Becoming a Blue Branch Volunteer firefighter and/or supporting staff member is one of the most rewarding and selfless decisions you can make. Volunteer firefighters prevent and put out fires, administer first aid and many other activities within (Lexington) Lee County Texas. Today, volunteers make up 55% of all active firefighters in the US, making it a great first step on the ladder to becoming a paid firefighter. Keep reading to learn what it takes to fill this vital role and find out how you can get started making a difference today. | Requirements: While some individuals may find battling fires, aiding in search and rescue efforts, and providing emergency medical service. To better understand if becoming a volunteer firefighter or supporting staff member is for you, ask yourself the questions below. Are you willing to give up the occasional full night of rest or work unsocial hours to help others? Do you find it important to give back to the community in meaningful ways that pay it forward? Do you feel your mental health is robust and that you can perform responsibilities without experiencing undue stress and/or anxiety? Are you looking for a community of others who enjoy helping people in times of fear or loss? Do you meet all of the general and specific requirements for becoming a volunteer firefighter? If you answered “yes” to these questions: You may be an excellent fit" as a volunteer firefighter and/or supporting staff member. Understand the Duties of a Volunteer Firefighter The duties of a volunteer firefighter span beyond putting out fires and rescuing animals from trees. In reality, volunteer firefighters perform a multitude of important tasks to keep others safe, maintain their equipment, and ensure the department can continue serving their community. Some of the most common duties include: Fire emergencies Volunteer firefighters respond to fire outbreaks in the same way as paid firefighters, although their involvement is usually secondary or in support of career firefighters. Some of their responsibilities include setting up ladders, connecting hoses to hydrants, spraying fires directly, and using methods to prevent fire spread. Emergency medical services Volunteer firefighters often administer first aid or CPR to individuals hurt in fire, accidents, or other types of emergencies. Some volunteers receive training on basic life-support methods, while others rely on paid firefighters to administer these services. Search and rescue When an individual or group of people go missing or are in imminent danger, volunteers may participate in search and rescue efforts. These may take place in bodies of water, remote spaces, mountainous areas, or even urban settings. Volunteers usually work in teams to cover larger areas of ground in shorter amounts of time. Traffic Incident Management (TIM) and highway safety After the outbreak of a fire or in the aftermath of a large wreck, volunteer firefighters step in to help reroute traffic, avoid pile-ups, and ensure that pedestrians, emergency staff, and drivers all follow safety procedures. They may direct traffic, set up barriers, or liaise with other firefighters or police departments to accomplish these goals. Maintenance When not responding to an emergency, volunteer firefighters sometimes work at the department to repair equipment, uniforms, or vehicles. Given the high levels of wear and tear that comes with this type of work, it’s not unusual for frequently used tools to require maintenance. Fundraising Fundraising represents a vital component of any fire station, and volunteer firefighters often take part in initiatives to bring money in. Activities they may participate in include fairs, fish fry days, calendars, cook-offs, raffles, and other events. They may also work in an administrative capacity to apply for grants. Office work After responding to an emergency or incident, volunteer firefighters must create an official report about the event to keep on file in case there are questions about what happened or if a lawsuit ensues. | Categories: Junior Members, Fundraising, Department Support, Other, Firefighter, EMT