Frequently Asked Questions

When do you recruit for Firefighters?

HFRS recruits for Firefighters whenever it has vacancies. Candidates who are interested in Retained Duty System recruitment should refer to the careers section of our website for further information.

How do I apply to become a Retained Firefighter?

You will need to complete the application form that is available on our website.

What is the closing date for applications for Retained Duty System Firefighters?

There are no specific closing dates. Any applications received will be held for 12 months and we will review these against the national selection criteria when we have vacancies in the retained duty system service.

Pre-application checklist queries

If you are completing the pre-application checklist, you will not need to contact us if the following answer your queries:

Applications to other brigades - if you have submitted an application form for Wholetime Firefighter to any brigade within the previous 3 months, you will not be able to apply to Hampshire until 3 months have passed since that application was made (this time period may be subject to change in the future and the website will be updated to reflect our current policy).

Unspent convictions - Any unspent speeding offences will not affect your application.

Dyslexia - Candidates assessed as having this condition will be permitted additional time to undertake the psychometric tests. Evidence will be required to be submitted prior to a formal job offer being made. This may be a school assessment, formal report, etc.

Colour Blindness - Candidates who believe they have colour blindness may wish to be formally assessed prior to submitting an application form. The minimum standard accepted by HFRS is the Farnsworth D-15 standard test. We also conduct functional tests as part of the medical process if candidates display difficulties with colour perception.

What is the maximum age you can apply to become a Firefighter?

There is no maximum age limit for new recruits, final selection will be based on a full medical.

What is the minimum age that you can become a Firefighter?

You must be 18 when you start your training.

How do you select candidates?

We assess candidates on their personal qualities and attributes. Find out more about the selection tests.

Can I become a Retained Duty System Firefighter if I wear contact lenses or have had corrective eye surgery?

The vision standards for eyesight are:

Visual Acuity

Use of aids to vision should be possible at the recruit stage.
Corrected visual acuity 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 full time and retained firefighters.
The current 6/60 unaided limit should be retained for serving firefighters.
An upper hypermetropic limit of +3.00.
Testing for myopic corrections is no longer required.
VA testing protocols must be better defined (e.g. for Snellen, distances, ambient lighting and use).
Vision must be binocular.
Be able to read N12 at 30cm unaided with both eyes open (applicants aged 25 and over).
Be able to read N6 at 30cm unaided with both eyes open (applicants under 25 years of age).

Visual Fields

Normal binocular field of vision is required.

Eye Disease

Have no history of night blindness or any ocular disease that is likely to progress and result in future failure of the visual standards for firefighters.
Individuals with keratoconus unlikely to be fit for firefighting duties.
Compound astigmatism assess for capability, history of headaches and eyestrain.

Refractive Surgery

Successful Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK), Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK) and EpiLASIK treatments should be allowable if satisfy post operative visual tests.
RK (radial Keratotomy) and astigmatic ketatotomy are NOT suitable due increased risk of rupture and fluctuation in vision.
Intraocular Refractive Surgery - Used for high myopes therefore still risk of complications.
Wavefront Guided Laser Refractive Surgery - Since a Wavefront treatment aims to reduce aberrations, in theory it should produce better outcomes for night vision and vision in difficult low lighting levels or reduced contrast as might be encountered in a smoke-filled room. This technology could therefore have great relevance for firefighters. Research is still underway to aid our understanding of this relatively new technology.

Assessment after Refractive Surgery - An examination to consider the suitability of a refractive surgery patient for operational firefighting should include:

A slit lamp examination to confirm that the eye has returned to normal and that there is no significant loss of corneal transparency over the pupil area.
Refraction, topographic examination and pachymetry to screen for keratectasia.

Candidates should have their visual performance assessed using a technique sensitive to the presence of scattered light and aberrations.

Candidates should not be considered until at least 12 months post surgery and when all medication has ceased.

Contact Lenses - The use of modern, Soft Contact Lens (SCLs) is now considered safe. Silicon hydrogen contact lens for extended wear are suitable for the fire ground. Rigid (gas permeable) contact lens are NOT suitable for use on the fire ground due to risk of visual disability and discomfort associated with foreign bodies becoming trapped beneath the lens. HFRS do not have any financial contribution towards the costs of contact lens.

What are the hearing standards for Firefighters?

Firefighting staff who meet the H2 standard would normally be considered fit for role. Individuals who are below H2 should have a capability assessment before any decisions are made on fitness for role or redeployment. Specialist assessment should be considered to determine whether the condition is permanent, treatable and for advice on hearing aids.

It is unlikely that individuals with hearing below the H3 level (with aids if appropriate) would be safe on the fireground.

The worse ear is used to grade the individual in their placement within the Service.

Please refer to the Department of Communities and Local Government website for further information on hearing standards for Firefighters page 5-23 (PDF via www.communities.gov.uk).

What level of fitness is required to be a firefighter for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service?

Information on the level of fitness that is required to become a firefighter can be found in the fitness section of the website.

How long is the Retained Duty System Firefighter training course?

There are normally two choices available to new successful applicants, either four weekends running consecutively or a two week course (Monday to Friday).

Is there a minimum/maximum height to be a Firefighter?

No, as long as the candidate is able to pass the fitness tests there is no minimum or maximum height.