If you have the desire to serve, you can be a volunteer. You don’t need any prior experience in the emergency services; you will receive the training you need when you join the department.

Volunteer first responders help their fellow citizens in times of need. Volunteers enjoy a sense of accomplishment, achievement, and pride in the work they do. In addition, volunteers get to learn new skills, make new friends, be a part of a team, give back to their community, and make a real difference.

Understand the Duties of a Volunteer Firefighter

The duties of a volunteer firefighter span beyond putting out fires and rescuing animals from trees. In reality, volunteer firefighters perform a multitude of important tasks to keep others safe, maintain their equipment, and ensure the department can continue serving their community. Some of the most common duties include:

Fire Emergencies

Volunteer firefighters respond to fire outbreaks in the same way as paid firefighters. Some of their responsibilities include setting up ladders, connecting hoses to hydrants, spraying fires directly, and using methods to prevent fire spread.

Emergency Medical Services

Volunteer firefighters have the option to complete additional training to provide medical services.  These individuals will often administer first aid or CPR to individuals hurt in fire, accidents, or other types of emergencies.

Search and Rescue

When an individual or group of people go missing or are in imminent danger, volunteers may participate in search and rescue efforts. These may take place in bodies of water, remote spaces, mountainous areas, or even urban settings. Volunteers usually work in teams to cover larger areas of ground in shorter amounts of time.

Traffic Incident Management (TIM) and Highway Safety

After the outbreak of a fire or in the aftermath of a large wreck, volunteer firefighters step in to help reroute traffic, avoid pile-ups, and ensure that pedestrians, emergency staff, and drivers all follow safety procedures. They may direct traffic, set up barriers, or liaise with other firefighters or police departments to accomplish these goals.

Maintenance

When not responding to an emergency, volunteer firefighters sometimes work at the department to repair equipment, uniforms, or vehicles. Given the high levels of wear and tear that comes with this type of work, it’s not unusual for frequently used tools to require maintenance.

Fundraising

Fundraising represents a vital component of any fire station, and volunteer firefighters often take part in initiatives to bring money in. Activities they may participate in include cook-offs, raffles, and other events. They may also work in an administrative capacity to apply for grants.