Become an on-call firefighter

Thank you for your interest in joining our team!

The majority of our fire stations are staffed by dedicated on-call firefighters. These firefighters perform the same vital emergency duties as wholetime firefighters, but they have the flexibility to balance their role with other jobs or commitments.

While on call, they carry a pager and respond quickly whenever they are needed to attend an incident.They respond to a wide range of incidents from fires and water rescues to road accidents, and hazardous materials incidents and animal rescues. They use specialised tools and protective equipment to stay safe and provide first aid.

On-call firefighters are an essential part of our service, ensuring that our communities stay safe and protected around the clock. We value their commitment and the unique role they play in our team.

Our Fire Stations

“I became an on-call firefighter because I deeply care about my community and take immense pride in protecting the town I call home. Working with Shanklin Fire Station is more than a job—it’s a privilege. We’re not just a team; we’re a close-knit family, united by trust, dedication, and a shared commitment to keeping our community safe”

You don’t need any prior firefighting experience to join us. What truly matters is your passion for protecting your community. We provide comprehensive training to equip you with all the skills necessary for success.

To function effectively in emergencies, firefighters must demonstrate courage, strength, and the ability to perform rapid, intense, and sustained efforts when needed:

• The ability to follow instructions quickly.
• The capacity to use initiative, both as part of a team and independently.
• The ability to understand a wide range of topics in order to anticipate and address hazards.
• A practical and inquisitive mindset.
• Emotional resilience and self-awareness.
• The ability to work within the community.

Your journey starts with a pre-core skills training programme which is completed during weekly drill nights. This is then followed by an 8-day core skills acquisition course at our state-of-the-art facilities, where you’ll gain the essential knowledge and skills to become a firefighter.
Training milestones include:

• Core Skills Initial Acquisition Course: An 8-day program to equip you with the foundational firefighting skills.  After completing this you’ll receive a pager and respond to incidents in a limited capacity.

Development firefighters will then return to complete three further courses:

• Breathing Apparatus Initial Acquisition Course: A 10-day training to handle hazardous environments safely.
• Road Traffic Collison Initial Acquisition Course: a 3-hour evening session and 5-day training course in the techniques and equipment used at road traffic collisions
• Immediate Emergency Care (IEC) Initial Acquisition Course: A 5-day training course to learn the medical skills required by firefighters
• As an on-call firefighter, you’ll then be required to complete a Development Programme over the next 2-4 years and will continue to receive ongoing training to stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and safety procedures, ensuring you are prepared for every call-out.  ​

You might be surprised to know that on-call firefighters make up 90% of emergency cover in the UK. They’re an invaluable part of society.

Whether you are an employer seeking information on how it works, or you are an employee needing assistance in explaining the benefits to your workplace, visit www.oncallfire.uk for more information.

Have any questions?

Get in touch – we’d be happy to have a chat and answer any questions you have: Email us ​