Everywhere in the world, thousands of events take place on this day in celebration of the political, social and economic accomplishments of women throughout history. A large number of people have congregated all over the world this past weekend to celebrate International Women’s Day.
I’m no novice to the achievements achieved by women. I spent my early high school years in an all-girls’ school, taking in the stories of women around the globe-leaders as academics, scientists and academics doctors activists, artists and musicians–as well as the lasting and transformative achievements they achieved to benefit humanity.
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As a woman working as a firefighter, which is classified as a non-traditional job for women-I was looking to be a part of this day that celebrates women. So I recently contacted some people, family and friends aged between 7 and 77 , for assistance. I askedthem “If you were able to ask a female firefighter anything which one would it be?”
Below are their questions along with my responses. Enjoy. And happy International Women’s Day!
What made you want to be an firefighter? Do you think that the reasons why a woman would like to be a firefighter are different than the reasons that a man would like to be an firefighter?
I always wanted to be a firefighter because I was looking to help people and help my community. I have always imagined myself in a job that focused on service, and being an emergency responder is one way to fulfill that dream.
When I realized that women working in firefighters were not many in number, I was intimidated. However, I must admit, I was driven by that task. (Maybe this goes back to my early years… At the age of five, I was fiveyears old, I was challenged by a child with a sand box. He told me, “I bet you can’t achieve this feat.” Then he began to zip his pants and go to the sandbox and pee. I immediately took off my pants and also peed in the sandbox!)
To answer the second part of your question, I’ve observed that both men and women who I have met throughout my professional life usually look into firefighting for a variety of the same reasons – desire to help their community, aid others, the constant physical strain of working in the field and the team component and the physical, mental, and technical challenges that tackling the effects of an emergency.
What are you most fond of about being an emergency responder?
Take a look at all of the below!
What do you need to do to obtain an opportunity to work as an emergency responder? Do you need to be doing the same as men?
As with everything else it is also evolving. In the beginning, firefighters working in United States were men (thus “firemen”). The first female firefighters paid in the US was hired in 1973. In the 1980s and 1990s, numerous departments adopted affirmative actions to boost the diversification of their firefighters’ ranks.
Men and women alike, have to undergo the same strict examination process, which can last up to six months. The testing process generally starts with a written examination. Candidates who pass the written exam, are then able to take an agility physical test. Women are required to be able to pass the same physical tests as men to become firefighters.
For a firefighter to be effective, you require a balanced balance of endurance for your heart and both lower and upper body power. Although most men might be better able to depend on strength because of muscle mass to perform tasks on the ground however women are taught to utilize more efficient body mechanics and better techniques together with their strength, to become efficient firefighters. This is the best approach and all firefighters should be wise to keep their bodies in good shape and free from injury by focusing on body mechanics and utilizing smarter methods.
Once agility tests have been passed The next step is oral board interview as well as a Chief’s Interview and thorough background check. Many people are able to apply for few positions in the fire service. After being hired, both men and women are required to undergo a fire academy where they will learn and practice firefighting techniques. If they are able to pass the course, they will begin the probationary period as firefighters. As a firefighter on probation, they remain in training and evaluated throughout the year on the ground, through written tests and in manipulative abilities.
Are women and men able to share the same type of job with the firefighters?
Yes! Women and men firefighters are involved in the same roles, whether it’s putting out flames while holding the nozzle and the hose, or cutting vent holes in roofs using chain saws, climbing up aerial ladders for 100 feet in the air and employing hydraulic power tools to slice off cars in order to reach those who are stuck inside, or employing the EMT or paramedic abilities in caring for injured or sick patients.
There are more women in captain’s posts as well as in chief’s posts. The first female paid Chief of fire within the United States was Chief Rosemary Bliss from Tiburon, California. She was named the Fire Chief in 1993. in 2012 Teresa Deloach Reed became the very first African American woman Fire Chief of the Oakland, California, Fire Department.
When you began working as a firefighter did you find an equal amount of men and women working in the department? Was it the same today?
The fire department where I am employed is made up of approximately 10 percent of female firefighters. And this is on the upward in comparison to national standards. As per the results of the Census the proportion of women is about 4.8 percent of firefighters within their fire department in United States. The first woman employed in my department was recently left. She’s living historical facts for me in the book!