Most people think of firefighting as a purely physical job, and it’s not hard to see why. Firefighters need to have the strength and stamina to carry heavy equipment, withstand brutal conditions and endure many hours in the field. However, the mental side of the job is just as important. The men and women of your local fire department have to bring a lot of specialized knowledge with them when they arrive on the scene of a call. They must be ready to recall their training for each situation and use it without wasting a moment. This means that the education fire professionals receive at the start of their careers as well as throughout their time in the service is just as crucial as their physical training.

Although the specifics are different depending on the state, all firefighters must undergo some type of education before they can get to work. Beyond that, there are numerous opportunities for them to further their schooling to hone their skills and prepare for leadership positions. Even though continuing education isn’t always required in many states, there are plenty of reasons why it can be a good idea for individuals as well as for the effectiveness of a department.

Are you a professional in fire service or a first responder? Read on to learn more about the impact and importance of ongoing education in this field.

Understanding Basic Requirements

Before they are accepted into a department, candidates for firefighting positions must meet a series of basic requirements. These vary depending on the state, but typically include passing a physical fitness exam, undergoing a background check and participating in a basic psychological evaluation. In addition to these, most applicants will need to pass a written exam. In some cases, they also will need to hold entry-level certifications. These are where earning a degree in fire science can be an important step to take.

Why Seek Continuing Education?

Obtaining the basic level of education necessary to enter the profession is crucial, but going beyond the minimum can do a lot for a firefighter’s career. There are numerous opportunities available to these professionals that can advance their skills. Even if such courses are not required, there are many reasons why it can be beneficial to the individual as well as the department.

For example, post-graduate studies can provide a professional with advanced knowledge that can prepare him or her for leadership positions within the department. This is because these programs often focus on areas such as decision-making, interpersonal interactions and group dynamics. These can provide firefighters with crucial capabilities they need to more effectively guide their colleagues to function as a team. Such educational opportunities also provide leaders with skill sets needed to handle aspects of a department’s operations such as deployment, staffing, data management and cost-efficiency. With the knowledge advanced degrees provide, fire departments can function more effectively and become more successful in their mission overall.

How Technology Enables Continuing Fire Education

Although there’s no doubt that continuing education can be a boon for firefighters as well as the communities they serve, it can be challenging to fit the required coursework into their busy schedules. Fortunately, online training offers a better solution than committing to a classroom environment.

By taking courses over the Internet, firefighters can study and complete assignments virtually without having to worry about showing up in-person. This means they can fit their studies into their demanding schedules and gain the knowledge they need on their terms. Departments also don’t need to be concerned about taking personnel out of commission while they’re supposed to be on duty.

Being a firefighter requires a great deal of training — physically and mentally. To be at their most effective, the men and women of the fire service must be able to keep up their studies as well as their physical fitness. Thanks to technology, they now have the ability to do so.

Benjamin Hadlock is Vice President of BlowHard Fans, an innovator in industrial fans for firefighters. For more than a decade, Hadlock has been a driving force in BlowHard Fans’ strategic journey in research and quantification of fan performance as part of product development. He has been instrumental in relationship building and information sharing within the industry.