Simon

Were you surprised at how varied the role is?

I must admit, I thought I had a good understanding of what a firefighter does - both my Grandfather and Father were in the service, so I heard a lot of stories as I was growing up. But when I found out about the full range of challenges they face, it definitely took me by surprise.

My first real insight into the breadth of those challenges came on the day of my interview. It happened to be the day of the Selby train crash, and it was then that I realised every major emergency involves the fire service. Also, I never realised just how big a role firefighters play in promoting fire safety in the community.

How did you find the initial training?

If I’m honest, it was pretty tough. The Service goes to great lengths to get you through it though because, at the end of the day, they want you to succeed. However, it is a very disciplined environment. This came as a bit of a shock to me, as I’d come straight from university. But the discipline is part and parcel of the role. You learn to listen and act on instructions, which is vital when you are working at the scene of an emergency.

What’s the most challenging aspect of your role?

Probably when you’re called to an incident when you know that people are involved. For example, a lot of RTCs (Road Traffic Collisions) involve people that are trapped or, in some cases, dead. It can be very hard to take, but you always have the support of your team around you. Another challenging situation is when you have to comfort survivors. You’re the person they’re placing all their hopes on, so you give them everything you’ve got – whatever it takes to get them through it.

On the flip side, when you do get the chance to save someone’s life, the feeling is amazing. And they remember you for it too. We get so many letters and cards thanking us for what we’ve done. It’s not what we do it for, but it’s nice to get them all the same.

What qualities do you need to succeed?

A good standard of fitness is essential. You need to work well in a team too. But in my opinion, one of the most important things you need to be able to do is act on your own initiative. Sometimes, when you’re at an incident, you have to make a call on your own. So you have to be confident in your actions.

What next?

Well, I’ve recently moved into a new role with Oldham’s Community Fire Safety team. It’s a step that allows me to use my teaching skills (I was studying to be a teacher at university) in a different, and more interesting way. I visit schools and deliver fire safety messages to a range of ethnic groups. My work also involves talking to young people (including offenders or ex-offenders) who are not responding to education. The buzz I get from helping them to put their lives back on track is as good as anything I’ve experienced on a ‘shout’.