skillfactor-pipeline/skills/fire-service-vehicle-operator/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — fire service vehicle operator

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 33-2011.00 (Firefighters).

Task statements

• [Core] Rescue survivors from burning buildings, accident sites, and water hazards.
• [Core] Dress with equipment such as fire-resistant clothing and breathing apparatus.
• [Core] Assess fires and situations and report conditions to superiors to receive instructions, using two-way radios.
• [Core] Move toward the source of a fire, using knowledge of types of fires, construction design, building materials, and physical layout of properties.
• [Core] Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents.
• [Core] Create openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance, using axes, chisels, crowbars, electric saws, or core cutters.
• [Core] Drive and operate fire fighting vehicles and equipment.
• [Core] Inspect fire sites after flames have been extinguished to ensure that there is no further danger.
• [Core] Position and climb ladders to gain access to upper levels of buildings, or to rescue individuals from burning structures.
• [Core] Select and attach hose nozzles, depending on fire type, and direct streams of water or chemicals onto fires.
• [Core] Maintain contact with fire dispatchers at all times to notify them of the need for additional firefighters and supplies, or to detail any difficulties encountered.
• [Core] Collaborate with other firefighters as a member of a firefighting crew.
• [Core] Patrol burned areas after fires to locate and eliminate hot spots that may restart fires.
• [Core] Collaborate with police to respond to accidents, disasters, and arson investigation calls.
• [Core] Participate in fire drills and demonstrations of fire fighting techniques.
• [Core] Maintain knowledge of current firefighting practices by participating in drills and by attending seminars, conventions, and conferences.
• [Core] Prepare written reports that detail specifics of fire incidents.
• [Core] Participate in physical training activities to maintain a high level of physical fitness.
• [Core] Protect property from water and smoke, using waterproof salvage covers, smoke ejectors, and deodorants.
• [Core] Inform and educate the public on fire prevention.
• [Core] Salvage property by removing broken glass, pumping out water, and ventilating buildings to remove smoke.
• [Core] Orient self in relation to fire, using compass and map, and collect supplies and equipment dropped by parachute.
• [Core] Clean and maintain fire stations and fire fighting equipment and apparatus.
• [Core] Inspect buildings for fire hazards and compliance with fire prevention ordinances, testing and checking smoke alarms and fire suppression equipment as necessary.
• [Core] Take action to contain any hazardous chemicals that could catch fire, leak, or spill.
• [Core] Extinguish flames and embers to suppress fires, using shovels or engine- or hand-driven water or chemical pumps.
• [Core] Operate pumps connected to high-pressure hoses.
• [nan] Administer first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation to injured persons or provide emergency medical care such as basic or advanced life support.
• [nan] Search to locate fire survivors.
• [nan] Train new employees to control and suppress fires.

Detailed work activities

• Assess characteristics of fires.
• Attend training to learn new skills or update knowledge.
• Collaborate with law enforcement or security agencies to respond to incidents.
• Communicate with other workers to coordinate activities.
• Demonstrate activity techniques or equipment use.
• Educate the public about fire safety or prevention.
• Examine debris to obtain information about causes of fires.
• Implement advanced life support techniques.
• Inspect equipment to ensure safety or proper functioning.
• Inspect facilities to ensure compliance with fire regulations.
• Locate fires or fire danger areas.
• Maintain fire fighting tools or equipment.
• Maintain professional knowledge or certifications.
• Operate firefighting equipment.
• Participate in physical training to maintain fitness.
• Patrol natural areas to ensure safety or enforce regulations.
• Prepare hoses or water supplies to fight fires.
• Prepare investigation or incident reports.
• Protect property from fire or water damage.
• Provide first aid or rescue assistance in emergencies.
• Relay information about incidents or emergencies to personnel using phones or two-way radios.
• Request emergency personnel.
• Rescue people from hazardous situations.
• Respond to emergencies to provide assistance.
• Select tools, equipment, or technologies for use in operations or projects.
• Train personnel on proper operational procedures.
• Treat medical emergencies.