Firefighter — Matt Hill

After working in charity and community safety management Matt wanted a change. He now works as a full-time firefighter for Essex County Fire & Rescue Service

What inspired you to work as a firefighter?

I wanted a new challenge where I would be on the front line, helping people. I also wanted a more physically demanding role, where I could push myself mentally and learn completely new skills.

How did you get your job?

The process of becoming a firefighter was very long and competitive. At the time I applied, there were around 2,000 applicants for 36 vacancies.

I passed the psychometric test, which was completed online. I then submitted a written statement. Following a sifting process, I was invited to a physical assessment some months later, which I also passed. This involved:

• the bleep test
• ladder climbing
• equipment carry
• a manual dexterity test
• a confined space exercise.

I then had a face-to-face interview, which was the final stage.  

What did your training involve?

I completed my training over a 12-week period, but I think this has now been increased. The first six weeks involved basic training, which included getting to grips with pumping, ladders, working at height, knots and lines and gaining an understanding of operational procedures at a variety of incidents.

The following weeks included specialist training, learning how to wear breathing apparatus and associated knowledge and procedures. I then had further training on road traffic collision procedures and how to use all the relevant equipment.  

What kind of tasks does a firefighter complete on a typical day?

While each day is very different, there are daily and weekly routines that need to be completed. This often involves testing equipment to ensure it is operating correctly and is safe to use. Additionally, we visit homes to perform home safety checks and businesses to complete workplace inspections.

We also undertake training to ensure the whole watch are competent and confident in operating the variety of equipment we are expected to use.

What shifts do you work?

The shift pattern in the Essex County Fire & Rescue Service is two day shifts, two night shifts and then four days off.

What has been your proudest moment as a firefighter?

I think any incident that you leave feeling like you've made a real difference gives you a sense of pride. This could be as simple as gaining entry to a locked car to reunite a child with their parent, to much larger incidents where your firefighting actions stop the spread of fire and save lives.

We are lucky to wear the uniform we do and are always treated well by the public. I think that's because in their hour of need, they know we'd be there and do a good job.  

What have been some of the biggest challenges?

One of mine is retention of information. There is so much to learn and absorb that I have to go over things quite regularly. This isn't an issue though, as there is always someone else on the watch that will join in. Some people on my watch are amazing at retaining information so they are always good to revise with.

Tell us about an aspect of your role most people are unaware of…

People are often surprised at the variety of emergency incidents that we attend, especially with other emergency services. Some of the most rewarding jobs I have been a part of are assisting ambulance staff with casualties. We are also involved in:

• water rescues
• ship fires
• train incidents
• animal rescue
• electrical incidents
• building collapse
• chemical and radiation incidents.

The amount of knowledge we must learn about all of these is significant.

What three qualities are important for a firefighter?

• Self-awareness. Be aware of what's happening around you and how you can help. There is no room for selfishness, and this isn't just at incidents, it's important for the running of the whole station.
• A sense of calm. Although quick action and speed is vital, this needs to be complimented with care and consideration when at any incident.
• Openness to change. Services are always changing, and procedures and tasks often change. Be open to learning and embrace continuous improvement.

You have to deal with dangerous, often traumatic situations. How do you strike a healthy work/life balance?

The relationship you build with your colleagues on your watch definitely helps in dealing with difficult incidents, because they have either seen it with you or have been in the job a long time and can give advice.

I think fire and rescue services are much better and recognising when people need help and there's so much in place if you need it. Even if that's just some time off.

What are your career ambitions?

I have ambitions to go for promotion in the next few years. What is good about the fire service is that the ranks are laid out very clearly. Once you feel confident in your experience, there is a process to move up the ranks. This can lead all the way to chief fire officer.  

What advice can you give to other aspiring firefighters?

Visit your local station, as there will always be someone happy to talk to you and give you advice. There may even be opportunities to practice the physical assessments and get a better understanding of the recruitment process.

Find out more

• Learn more about the role of a firefighter.
• See what the law enforcement and security sector has to offer.