Mayo Fire Service

Frequently Asked Questions

More information about becoming a retained firefighter

• What is involved in becoming a Firefighter?

  Firefighters are called upon to tackle a wide range of emergency situations. Incidents vary from tackling fires and rescuing people from burning buildings to dealing with chemical spillages and road traffic collisions. A sensitive approach is required when dealing with members of the public who may be distressed and confused. In addition, fire fighters in Mayo are also involved in the promotion of Fire Safety in the community through Fire Safety Week and through the Schools Safety Programme

• Is firefighting a job for me?

  Take a minute to answer the following questions honestly:

  • Are you committed to promoting the safety of your community?
  • Do you enjoy working as part of a team?
  • Could you work under pressure to support your colleagues?
  • Can you think on your feet to solve problems, react flexibly and use your initiative?
  • Would you be able to deal sensitively with members of the public in difficult and emotional situations?
  • Are you committed to always maintaining and developing your skills?
  • Are you prepared to follow instructions from others?
  • Are you prepared to work unsocial work patterns, which will include callouts at night, weekends, and public holidays?
  • Are you dependable and reliable?
• What skills do I require to become a fire fighter?

  To become a firefighter, you need to be:

  • In good health and to have good eyesight
  • You must have good physical fitness
  • Must live & work within a reasonable distance of the Fire Station where you wish to serve
  • You must be prepared to work at heights
  • You must be prepared to work in hot and humid atmospheres
  • You must be prepared to work in dark and confined spaces
  • You must be prepared to work long hours at protracted incidents
• Do I need to be fit to become a fire fighter?

  Fire fighters don’t need to have the fitness levels of a professional sports person, but they do need to be fit. A firefighter’s role is extremely varied which involves working in a vast array of situations and environments. The day to day operations of a fire fighter calls upon muscular strength, endurance and flexibility at different incidents. Fitness is important to combat fatigue. The working conditions can be stressful and test not only the physical ability of firefighters, but also their mental strength so it is vitally important that firefighters are fit for duty to best tackle the challenges that face them.
   

• What are the selection tests?

  Applicants to the retained Fire Service will be invited to Castlebar to undertake a number of physical tasks including tests for vertigo, claustrophobia, dexterity and endurance etc.

  Advance notice of a day and time will be provided.  The rtest will take approx. 90 mins total time.

  The tests are:

  1. Literacy/ Numeracy Test
  2. Ladder Climb Test
  3. Casualty Evacuation Test
  4. Equipment Carry Test
  5. Confined Space Test
  6. Ladder extension Test

  Applicants will have to pass all of the individual tests

• Interview stage

  Following successful completion of the selection tests, applicants will be invited to interview.

  At the interview you will be asked questions relating to your knowledge, skills and attributes to determine your suitability for the role of a Firefighter. Ensure you are well prepared, have done research into the Fire Service and the types of incidents that unit attends, attend on time and be presentable.

  References will only be sent for if you are successful at interview, prior to your medical. All applicants will need to supply personal referees and details of your current or previous employer for references to be obtained

  You will be asked to attend a medical where you will be examined by the Fire Service Doctor. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire covering your medical history and will then be subject to a series of tests including

• What are the next steps?

  Following the interview, successful candidates are placed on a panel.

  Positions are then offered based on the order of the panel.  The next steps will be:

  • Complete a detailed medical organised by the Fire Service.
  • Complete garda Vetting form.
  • Meet officers to validate your home and working arrangements and distances.
• What type of incidents do fire fighters respond to?

  Fire fighters in Mayo response to a wide range of emergencies such as:

  • Fires – House, Forest, Gorse.
  • Road traffic collisions
  • Industrial accidents.
  • Chemical Incidents.
  • Oil spillage.
  • Flooding and other weather-related incidents