What Type of Firefighter Should You Be?
By: Ian Fortey
Estimated Completion Time 5 min
"
Image: Ariel Skelley / DigitalVision / Getty Images
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.
START QUIZ
"
Thomas Barwick / DigitalVision / Getty Images
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!
"
South_agency / E+ / Getty Images
Firefighters have to be in peak physical condition. How often do you work out?
"
Hill Street Studios / DigitalVision / Getty Images
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.
"
Jill Lehmann Photography / Moment / Getty Images
What would be the No. 1 motivation for you to become a firefighter?
It's a different job every day.
It's a good, in-demand career.
It's what I wanted to be since I was a kid.
"
Martin Barraud / OJO Images / Getty Images
You need to know a good deal of math in the world of firefighting. How good are you with numbers?
I'm terrible with numbers.
"
Greg Newington / Stockbyte / Getty Images
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.
"
Thanit Weerawan / Moment / Getty Images
Have you ever been seriously burned before?
Burned, but not too seriously
"
Ninat Termmee / Moment / Getty Images
Firefighting is not for the faint of heart. Can you handle intense pressure?
"
Michael Blann / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Have you ever had to put out a fire in your own home?
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
"
Carlina Teteris / Moment / Getty Images
Every fire hall needs a chef. Are you able to cook for your fellow firefighters?
I'm a pretty good chef, I must say.
"
ArlenaPaulus / E+ / Getty Images
Fire doesn't happen on a schedule, so you could work any time of day. What's your preferred schedule?
"
powerofforever / E+ / Getty Images
Firefighters have infamously shown up in calendars over the years. Are you posing?
It's for the good of the community, right?
I'm going to say probably not, but anything's possible.
"
ArtBoyMB / E+ / Getty Images
Do you think you could handle driving one of those big ladder trucks?
I'd rather let someone else handle that.
"
Imagine Entertainment
Firefighters don't have movies made about them nearly as often as police officers do. What's the best firefighter film?
"
apsimo1 / E+ / Getty Images
Do you know CPR?
Yes, but I could use a refresher.
I learned a long time ago.
"
Colin Hawkins / Cultura / Getty Images
How much weight do you think you can carry?
"
sarote pruksachat / Moment / Getty Images
Some rescues are more harrowing than others. How are you with heights?
Well, how high do you mean?
Not my favorite, but I can deal
"
martin-dm / E+ / Getty Images
You can't be an effective firefighter if you're not a team player. How do you handle teamwork?
I do pretty well as part of a team.
I'm more independent, but I can manage on a team.
"
sdominick / E+ / Getty Images
Have you ever had a near-death experience?
"
Belinda Howell / Moment / Getty Images
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
"
d3sign / Moment / Getty Images
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?
I try my best, but sometimes other people are just quicker.
"
Petko Ninov / E+ / Getty Images
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?
I guess that's the point, right?
I don't want to, but I will if I have to.
"
maiteali / E+ / Getty Images
A firehouse should have a pet, shouldn't it? What's your animal companion?
I'm not much of an animal person.
"
Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / DigitalVision / Getty Images
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
"
renal / E+ / Getty Images
Would you be looking to climb the ladder at work and take on a leadership role?
If it happens, it happens.
That could be an option down the road.
"
martin-dm / E+ / Getty Images
What's the best way to deal with a new firefighter joining the team?
Just hope they know what they're doing
A little light hazing, just for fun
"
Monkey Business Images / Monkey Business / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
The idea of a fire pole is pretty fun, right?
It's a fun way to get downstairs in a hurry, for sure.
"
tomazl / E+ / Getty Images
A firefighter has to deal with many stressed out, scared and confused people. Can you be patient with someone like that?
For as long as it takes to get them safe
"
Monty Rakusen / Cultura / Getty Images
Would you ever call yourself a hero?
That's a little arrogant.
I don't think real heroes do that, do they?
"
Unsplash by Serg Bataiev
Where would you be most comfortable working if it was up to you to decide?
Share on Facebook
Share on Facebook
