I was interested in becoming a firefighter because I wanted to assist

Everywhere in the world, thousands of events take place on this day to celebrate the political, social and economic achievements of women throughout the centuries. Many thousands of people gathered all over the world this past weekend to celebrate International Women’s Day.

I’m no stranger to the accomplishments made by women. I spent my early high school years in an all-girls institution, immersed in the history of women from all over the world-leaders academics, scientists, doctors activists, artists and musicians–as well as the lasting and transformative achievements they accomplished for humanity.

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As a woman who is employed as a firefighter-which is categorized as a non-traditional job for women-I decided to contribute on the day of celebration for women. So I recently contacted some people, family and friends who are between 7 and 77 , for assistance. I askedthem “If you were able to ask a female firefighter anything What would you ask her?”

Here are their questions as well as my responses. Enjoy. And happy International Women’s Day!

Why did you decide to be an firefighter? Are you of the opinion for a woman to be a firefighter are different from the reasons why a man is looking to become an firefighter?

I was interested in becoming a firefighter because I wanted to assist people and help my community. I have always imagined myself in a job that was a service-oriented one, and becoming a firefighter is an avenue to fulfill that dream.

When I realized that women employed in Firefighter’s services were rare and I was a bit intimidated. But , I’ll admit, I was driven by that task. (Maybe it goes back to my early years… When I was fiveyears old, I was challenged by a child with a sand box. He replied, “I bet you can’t achieve this feat.” He then proceeded to take off his pants and take a peep in the sandbox. I immediately took off my pants (and also peed in the sandbox!)

To answer Part 2 of your query, I have observed that both men and women whom I’ve met during my professional life usually choose firefighting because of many of the same reasons: desire to give back to their community, aid others, the constant physical strain of firefighting as well as the team element as well as the physical, mental, and technical challenges that tackling an emergency can bring.

What do you enjoy about being an emergency responder?

Check out the list listed above!

What do you need to do in order to be eligible for an opportunity to work as an emergency responder? Are you required to perform the same tasks as men?

As with everything else in the world, firefighters are also evolving. First firefighters to be employed in United States were men (thus “firemen”). The first female firefighters paid in the US was recruited in 1973. In the 1980s and 1990s several departments implemented affirmative actions to boost the diversity of their firefighter ranks.

Men and women alike, must undergo the same strict test that could take between six and twelve months. The testing process generally starts with a written examination. Candidates who pass the written exam, are then able to take an agility physical test. Women must take the same physical tests that men must pass for firefighters.

For a firefighter to be effective, you require a balanced balance of cardiovascular endurance as well as both lower and upper body power. While some men are better able to depend on strength due to their muscle mass to complete fire-fighting tasks however women are taught to utilize more efficient body mechanics and better techniques together with their strength to become competent firefighters. This is the best method to follow and all firefighters should benefit from keeping their bodies fit and free of injuries by focusing on the body’s mechanics and using more effective techniques.

Once agility tests have been passed after which the process is followed by oral board interview as well as a Chief’s Interview and thorough background screening. Many people apply for a few positions in the fire service. When they are hired, both women are required to attend a fire school in which they are taught and practice firefighting techniques. If they are able to pass the course, they will begin the probationary period as an firefighter. A probationary firefighter will are trained and evaluated throughout the year on the fireground, with written tests as well as manipulative abilities.

Do women and men have the same type of job within the Fire Service?

Yes! Women and men firefighters are involved in the same duties, whether it’s putting out fires , holding the nozzle or the hose, or cutting vent holes in roofs using chain saws, climbing ladders that are 100 feet in the air or employing hydraulic power tools that cut into cars to access those who are stuck inside, or employing the EMT or paramedic skills when taking care of injured or sick people.

There are significantly more women in captain’s posts as well as in chief’s roles. The first female paid firefighters within the United States was Chief Rosemary Bliss from Tiburon, California. She was named the first Fire Chief in 1993. The year 2012 saw Teresa Deloach Reed became the the first African American woman Fire Chief of the Oakland, California, Fire Department.

When you began working as a firefighter did you find an equal amount of men and women within the department? Was it the same today?

The fire department for which I am employed is made up of around 10 percent of female firefighters. And this is on the upward part of the national standard. As per the results of the Census the proportion of women is approximately 4.8 percent of firefighters in their fire department in United States. The first woman employed in my department was recently was laid off. She’s living the past for me in the book!