The job

The job
After just three minutes the survival rate for passengers and aircrew trapped in an aircraft fire drops rapidly. RAF Firefighters provide 24/7 fire and crash rescue cover and are organised, equipped and trained to respond to any emergency. It’s a job that demands courage, fitness and strength.

Working in the UK, you’ll be part of a highly skilled and motivated team that responds to emergencies on RAF bases and family living quarters. You may also train other personnel in fire safety.

Firefighters also perform an essential role on overseas operations. As part of an Immediate Response Team, you’ll be equipped with highly specialist equipment, like night vision goggles and powerful cutting tools. You could be called upon to put out fires caused by explosive devices or rescue crew trapped in vehicles or aircraft.

Operationally, you could be deployed around every 20 months, usually for four months. However, if you’re supporting a training exercise, it could be for around four to six weeks.

Training
Your job may require you to work under extreme and sometimes dangerous conditions. Accordingly, Firefighter training is physically and mentally demanding.

You’ll receive professional training in firefighting skills and learn how to use specialist equipment such as breathing apparatus and cutting and lifting equipment. We’ll also teach you how to operate specialist airfield crash fire and rescue appliances.

Later you’ll have the opportunity to qualify in the specialist skills of fire safety, road traffic incident instructor and compartment fire behaviour training.

Qualifications
As part of your training, you’ll take an LGV driving test and qualify in emergency fire appliance driving techniques.

You’ll also have the opportunity to complete an Apprenticeship in Aviation Operations.

Top

Learn more about this job