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About This Quiz
There are mostly two types of real-life heroes, as opposed to the fictional superheroes we all love in movies. There are the heroes who are in the right place at the right time and spring into action when they see something going down. Then there are those who don't wait for something to happen before they start preparing. Firefighters are in that second group. They train physically and mentally to be ready when disaster strikes. Because they dedicate their lives to responding to emergencies, other lives are saved, damages are minimized, and the world is a safer place overall. These are people who choose to make the rest of us safe, even though there are incredible risks and dangers involved. If that isn't a description of a hero, then what is?
The thing about firefighting is that it's not static and straightforward. There's a lot to consider when it comes to fighting fires. Firefighters have different jobs. Different fires require different methods of fighting them. And that's not even taking into account all the non-fire-related things these people do. With so many tasks to perform, you'd excel at some things more than others. Let's find out what type of firefighter you're meant to be.
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Overall, would you say you're more of a people person or someone who likes to be alone?
I sometimes do better on my own.
I love interacting with people when I can.
I'm a huge people person!
I can go either way
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Firefighters have to be in peak physical condition. How often do you work out?
Daily
Whenever I find time
Several times a week
Once a week
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There's a lot of knowledge involved in firefighting. When you learn about something new, how do you go about it?
I tend to focus on one aspect at a time.
I get the basics covered.
I learn it all and make sure I know it well.
I learn everything I can and then some.
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What would be the No. 1 motivation for you to become a firefighter?
It's a different job every day.
To help people
It's a good, in-demand career.
It's what I wanted to be since I was a kid.
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You need to know a good deal of math in the world of firefighting. How good are you with numbers?
Not bad
I'm terrible with numbers.
Pretty good, I'd say
I love math!
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The job isn't all risk-taking and glamour. Are you down for saving a cat from a tree?
Cats can climb down, you know.
Seems like a waste of resources
Of course! We're here to help.
If I had to, sure
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Have you ever been seriously burned before?
Yes
Never
Burned, but not too seriously
Close calls, but no
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Firefighting is not for the faint of heart. Can you handle intense pressure?
Yes
I have no idea.
For the most part, yes
I hope so.
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Have you ever had to put out a fire in your own home?
Yes
Not yet
I haven't had to do that, but I'd know what to do.
A small fire on the stove, but it was no big deal
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Every fire hall needs a chef. Are you able to cook for your fellow firefighters?
I could make sandwiches.
Not a chance
I'm a pretty good chef, I must say.
I'm like Gordon Ramsay.
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Fire doesn't happen on a schedule, so you could work any time of day. What's your preferred schedule?
Any time is good for me.
Evenings and weekends
Nights
9 to 5
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Firefighters have infamously shown up in calendars over the years. Are you posing?
Yeah, I could do that.
No, thanks
It's for the good of the community, right?
I'm going to say probably not, but anything's possible.
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Do you think you could handle driving one of those big ladder trucks?
Not really
I'd rather let someone else handle that.
If I have to, sure
Heck, yeah!
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Firefighters don't have movies made about them nearly as often as police officers do. What's the best firefighter film?
"Ladder 49"
"Backdraft"
"Only the Brave"
"The Towering Inferno"
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Do you know CPR?
Yes, but I could use a refresher.
Not really
Of course!
I learned a long time ago.
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How much weight do you think you can carry?
100 pounds
50 pounds or so
125 pounds
150 pounds or more
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Some rescues are more harrowing than others. How are you with heights?
Not for me
Well, how high do you mean?
I'm fine with heights.
Not my favorite, but I can deal
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You can't be an effective firefighter if you're not a team player. How do you handle teamwork?
I do alright.
I do pretty well as part of a team.
I'm great on a team.
I'm more independent, but I can manage on a team.
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Have you ever had a near-death experience?
More than one
Never
Once
Not that I can remember
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Firefighting is super high stress, and that takes a toll. How do you keep yourself zen?
I just bury myself in my work.
Strong support system with my family
Therapy
Meditation
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Speed is key when it comes to responding to a call. Are you usually the first person to get a job done, or the last?
Depends on the job
I try my best, but sometimes other people are just quicker.
I'm always first.
Middle of the pack
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One skill that can't really be taught is overcoming fear in the face of danger. Are you able to face down fear to help someone else?
If not me, then who?
I guess that's the point, right?
Of course
I don't want to, but I will if I have to.
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A firehouse should have a pet, shouldn't it? What's your animal companion?
A cat
A fish
A Dalmatian, of course
I'm not much of an animal person.
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Firefighters are pretty famous for doing charitable work in the community. What's something you'd be stoked to do?
Sponsoring local little league teams
Food drives for the community
Talking to kids in schools
Door-to-door smoke alarm checks
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Would you be looking to climb the ladder at work and take on a leadership role?
If it happens, it happens.
Not really
That could be an option down the road.
Definitely
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What's the best way to deal with a new firefighter joining the team?
Just hope they know what they're doing
Show them the ropes
A little light hazing, just for fun
Be a mentor if I can
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The idea of a fire pole is pretty fun, right?
Can't complain
Heck, yeah!
It's a fun way to get downstairs in a hurry, for sure.
It's just a pole.
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A firefighter has to deal with many stressed out, scared and confused people. Can you be patient with someone like that?
To a degree
That's my job!
For as long as it takes to get them safe
I'll do my best.
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Would you ever call yourself a hero?
For doing my job? No
That's a little arrogant.
Only as a joke
I don't think real heroes do that, do they?
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Where would you be most comfortable working if it was up to you to decide?
The great outdoors
A small town
Anywhere
In the city
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You Got: