For many, the idea of becoming a firefighter might seem like a distant dream, or perhaps not even a consideration at all. This was certainly the case for Samaia, a firefighter with South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue. Her path wasn’t a lifelong ambition, but rather an evolution fueled by personal growth and a desire for a challenging and rewarding career.
Samaia’s journey into firefighting began indirectly through her passion for fitness. As she immersed herself in this world, she encountered women already working as firefighters. This exposure sparked an idea, a seed that gradually grew into a compelling vision. “And it came about from the more I got into fitness and that side of things, I met more females who do firefighting I know in the industry. And then it kind of became a bit of an idea which grew and grew. And I thought do you know what, this is actually something I could do. And this is actually something that would be a job that I’d love.” This realization transformed firefighting from a distant concept into a tangible and desirable career path.
What attracted Samaia to firefighting were aspects of her personality that aligned perfectly with the demands of the job. She thrives in environments that require quick thinking and effective problem-solving, especially under pressure. “I quite like things like problem solving or handling things under stress or like, you know, quick thinking. So that was already something I enjoy. So that definitely came with me. And it applies really like all the time obviously at jobs. And I like that. I like challenging that side of me.” This inherent aptitude for critical thinking and composure in stressful situations made firefighting a natural fit for her skillset and personal preferences.
However, firefighting isn’t solely about mental agility; it also demands technical proficiency. Samaia acknowledged that mastering the tools and equipment on a fire engine was a significant learning curve. “The other side was more like the technical tool side. So we have a lot of tools on the fire engine. I’m not someone who’s been in like hands on tools position previously, so learning all the tools, figuring out how to use them all or what they all do.” For someone without a background in technical fields, this aspect presented a challenge, but also an opportunity for growth and skill development.
Alt text: Confident female firefighter, Samaia, in full protective gear, smiling and ready for action with South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue.
Teamwork is the backbone of any successful firefighting crew. Samaia emphasizes the crucial role of collaboration and understanding within her team. Firefighters operate in small, tightly-knit teams, often in high-pressure situations where seamless coordination is paramount. “You only work in like kind of teams of typically 4 or 5 on a fire engine, you know, 6 as a crew or 8 as a crew overall. So how close you work together and how much you know how each other works is so important. You know where all the pieces are going to go and what’s everyone’s going to start doing, so, I love working with my crew, and I love it when we get to a job and we just know what needs to happen and we just spring into action.” This emphasis on team dynamics highlights the importance of trust, communication, and shared understanding among firefighters.
A typical shift begins with a “parade,” a structured briefing that sets the tone for the day. During this parade, roles are assigned, and the team discusses the day’s objectives, which can range from drills and community visits to business inspections. “You usually come down and you do parade at the start of shift where you all stand together as a crew and you go through what’s your role that day. So what you’re going to be doing, what’s your focus, what needs to happen.” This structured start ensures everyone is aware of their responsibilities and the planned activities for the shift, fostering preparedness and a proactive approach.
Alt text: Firefighters in South Yorkshire during morning parade, reviewing roles and daily tasks for fire and rescue service.
The unpredictable nature of emergency response means that even the most meticulously planned day can change in an instant. The sound of the “bells” signaling an emergency call can disrupt any schedule, demanding immediate adaptation and a shift in focus. “Of course, at any moment the bells can go. So this plan can flip, and that’s just how it goes. You just adapt to what needs to happen really.” This constant potential for disruption underscores the need for flexibility, resilience, and the ability to quickly transition from routine tasks to high-urgency emergency response.
For anyone considering a career in firefighting, Samaia offers valuable advice: thorough research and firsthand experience are key. She recommends engaging with current firefighters to gain a realistic understanding of the profession, encompassing both the rewards and the challenges. “Do your research, go and visit crews, talk to anybody who you know is a firefighter. Understand what happens on a day to day, and understand both the good and the bad side of the job. You need to really see kind of everything to understand what’s going to be for you.” This proactive approach to career exploration ensures that aspiring firefighters are well-informed and prepared for the realities of this demanding yet deeply fulfilling vocation.
Samaia’s story is a testament to the diverse paths that lead to a career in firefighting. It highlights the importance of self-discovery, embracing challenges, and the profound satisfaction that comes from serving the community as part of a dedicated and highly skilled team within services like South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue.
