About The Job of Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Becoming a Bellingham Fire Department (BFD) firefighter is a calling and a career. Serving the community and helping others is incredibly rewarding. However the work we do is challenging and requires physical and mental preparedness. Compassion and teamwork are integral skills for firefighters to perform at their best.

As a Bellingham firefighter, you will be required to perform a large variety of diverse tasks. We urge you to consider the entire job of firefighter and not just the exciting or glamorous aspects. What follows is a realistic overview of the job and it’s tasks which are required of all Bellingham firefighters. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to describe every task required of a firefighter. Please take a moment to truly consider whether the job of Firefighter fits you, as well as whether you fit the job of Firefighter. 

Almost every emergency call involves interaction with the community. High levels of trust are bestowed on Firefighters and it is rewarding to help others and serve our community.

Emergency calls can cover anything – life-threatening medical emergencies, non-life-threatening medical calls, dumpster fires, house fires, automobile accidents, and false-alarms. All must be responded to with the same concern and professionalism. 

Firefighters must immediately assess each emergency situation upon arrival, including: the needs of patients; medical conditions; scene safety; properties of the fire; probability of the fire spreading; effects of weather conditions; etc. in order to effectively deal with the emergency. 

Once on an emergency scene, firefighters are responsible for gathering information from patients, witnesses and other sources. It is critical that the firefighter communicate clearly and think quickly to obtain the appropriate information to address the unique needs of each person or situation. Firefighters must intimately coordinate their activities and work as a team.

The role of firefighter is physically and mentally demanding. Our work requires preparation and training to be able to immediately respond to calls at any time of the day or night. Sleep may be frequently interrupted. 

In this job, no two days are alike, but each 24-hour shift typically consists of the following: 

  • 8:00 a.m. start time, 8:00 a.m. end time 
  • A thorough check of every apparatus for fully-stocked equipment and functionality 
  • Station and equipment cleaning/maintenance 
  • Public education presentations and station tours 
  • Training drills on EMS, fire and rescue skills 
  • Physical fitness workouts 
  • Around-the-clock emergency response: Calls are always #1! 

Approximately 80% of the Bellingham Fire Department’s emergency calls are medical in nature. All firefighters at BFD are certified Emergency Medical Technicians.  

Firefighter are responsible for assessing a patient, taking vital signs, treating patients and making a transport decision/plan. Emergency medical calls require respect, compassion and positive communication with patients, fellow crew members and the community including hospital staff, police, family members and others. 

In addition, BFD staffs 3 medic rigs and 2 community paramedic rigs. Paramedics provide Advanced Life Support services throughout Whatcom County. Community Paramedics help connect frequent utilizers of 9-1-1 services for non-emergent medical needs to more appropriate services.

Fire companies from six fire stations serve the city of Bellingham. Each company consists of one captain (company officer), one apparatus engineer (driver), and one firefighter. 

Firefighting duties and responsibilities include: 

  • Fire Suppression: Entering burning structures to locate the source of the fire and extinguish the fire. 
  • Search & Rescue: Systematic search techniques to locate and carry or lift victims to remove them from burning structures using the safest path of evacuation. 
  • Forcible Entry: Using axe and Halligan hand tools, or power tools to cut locks, and break doors, windows or roofs as needed to gain access 
  • Ventilation: Coordinating the use of air from a fan or water from a hose stream to remove excess heat and smoke from burning structures to improve survivability and working conditions 
  • Salvage & Overhaul: Firefighters perform salvage operations to mop or remove excess water and debris that is the result of extinguishment efforts. Firefighters overhaul burning structures to ensure fire is completely extinguished by opening walls and ceilings to search for and extinguish embers. 
  • Water Supply: Connect engines to hydrants by dragging, carrying or hoisting high volume hoses into place to ensure a steady supply of water 

Bellingham Fire Department has a fire boat the Salish Star, stationed in the Bellingham Marina, that is responsible for fire suppression and rescue. BFD also has a ladder truck, stationed on Northwest Ave, that specializes in vehicle extrication and ventilation.

Firefighters perform rescue operations to find and remove trapped victims from a variety of situations including vehicle extrications, structural collapse, flooding, adverse terrain, surface water rescues, and hazardous material spills.  

Since 1904 the Bellingham Fire Department has had a rich history of excellence representing high levels of training and service in Whatcom County. Bellingham Fire Department has a reputation for compassion, integrity and excellence.  

  • 186 uniformed personnel  
  • 26 non uniformed personnel  
  • Serves the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County Fire District 8 (population 100,000+)  
  • 6 stations within city limits, 3 stations outside city 
  • 7 engines & 6 ambulances 
  • 1 ladder truck 
  • 1 fire boat 
  • 3 medic rigs 
  • 2 Community Paramedics  

For more information regarding our call volume and response types, please visit the Fire Department Data Dashboard. 

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