Information for Potential Members

[Tyler Hilland]

THE NATURE OF OUR BUSINESS


The fire and rescue service is one of the most diverse and challenging professions known today. It is this diversity that inspires men and women to enter the service, as volunteers, paid-on-call firefighters or career employees. Imagine having to train to prepare yourself to cope with situations that range from structure fires to motor vehicle accidents to hazardous chemical spills to heart attacks, and almost any other possible emergency situation in between. This diversity is coupled with the fact that these skills may be needed at any time of day, seven days a week, in any kind of weather, and very often under potentially stressful and emotional circumstances. These factors contribute to our profession being personally very rewarding.

Our primary goal is to protect the public. This is accomplished in two ways:
a) The first is to prevent fire emergencies from occurring. This is done through fire prevention, inspections, fire safety education and code enforcement programs.
b) Secondly, we are here to prepare ourselves to control fire emergencies and assist at medical emergencies. This is done through education, training, pre-incident planning, more training, state-of-the art equipment and more training.

This business is not for everyone. You need more than just a desire to help people. You also need courage and dedication, assertiveness and a willingness to learn new skills and face new challenges. The fire and rescue service is not for the meek or timid or for those who lose control of their emotions during times of crisis. Our service is one, which calls on its members to perform hot, sweaty, dirty, strenuous work, often in uncertain and hazardous environments.

The personal rewards and satisfaction received from the fire and rescue service are often beyond description. There is a sense of accomplishment after controlling a building fire, joy and elation when a child is rescued, compassion for accident victims and fulfilment in teaching fire safety. The list goes on and on.

The bottom line in our business is measured by the loss of life, pain and suffering, and property damage we have prevented and reduced. We exist and are prepared for one reason only - to provide service to the community.

If you feel you have what it takes to meet the challenges of our business, we welcome you to join us.



GENERAL DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS - PAID-ON-CALL FIREFIGHTER


1. Paid-on-call firefighters report to their Fire Chief.

Nature and Scope of Work

2. PFRS firefighters are responsible for the combating, extinguishing, and preventing of fires and saving of life and property within the District of Peachland. They participate in training as required by the PFRS training program. They participate in inspections and fire prevention programs as assigned.

Illustrative Examples of Duties

3. Without restricting the general nature and scope of the work, the following are illustrative examples of work which may be expected of a PFRS paid-on-call firefighter:
a) Is prompt at all meetings and practices
b) Abides by the PFRS procedures, rules and regulations
c) Attends promptly when the alarm is sounded
d) Lays and connects hose, directs water streams, raises and climbs ladders, as well as uses portable extinguishers, self-contained breathing apparatus, and other firefighting, rescue, safety tools and equipment
e) Searches for and rescues persons from danger and administers first aid to the injured
f) Ventilates premises to release heat and smoke; places salvage covers to prevent water damage
g) Drives and operates motor driven firefighting equipment
h) Receives and records telephone and other types of emergency alarms
i) Remains at the scene of an emergency or call out unless given permission to leave by the officer in charge
j) Returns to the hall after calls and practices to assist in cleaning of equipment and making the apparatus and equipment ready for the next alarm; reports the loss or damage of apparatus or equipment
k) Cleans and maintains personal protective equipment and ensures it is ready for use
l) Records attendance for alarms and practices
m) Serves on committees as elected or appointed
n) Makes recommendations to the Fire Chief for the good of the department
o) Partakes of training as directed by the Training Officer, Assistant, or Deputy Chief
p) Performs related duties as required


QUESTIONS ASKED MOST OFTEN BY PROSPECTIVE PAID-ON-CALL MEMBERS


Q. What is the cost of the required training?
A. The required training for paid-on-call firefighters is provided by the PFRS free of charge.

Q. How much will I have to pay for my protective clothing?
A. All required protective clothing is provided by the PRFS, at no cost to the individual.

Q. What is the format of the paid-on-call member's training schedule?
A. Training will require weeknights and may include some full day weekends. Entry-level CPR and first aid training is handled in a similar manner. Training schedule to be advised.

Q. Who provides insurance coverage for my activities as a paid-on-call firefighter?
A. Normal Workers’ Compensation Board coverage is in effect whenever the individual is working for the PFRS. The Municipality of Peachland also has insurance coverage for auto liability when operating PFRS vehicles, as well as accidental death and disability coverage. The PFRS also has a special life & AD&D insurance policy for all members, providing 24-hour coverage for the member. For an additional fee, the member’s family may also receive 24hr coverage.

Q. Are paid-on-call firefighters directly paid in any way?
A. Paid-on-call firefighters are paid for required training and for all emergency call outs at the rate set by the District of Peachland PFRS budget.

Q. After my initial training, how much time will I be expected to give as an active member?
A. While there is no exact time requirements, the average training and call out time is at approximately 12-15 hours per month. There is no ceiling on how much you can participate.

Q. How often will I be on call to respond to emergencies?
A. Our system depends upon paid-on-call firefighters being available to answer all emergencies. The PFRS therefore expects that paid-on-call firefighters, when in the District of Peachland, will be on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This is a major commitment that needs careful consideration before you undertake it. The PFRS realizes that no one can be available all of the time, but it relies on the commitment from paid-on-call members to respond whenever they are available. Potential members should be aware that this commitment cannot be taken lightly; their response to emergencies is a lifeline to the public that they serve.

Q. How quickly will I have to respond to emergencies?
A. The PFRS would normally expect that all available members would respond immediately to a page out. Our policy calls for paging a second call, if we have not had a response within three (3) minutes. Normally, the first apparatus is en route within that time.

Q. How long do emergency call outs last?
A. The average call-out last less than an hour. A working structure fire may extend to 3 to 4 hours. Major, multi-alarm fires may last 8 to 10 hours. Very rarely, a major emergency may extend for days.

Q. If I have prior fire/rescue training and experience, will it count towards the district's training requirements?
A. Prior training will likely reduce the time necessary to develop the minimum skills that the PFRS looks for in its paid-on-call firefighters, but participation in all programs is still required in order to demonstrate your proficiency.

Q. It is possible for me to concentrate my participation and specialize in one area of fire PFRS response?
A. All paid-on-call members are generalists, capable of doing any of the fire or rescue tasks that may occur at an emergency. Specialist training is provided, but not to the exclusion of the requirement to be able to participate in all PFRS activities.

Q. Is there a medical and physical examination prior to acceptance by the PFRS?
A. There is a medical and physical examination. Your doctor must complete a form provided by the PFRS.

Q. Will there be written or physical tests prior to acceptance by the PFRS?
A. Yes. You will be required to perform a series of physical tests to ensure that you are capable of doing the task required as a firefighter.

Q. Can a woman be a firefighter with the PFRS?
A. Yes. We currently have women firefighters. There is nothing in our policies or training that prohibits a woman from being a paid-on-call member of the PFRS.

Q. Is there a social aspect to belonging to the PFRS?
A. Yes. In addition to the contribution to the community, firefighters often find a personal satisfaction in belonging to the PFRS. Members participate regularly in fire stations socials, as well as PFRS related activities such as, hose coupling competition and community projects.

[Tyler Hilland]

If you are interested in becoming a member with Peachland Fire & Rescue please stop by our hall at 4401 3rd Street and ask for an application.

[james springer]

how can i join up it sounds great