Fire Fighting

Fire fighting is the basic "bread and butter" of any fire department. The City of Madison employs 291 firefighters, some of whom are also officers, paramedics, or apparatus engineers. No matter what your job in the fire station is, you're still a firefighter. Besides extensive training in firefighting, all firefighters are also Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT's), hazardous material technicians, and many are skilled in technical rescue (high places and confined spaces), scuba, or additional hazardous material specialties. Firefighters work unusual shifts, they're on a day, off a day, on a day off a day, on a day, and off for four days. They come into work at 7 a.m. and go home the next day at 7 a.m. It takes four firefighters to staff a fire engine or ladder.

Firefighters compete for promoted positions in the department. One promoted position is that of Fire Officer. The Officer or Lieutenant, sits up front next to the driver or Apparatus Engineer. The officer has many different responsibilities, but ultimately, is responsible for the actions and safety of their crew.

Apparatus Engineer is another promoted position. AE's as they are called, are the driver/operator of the engine or ladder that they are assigned to. They need to be thoroughly familiar with all the different apparatus and their operation. Every morning, they check the vehicle for proper operations. Everything from the light bulbs to the engine oil is checked and documented. At an emergency scene, they are the ones who operate the pumps or the aerial ladders. Later in the day, the AE is the one who washes the rig (ever seen a dirty fire truck?) and if the rookie (least senior firefighter) is smart, they'll help too!

Paramedics are some of the busiest folks on the department. A MFD Rescue might respond on 22 calls in a 24 hour period. Did you know that Madison had one of the first paramedic ambulances in the country? After being selected for paramedic training, these firefighters must complete 6 months of intensive medical training before they are allowed to work on one of Madison's seven ambulances. Paramedics are well versed in pre-hospital medicine and respond to a wide variety of calls. Anything ranging from cardiac arrest and automobile accidents to less complicated requests for service like a nosebleed or broken arm. Madison Fire Department paramedics receive the highest level of training available in the emergency medical services field.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

While not an exclusive list, the following examples are meant to illustrate some of the extreme physical demands and working conditions inherent in the role of a firefighter.

Physical Demands

Pick up and advance charged fire hoses.
Force entry with axe/battering ram.
Rescue/extricate victim(s).
Perform CPR; apply bandages; tie knots.
Climb stairs with equipment weighing approximately 50 pounds.
Strip and vent roofs, breach walls, overhaul burned buildings.
Lift and climb/descend ladders (with victims).
Visually determine fire status/hazards; assess patient conditions.
Hear calls for help; identify fire noise, etc.
Walk on roof tops under adverse conditions.
Operate power tools and extrication equipment.
Stoop, crawl, crouch, and kneel in confined spaces.
Reach, twist, balance, grapple, bend and lift under emergency conditions.
Run, dodge, jump and maneuver with equipment.
All of the above may be performed wearing heavy and restrictive protective clothing/gear.

The physical demands of a firefighter are characterized by strength, endurance, coordination, agility and dexterity.

Working Conditions

Work in extreme temperatures; day and night; in rain, snow and ice.
Exposure to fumes, gases, noxious odors, dust and poor ventilation.
Work in closely confined spaces.
Work around potential hazards: fire, explosives, chemicals, electrical shock, structural hazards, fast moving vehicles, etc.
Intense exposure to water and/other liquids.
Exposure to blood, serious injuries and death.
Exposure to a wide range of highly emotional and traumatic events.
Exposure to noise and vibration from tools, equipment, machinery, etc.
Work at height (e.g., on ladders, roof tops, etc).
Work within restrictions of personal safety equipment (e.g., breathing apparatus, steel-tip boots, hearing and eye protection, firefighting turn-out clothing, and hazardous materials gear).

A firefighter must perform physically demanding work, requiring judgment, under adverse working conditions.

Fire Department Information

City of Madison Home Page

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

Physical Demands

Working Conditions