On-call firefighters balance their primary occupations with their commitment to the Fire and Rescue Service, providing availability to respond to emergencies outside of their regular working hours. When mobilized to an incident, they must arrive at their designated fire station within five minutes, adhering to normal road speed limits.
For those intending to respond to incidents while at their primary workplace, it is essential that their employer understands the requirements of the role. Employers must provide formal consent, confirming their willingness to release the employee when needed. A consent form is available upon request.
On-call firefighters undergo comprehensive training and are equipped to handle the full spectrum of incidents that the Fire and Rescue Service responds to. They attend weekly training sessions at their local fire station to ensure their skills and competencies remain up to date.
Beyond emergency response, firefighters play a vital role in community engagement and public safety. They provide home fire safety advice, lead water safety initiatives for young people, and deliver road safety education for new drivers—all aimed at enhancing community safety and reducing risk.
Joining the Fire and Rescue Service offers the opportunity to meet and collaborate with new people, both within the team and the wider community. Firefighters develop a unique camaraderie, forged through teamwork in challenging, and sometimes high-risk, situations—creating a bond that few other professions can offer.
On-call firefighters come from all walks of life, and no prior experience is required. A structured and comprehensive training program ensures that all recruits gain the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the role.