On-call firefighters are ordinary people with an extraordinary role. Unlike full-time firefighters who work set shifts at a station, on-call firefighters respond to emergencies from their home or workplace when an alerter — a device that vibrates, sounds and lights up — notifies them of an incident.
The role covers the same emergencies as full-time firefighters, including building fires, road traffic collisions, animal rescues and flooding. You just need to be able to drop what you're doing and reach your local fire station within an agreed turn-out time.
Fitting it around your life
On-call firefighters agree a set number of hours each week that works around existing commitments — whether that's another job, childcare or hobbies. It is flexible, but it does require genuine availability during the hours you commit to.
Training and development
All on-call firefighters receive the same training as full-time colleagues, covering ladders, hoses, breathing apparatus, first aid and road traffic collisions. After joining, it takes around three years to qualify as a competent firefighter, with weekly drill sessions at your local station to keep skills sharp.
Pay
On-call firefighters are paid employees of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service. Pay is calculated pro-rata from a full-time firefighter's salary, based on hours committed, incidents attended and other duties such as drills and community initiatives.
How to apply
The recruitment process involves several stages:
- Register your interest online and attend a drill night at your local station
- Agree your availability and submit a full application
- Attend an interview with the Station Manager
- Complete a fitness test (bleep test to level 8.8) and six physical scenario-based tasks
- Undergo a health assessment, DBS check and references
Registering your interest is the first step and carries no obligation — it is simply a chance to meet the team and find out if the role suits you.
Source: staffordshirefire.gov.uk
