Firefighter: Main Duties and Responsibilities (01:28)

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Richard Symns explains the terms "throwing ladders" and "catching a hydrant." He is responsible for putting out fires and saving victims.

Firefighter: Career Beginnings (00:43)

Symns grew to like fire service while both his parents worked in the profession. Becoming a firefighter requires written and physical exams, and a background investigation.

Firefighter: Keys for Success (00:24)

Dedication, hard work, and learning your territory are necessary requirements for firefighters.

Firefighter: Education and Certification Requirements (03:34)

EMS and paramedic training are required. Firefighters apprentice for three years and do one year of probation before a one-year exam.

Firefighter: Workplace Atmosphere (02:21)

Firefighters spend 1/3 of their lives together. Duties differ depending on which engine they are using. Symns explains why smoke venting must be coordinated.

Firefighter: Advice for Aspiring Pros (00:38)

Be prepared to work hard the first year. Trust among firefighters must be earned.

Firefighter: A Day on the Job (02:22)

Firefighters begin each 24 hour shift by preparing the firetruck and cleaning the station house. Symns' station averages eight calls per day; many of which are overdoses.

Firefighter: Industry Goals and Services (00:59)

A firefighter's goal is to protect life and property, in that order.

Firefighter: Industry Challenges (01:05)

Overdoses, random arsons and fires started by homeless people trying to get warm are all challenges facing firefighters.

Firefighter: Looking at the Future (01:21)

Symns looks forward to better tools and more ideas for safety. He hopes that future firefighters will be able to see where people are before going inside a building.