Book 1.indd - Queensland Fire and Rescue Service

about department of emergency servicesQueensland’s Department of Emergency Services (DES) is unique inAustralia. The Department provides services covering all phases ofemergency and disaster management - prevention, preparedness,response and recovery.DES employs approximately 7,100 full time and part timeemployees, and is supported by more than 88,000 volunteersacross Queensland.The Department’s vision is to create a safer community and betterquality of life in Queensland through world class emergency anddisaster services.The three operational divisions of DES are Queensland Fire andRescue Service (QFRS), Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) andEmergency Management Queensland (EMQ).about queensland fire and rescue serviceQFRS provides fire and rescue services to the entire community ofQueensland through approximately 2,000 permanent firefighters,2,000 Auxiliary firefighters and over 36,000 Rural Fire Servicevolunteers.These services are aimed at protecting people, property andthe environment through the delivery of community safetyand awareness programs, response capability and capacity(preparedness), and incident response and recovery.QFRS operates under the Fire and Rescue Service Act 1990.being a firefighter | www.fire.qld.gov.au01

firefighting -it’s more than just fighting firesThe responsibilities of firefighters are many and diverse - firefightersdon’t just fight fires.A main emphasis of a firefighter’s job is on the prevention of fires.As well as educating the community on fire, its risks, managementand prevention, firefighters also conduct safety inspections ofcommercial and industrial buildings and licensed premises.Other community education programs that firefighters areinvolved in include Fight Fire Fascination (FFF), Road Awarenessand Accident Prevention (RAAP) and Operation SafeHome.In addition, firefighters conduct rescue operations. These includeroad accident, swift water and vertical rescues, and Urban Searchand Rescue (USAR), encompassing trench, confined space andbuilding collapse rescues.Disaster response is also an integral part of a firefighter’s job.Furthermore, firefighters are required to undertake ongoingtraining, skill maintenance and study towards career progression.More mundane tasks associated with the job include stationmaintenance and cleaning.vicki shailerStation Officer, Bundaberg Fire StationI commenced as an Auxiliary firefighter in 1993 in Bundaberg,where I’ve lived most of my life. I became a permanent firefighterin 1997.I chose firefighting as a job because it provides great careeropportunities. I also like the physical side of the job, working in ateam environment and the variety the job offers.When I started, I was very excited and proud to be a firefighter. Icouldn’t wait for the alarm to sound so I could turn out to my firstjob.The Service has changed a lot over the years. We have betterequipment and trucks and we are certainly more proactive inthe community, especially with our education and awarenessprograms. We also specialise in rescue operations.With firefighting, every day is a challenge. You never know whatthe next job will be, where it will take you or, at times, when youwill be getting home.Every day is different and every job is different.I enjoy working with children, their visits to the station andeducating them on fire safety. I see their faces light up when theysee the big red truck and flashing lights.being a firefighter | www.fire.qld.gov.auI also like working for, and being part of, the community.For anyone who is considering a career as a firefighter I’d say, Gofor it! Be positive, work hard to achieve your goal, and give it morethan 100%. If you do, at the end of the day, you will end up withthe best career ever.02“With firefighting, every day is a challenge.”VICKI SHAILER - bundaberg

do you have what it takes?A career as a firefighter can be very rewarding but it is not foreveryone. Firefighting is an extremely technical and multi-skilledactivity, vital to the welfare of the community. As such, it is a highlyvalued profession.But being a firefighter is tough.If you’re considering becoming a firefighter, ask yourself thesequestions:Do you like working as part of a team?Are you able to keep a level head in stressful situations?Are you willing to carry out orders and follow directions?Do you have a genuine willingness to contribute to thecommunity?Are you physically fit?Do you enjoy working with people from diverse backgrounds?Can you work efficiently and solve problems in a timely manner?Do you enjoy shift work?Are you a good communicator?Do you possess a high level of personal integrity?Are you committed to maintaining and developing your skills?Can you adapt well to new and unpredictable situations?If you’ve truthfully answered yes to all these questions and youhave the passion and drive to become a firefighter, your journeyhas just begun.The next step is to become familiar with the extensive QFRSfirefighter recruitment process and ensure you have therequirements for application.ian amesStation Officer, CapalabaThe fire service is everything I had hoped for and more.We responded to plenty of fires in the early days then we foundthat we were involved in more and more motor vehicle accidentrescues.When someone is trapped, the look in their eyes when you explainto them that you are going to get them out is unforgettable. Theyput so much trust and hope in you. It is a real achievement to getthem out quickly and safely.Over the years, I have been involved in numerous rescues - bothvehicle accident related and others.The Boondall bus crash in October 1994, remains Queensland’sworst ever traffic accident on record. We rescued dozens of peoplefrom the wreckage. We also had to extricate 12 fatal victims fromwithin and under the bus.The fire at Gateway Motel on Ann Street in Brisbane was also amassive operation. A hydraulic platform was used to rescue 51people from the third floor. This remains the largest number everto be rescued from a fire in Queensland.There is so much satisfaction in rescuing people from situationsthat would normally seem so hopeless.“They put so much trust and hope in you.”IAN AMES - capalababeing a firefighter | www.fire.qld.gov.au03

eing a firefighter | www.fire.qld.gov.aucareers and trainingThe Queensland Fire and Rescue Service is committed to trainingand education as a long term investment aimed at maintaining ahighly skilled workforce.An essential component of a firefighter’s job is to maintain skillsand undertake ongoing training.It is through quality training that firefighters develop the confidence,skills, knowledge and abilities to combat and manage increasinglycomplex emergency situations.People considering firefighting as a career must note that ALLfirefighters undertake continuous training and studies.Commencing at initial appointment and continuing throughouttheir career, a firefighter must undertake a multitude of trainingprograms, activities and assessments, to ensure their skills remainat an optimum level.the professional development unitThe School of Fire and Rescue Services Training, situated at theQueensland Combined Emergency Services Academy (QCESA) inBrisbane, is responsible for implementing training.QCESA’s focus is on the professional firefighter. As well asoverseeing the strategic direction of education and training, QCESAdevelops, conducts, supervises and evaluates a range of bestpractice programs designed to ensure Queensland’s firefighterknowledge and skills compare with the best in the world.QCESA is a Registered Training Organisation which means itscurriculum is accredited and audited by the Queensland Departmentof Education, Training and the Arts (DETA). Ten programs areimplemented through QCESA’s three campuses - Main Campus,Live Fire Campus and Online Campus.recruit trainingDuring the recruit course, training generally occurs between 8.00amand 5.00pm, however some night exercises are also included in theprogram.Firefighter recruits are required to undertake a recruit trainingcourse at QCESA in Brisbane.The recruit training course consists of 78 days of training.Training includes the use of a wide range of firefighting equipment,driving instruction and the use of self-contained breathingapparatus. It also encompasses vertical rescue, Road AccidentRescue and Occupational Health & Safety modules.In this program recruits complete PUA20701 Certificate II in PublicSafety (Firefighting and Emergency Operations), and a number ofunits from PUA30601 Certificate III in Public Safety (Firefighting andEmergency Operations). This training is part of the Diploma of Fireand Rescue Operations.further trainingAt the completion of the initial recruit training, all firefightersenroll in a Distance Education program which uses self-pacedinstructional materials.This program is part of the Diploma in Fire and Rescue Operations.The program, supported by peers and mentors, Area Directors andregional Training Officers, consists of a series of steps. Each steprequires modules to be completed, and progression is dependanton each step being completed within a 12 months.Each module enhances knowledge and skills in subject areas,expanding on the foundation acquired in previous modules.Completion of this course of study is compulsory.Firefighters may then choose to maintain this level of competenceor undertake further training and study to prepare for supervisoryduties and Officer ranks.Details of the compulsory training are provided in the followingflowchart below:Year 1POST RECRUIT COURSEYear 2Year 3RECRUIT COURSE12 units from PUA20701successfully completedFIR302A Suppress Urban Fire(remainder)FIR303 A Suppress WildfireCMOO1B Communicate in the WorkplaceCompletion of Certificate IIIQFR503 Apply scientific practicesin firefighting and rescue operationsRegional Face to Face Practical Assessment QSTEP1-2QFR513 Assess combustion process andfire risk control and suppressionQFR504 Assess building constructionQFR510 Combat specific types offirefighting incidents - Book 1QFR510 Combat specific types offirefighting incidents - Book 2QFR510 Combat specific types offirefighting incidents - Book 3QFR512 Demonstrate structuralfirefighting techniquesPUASAR003A Undertake technical rescueRegional Face to Face Practical Assessment QSTEP2-3QFS514 Assess building fire protectionsystems - Book 1QFS514 Assess building fire protectionsystems - Book 1QFR519 Assess hazards at processingand storage sitesPUAFIR205A Respond to aviationincidents (specialist)BSBCMN410A Coordinate implementationof customer service strategiesTDTL597C Apply conflict / grievanceresolution strategiesQFR521 Respond to maritime incidentsCompletion of Diploma in Fire and Rescue Operations04“I work with a group of men and women who at the drop of a hat respondto emergencies to help other people.” SIMON JOHNSTONE- brisbane

ank structureThe rank structure of the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service isas follows:4th Class Firefighter3rd Class Firefighter2nd Class Firefighter1st Class FirefighterSenior FirefighterLeading FirefighterStation OfficerInspectorSuperintendentChief SuperintendentAssistant CommissionerDeputy CommissionerCommissionerrank progressionProgression to 1st Class Firefighter is compulsory. Level progressionrequires the completion of 12 months service at each level and isdependent on the following:Completion of pre-defined components of the Diploma ofFire and Rescue Operations;Ongoing satisfactory performance;Competent delivery of operational skill requirements;Achievement of necessary accreditations; andSatisfactory achievement levels for formal examinations.After completing the Diploma of Fire and Rescue Operations,employees may undertake the Diploma of Public Safety - FirefighterManagement. This is an optional two year Diploma.After the first year of the Diploma of Public Safety - FirefighterManagement, employees may be eligible for promotion to theSenior Firefighter level.On successful completion of the entire Diploma, while waitingappointment as a Station Officer, employees may be appointed asa Leading Firefighter.ross cutugnoStation Officer, Kemp Place Fire Station, BrisbaneI enjoy coming to work for lots of different reasons - friendships,being able to help members of the public in their times of need,and the buzz of adrenalin when faced with danger.The challenge of responding to the bells and the diverse amount ofoperational scenarios, are always exciting.If I had my time all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing. Being afirefighter has taught me so much about life and the challengesthat each and every one of us face.In particular, one experience early on in my career stands out asbeing a real eye opener.In 1986, we responded to an explosion at the Mail Exchange atRoma Street. Initially, it was thought to be an act of terrorism.The scene was chaotic and there were a number of badly injuredpeople located within the explosion zone.The experience taught me that the job of a firefighter is real andserious. We are dealing with people’s lives and that’s certainlynothing to be taken lightly.“Being a firefighter has taught me so much about life.”ROSS CUTUNGO - brisbanebeing a firefighter | www.fire.qld.gov.au05

eing a firefighter | www.fire.qld.gov.au06“I have met many people from all walks of life - both in and out of the job.”TAI MOORE - cairns

firefighter hours of workFirefighters employed at 24 hour stations work continuous shift rosters that consist of two consecutive day shifts followed by two consecutivenight shifts. Day shifts are 10 hours in duration. Night shifts are 14 hours in duration.Other stations may not be staffed by permanent firefighters on a 24 hour basis.wagesFirefighters employed by QFRS are covered by the Queensland Fire Service Interim Award - State. The Award should be referred to forcomprehensive details of terms and conditions of employment.In brief, base wages are as follows:wage rates (effective 01/07/07)RankBASERATEWEEKENDSHIFTNIGHTSHIFT38 hourALLOWANCETOTAL4th Class Firefighter$1230.30$263.70$79.40$82.80$1656.203rd Class Firefighter$1372.00$294.00$88.50$92.30$1846.802nd Class Firefighter$1490.50$319.40$96.10$100.30$2006.301st Class Firefighter$1608.00$344.60$103.70$108.20$2164.50Senior Firefighter$1701.20$364.60$109.70$114.50$2290.00Leading Firefighter$1813.80$388.70$117.00$122.10$2441.60leaveFirefighters work an average of 42 hours per week. Wages for firefighters are based on a 38 hour week. For the extra four hours per week,firefighters are paid an allowance (38 hour allowance) for two hours and accrue an extra two hours annual leave.Annual leave is usually taken in accordance with a rotating roster. Leave taken outside these times must be applied for and approved inadvance.TypeAnnual Leave and Accrued HoursLong Service LeaveSick LeaveAnnual Accrual312 hours per annum1.3 weeks (eligible to be taken after 10 years service)80 hours (8 shifts)Recognition of Prior Service (RPS) for leave purposes may apply to ex-employees of interstate Fire Services, State and Federal Public Serviceemployees and ex-Defence employees. RPS applies to Long Service and Sick Leave only.superannuationFirefighters are required to contribute to QSuper, the superannuation scheme for Queensland Public Sector employees. In this scheme, boththe employee and employer make contributions.probationAppointment as a recruit firefighter is subject to a period of 12 months probation. Job performance is continually assessed during this time.uniformsUniforms not only aid in protection at incidents but also assist in building a rapport with the community. Uniforms must therefore be wornat all times while on duty.Uniform items and protective clothing are provided when employees commence Recruit Training. They are replaced on an “as required”basis.being a firefighter | www.fire.qld.gov.au07

eing a firefighter | www.fire.qld.gov.au08“I wanted to do something for the community.”THEO GIESEN - north coast region

noordinaryordinaryjobQueensland Fire & Rescue ServiceGPO Box 1425 Brisbane Q 4001T 131 304www.fire.qld.gov.au