protection systems - Book 1 QFR519 Assess hazards at processing and storage sites PUAFIR205A Respond to aviation incidents (specialist) BSBCMN410A Coordinate implementation of customer service strategies TDTL597C Apply conflict / grievance resolution strategies QFR521 Respond to maritime incidents Completion of Diploma in Fire and Rescue Operations 04 I work with a group of men and women who at the drop of a hat respond to emergencies to help other people. SIMON JOHNSTONE- brisbane

6 rank structure The rank structure of the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service is as follows: Recruit Firefighter Firefighter 1st Class Firefighter Senior Firefighter Leading Firefighter Station Officer Inspector Superintendent Chief Superintendent Assistant Commissioner Deputy Commissioner Commissioner rank progression After the first year of the Diploma of Public Safety - Firefighter Management, employees may be eligible for promotion to the Senior Firefighter level. On successful completion of the entire Diploma, while waiting appointment as a Station Officer, employees may be appointed as a Leading Firefighter. ross cutugno Station Officer, Kemp Place Fire Station, Brisbane I enjoy coming to work for lots of different reasons - friendships, being able to help members of the public in their times of need, and the buzz of adrenalin when faced with danger. The challenge of responding to the bells and the diverse amount of operational scenarios, are always exciting. If I had my time all over again, I wouldn t change a thing. Being a firefighter has taught me so much about life and the challenges that each and every one of us face. Progression to 1st Class Firefighter is compulsory. Level progression requires the completion of 12 months service at each level and is dependent on the following: Completion of pre-defined components of the Diploma of Fire and Rescue Operations; Ongoing satisfactory performance; Competent delivery of operational skill requirements; Achievement of necessary accreditations; and Satisfactory achievement levels for formal examinations. After completing the Diploma of Fire and Rescue Operations, employees may undertake the Diploma of Public Safety - Firefighter Management. This is an optional two year Diploma. In particular, one experience early on in my career stands out as being a real eye opener. In 1986, we responded to an explosion at the Mail Exchange at Roma Street. Initially, it was thought to be an act of terrorism. The scene was chaotic and there were a number of badly injured people located within the explosion zone. The experience taught me that the job of a firefighter is real and serious. We are dealing with people s lives and that s certainly nothing to be taken lightly. being a firefighter Being a firefighter has taught me so much about life. ROSS CUTUNGO - brisbane 05

7 being a firefighter 06 I have met many people from all walks of life - both in and out of the job. TAI MOORE - cairns

8 firefighter hours of work Firefighters employed at 24 hour stations work continuous shift rosters that consist of two consecutive day shifts followed by two consecutive night shifts. Day shifts are 10 hours in duration. Night shifts are 14 hours in duration. Other stations may not be staffed by permanent firefighters on a 24 hour basis. wages Firefighters employed by QFRS are covered by the Queensland Fire Service Interim Award - State. The Award should be referred to for comprehensive details of terms and conditions of employment. In brief, base wages are as follows: wage rates (effective 01/07/09) Rank (& minimum time at rank) BASE RATE WEEKEND SHIFT NIGHT SHIFT 38 hour ALLOWANCE TOTAL Recruit Firefighter (4 months) $ $ $87.60 $91.40 $ Firefighter (32 months) $ $ $ $ $ st Class Firefighter (12 months) $ $ $ $ $ Senior Firefighter $ $ $ $ $ Leading Firefighter $ $ $ $ $ Transition to each payrate will require the completion of the compulsory time and successful completion of all necessary educational requirements. leave Firefighters work an average of 42 hours per week. Wages for firefighters are based on a 38 hour week. For the extra four hours per week, firefighters are paid an allowance (38 hour allowance) for two hours and accrue an extra two hours annual leave. Annual leave is usually taken in accordance with a rotating roster. Leave taken outside these times must be applied for and approved in advance. Type Annual Leave and Accrued Hours Long Service Leave Sick Leave Annual Accrual 312 hours per annum 1.3 weeks (eligible to be taken after 10 years service) 80 hours (8 shifts) Recognition of Prior Service (RPS) for leave purposes may apply to ex-employees of interstate Fire Services, State and Federal Public Service employees and ex-defence employees. RPS applies to Long Service and Sick Leave only. superannuation Firefighters are required to contribute to QSuper, the superannuation scheme for Queensland Public Sector employees. In this scheme, both the employee and employer make contributions. probation Appointment as a recruit firefighter is subject to a period of 12 months probation. Job performance is continually assessed during this time. uniforms Uniforms not only aid in protection at incidents but also assist in building a rapport with the community. Uniforms must therefore be worn at all times while on duty. Uniform items and protective clothing are provided when employees commence Recruit Training. They are replaced on an as required basis. being a firefighter 07

9 being a firefighter 08 I wanted to do something for the community. THEO GIESEN - north coast region

10 noordinary ordinaryjob Queensland Fire & Rescue Service GPO Box 1425 Brisbane Q 4001 T