Fire and Emergency Workers

Fire and Emergency Workers attend emergencies to minimise risk to community safety and security and protect life and property.

**Indicative skill level:**

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

#### In Australia:

- AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

#### In New Zealand:

- NZQF Level 4 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Registration or licensing may be required.

**Tasks include:**

- attending the scene of fires and other emergencies reported to authorities - rescuing and evacuating people stranded or trapped in dangerous situations - operating pumps, spraying water, foam and chemicals from hoses, portable extinguishers and other appliances to extinguish fires and to disperse or neutralise dangerous substances - cutting openings in buildings and crashed vehicles to free occupants - maintaining site security systems - administering first aid - attending and participating in training activities, rescue classes, drills, demonstrations and courses in emergency and fire-fighting techniques - training recruits in emergency procedures and practices - visiting buildings and potential fire hazards to study access points and locations of hydrants - maintaining tools and equipment