Durham and Darlington FRS Firefighter Requirements
County Durham and Darlington Fire Authority is responsible for the fire and rescue service across the two unitary authority areas of County Durham and the borough of Darlington, serving a population of over 620,000 people spread over almost 2,460 square kilometres.
You must be:
- Aged 18 or over when the course commences on the 2 September 2024
- Willing to undertake and complete an Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship (18 months + 3 months End Point Assessment)
- Have permission to be in or to work in the United Kingdom
- You will be asked to bring some form of photographic identification e.g., passport, driving license, any other relevant documentation, and a work permit if applicable with you at the interview stage of the recruitment process so your identification can be verified.
Additional Requirements
Driving: If you hold a driving licence you must highlight any endorsements, giving details to the nature of the offence, offence code (e.g., CD10 driving without due care and attention) and details of the penalty (e.g., £ fine and number of penalty points). If you have had to attend court, you need to give details of the outcome.
Suitability to perform the role: Fire and Rescue Authorities are required to assess each applicant on an individual basis with regard to their suitability to perform the role of a fire-fighter, in accordance with Equality Act legislation. This means that Fire and Rescue Authorities will consider what reasonable adjustments could be made to enable you to proceed with your application provided any such adjustments do not contravene Health and Safety legislation. You are required to bring your specific needs to the attention of the human resources team in advance.
Visual entry standards:
- Corrected visual acuity (VA) should be 6/9 binocularly, and a minimum of 6/12 in the worse eye.
- The minimum uncorrected vision for recruits should be 6/18 in the better eye and 6/24 in the worse eye for both Wholetime and on-call Firefighters.
- The current 6/60 unaided limit is maintained for serving Firefighters.
- An upper hypermetropic limit of +3.00 should be retained.
- VA testing protocols must be appropriately defined (eg for Snellen, distance, ambient lighting and use).
- Normal binocular field of vision.
- Near vision: N12 at 30cm unaided with both eyes open (applicants>=25 years)
- Near vision: N6 at 30cm unaided with both eyes open (applicants <25 years)
- No history of night blindness or any ocular disease likely to progress and result in future failure of the visual standards for Firefighters.
- Operational firefighters must have an appropriate level of colour perception. Individuals with either normal colour vision or slightly abnormal green colour vision are suitable for appointment.
If you are unsure whether you meet these requirements you are advised to seek advice from a qualified optometrist.
Candidates who have undergone laser eye surgery will not be considered for an appointment to a position for a minimum of 12 months after the date of the procedure. This does not preclude anyone from joining the recruitment process.
Your main duties would be:
Emergencies
• Respond immediately and safely to all emergency calls and requests for assistance.
• Deal with emergencies as directed and work effectively and efficiently as a member of a disciplined team.
• Minimise distress and suffering, including giving first aid care.
Dealing with people
• Establish and maintain the confidence of members of the public.
• Maintain links within the community.
• Be sensitive to the needs of others with regard to fairness and dignity issues.
Fire safety
• Give general fire safety advice and guidance to people when requested.
• Work to help educate members of the community in the risks and hazards of fire and other emergencies.
• Assist in Service initiatives, programmes, and strategies to reduce fire calls.
Health and Safety
• Recognise health and safety issues at work and deal with them to minimise or eliminate the degree of hazard or risk.
• Ensure personal safety and that of others at all times.
Personal fitness and hygiene
• Maintain level of physical and medical fitness necessary to carry out the duties of a Firefighter.
• Maintain personal appearance, hygiene, and cleanliness of uniform in keeping with a disciplined service.
Equipment
• Maintain all firefighting and emergency equipment in a state of readiness, including cleaning, repairing, and testing as required to approved standards and procedures.
• Check firefighting resources provided for Fire and Rescue Service use, including hydrants and fixed installations.
Local geography
• Know the local streets, roads and buildings situated within the fire station response area.
• Be aware of the risks, possible hazards, and water supplies to be found within the fire Station area.
Administration
• Complete basic paperwork and routine administration, including recording of information.
• Use information technology as required and in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.
• Keep personal records up to date.
Training
• Take part in a continuous training programme by attending lectures, exercises, practice drill sessions and other forms of training to maintain competence levels.
• Attend training courses as directed.
Fire Authority
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the level of responsibility and expertise as may be required by the Chief Fire Officer.
• Adhere to the policies and procedures of the Service.
Click here to find out more about the service, the role, eligibility criteria and the apply.
