What is an On-Call firefighter?
On-Call crews will be called upon to attend the full range of incidents including fires, floods, road traffic collisions, chemical spills and more, and work alongside their Full-Time colleagues at many incidents.
Our On-Call Fire Stations
There are 22 strategically placed On-Call Fire Stations across Humberside Fire and Rescue Service area. These include 19 stand-alone On-Call stations and 3 combined Full-Time/On-Call stations.
Most On-Call firefighters are based in rural areas and will crew a designated fire engine at an On-Call fire station. However, some are based in urban areas on stations alongside Full-Time crews (Full-Time firefighters).
Some of these On-Call Stations also have specialist appliances such as High Volume Pumps, Water Support Units, Command Units and Aerial Ladder Platforms.
Click here to find out if you are close to an On-Call Fire Station.
Providing availability
You need to live or work within five minutes (driving at normal road speed) of an On-Call fire station. You have to be flexible in your work because no-one can predict when you’ll be called out, each firefighter carries an ‘alerter’ so that they can respond when required.
There is a basic salary based on the specified hours declared in a Firefighters Availability Profile and an additional payment for responding and attending incidents.
Shift system
Most of our On-Call firefighters have full-time occupations outside of the Fire and Rescue Service, some of those have an agreement with their employers they can be released from their normal occupation to attend incidents as and when required. However, others manage their availability around their full time employment.
As such they have agreed to commit themselves when required, this commitment includes:
- A requirement to attend a weekly development session
- A requirement to attend training courses as and when necessary
- A commitment to respond to emergency calls
What sort of commitment we will need from you?
You will need to be committed to responding when you are needed.
For much of the time, an On-Call fire station does not have a crew in it.
As an On-Call firefighter you will be alerted when you are needed and have 5 minutes (driving at normal road speed) to report to your On-Call Fire Station and, with your crew, mobilise the necessary fire engine(s).
Our On-Call firefighters usually have other occupations, but when the call comes they drop whatever they are doing and become part of our team.
Depending on the type of cover given, as an On-Call firefighter you could respond from home and/or a place of work, day and/or night.
You will receive a retaining fee relevant to the amount of hours availability you can provide. You will receive a disturbance fee and additional hourly rate payments when responding to an emergency.
You will need to be committed to train and gain the skills needed for the role.
On-Call firefighters are required to fulfil training for their role and must attend regular training activities, in addition to some and other pre-planned centrally based training sessions provided by our Training Department.
You will also have opportunities to carry out additional duties such as, community fire safety sessions, equipment maintenance and testing and general station routines. These duties are in addition to responding to emergencies such as:
- Animal rescues
- Road traffic collisions
- Property fires
- Industrial fires
- Fires in the open
- Water rescues
- Humanitarian assistance
- Medical assistance
- and many, many more…
You will obtain knowledge and learn new skills along the way such as first aid, road traffic collision procedure and fire safety. As well as having the opportunity to learn other skills, such as driving a large goods vehicle.
Our commitment to you
You will be paid for all of the above commitments you make, which can add up to an attractive secondary form of income. You will gain many transferrable skills through training and development, including team working, leadership, communication, first aid, trauma care, fire and health and safety.
We will ensure that you acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and confidence to become an essential part of our team protecting your local community.
Online tests
The three ability tests: Verbal Reasoning (20 questions), Numerical Reasoning (18 questions) and Mechanical Reasoning (20 questions). Each test has a time limit and questions are randomised. All questions are relevant to the Fire Service. Example tests are available below, please note the links below open up a new web page:
- Examples of Verbal Reasoning
- Examples of Numerical Reasoning
- Examples of Mechanical Reasoning
These test your English and Math skills, if you wish to improve these ahead of the online process there are various courses within the Humberside area, click here to find out more.
Reasonable adjustments
Before the Ability Tests are undertaken, candidates are asked whether they have dyslexia. If so, please contact our Recruitment Team by email with evidence of your diagnosis. Once confirmed, candidates will be allocated extra time (normally 25%) to complete the three timed tests.
If there are other reasonable adjustments in relation to disability, individuals are asked to email the recruitment email address with their enquiry providing as much detail as possible.
Any questions or problems you may encounter should be directed in email to the On-Call Support Team: oncallrecruitment@humbersidefire.gov.uk
Verification Test
You will be asked to log in to the on-line account that you set up for your initial application and ability tests and complete a verification test.
This will be in a controlled classroom environment at Service Headquarters on the day of the practical assessments.
Practical selection tests
Take a look at the videos below to find out more about the practical selection tests.
Ladder lift text video transcript
To complete the test successfully,
you will need to combine endurance, upper and lower body strength,
and coordination to lift a ladder to do required height and lower
it safely under control. The cradle will be weight loaded.
There will be 3 lifts in total.
There is no time limit to complete this test.
Ladder climb test video transcript
To complete the test successfully,
you will need to demonstrate confidence going up
the ladder, applying the correct technique and coming down again.
There is a time limit of 3 minutes. Within this test
you will have to demonstrate a leg lock and look over and successfully
call out a symbol as instructed.
You will be wearing a full body harness and will be attached to the fall arrest device.
Ladder extension test video transcript
To complete the test successfully,
you will need to haul the ladder to the maximum height and then lower safely under control.
Applying the correct technique.
There will be a time limit to complete this test and it is 14.5 seconds.
You'll be in Instructed,
how to use the correct technique before the test starts.
30 meter casualty drag test video transcript
To complete the test successfully,
you will need to combine upper
and lower body strength and coordination and must complete this test within a time limit.
The time limit is 37.4 seconds.
The test will be set out in 10 meter sections,
with a 90-degree turn after the first and second 10 meter sections.
Ladder extend to lower test video transcript
To complete the test successfully,
you will need to raise the ladder, a short distance to simulate the
action required to extend to lower a ladder.
There is no time limit to complete this test.
The instructor will command stop when the instructor is satisfied with the lift.
Enclosed space test video transcript
To complete the test successfully,
you will need to wear a breathing apparatus mask.
You will not be under air, you'll be assisted by an instructor to put on a breathing apparatus,
mask, gloves, and helmet. With your mask un covered
and in natural light, you'll be expected to enter the enclosed space.
The aim is to negotiate the enclosed space.
This test will confirm your ability to move safely in enclosed and confined spaces.
Once you returned back to the entrance,
your mask will be covered over and you will be expected to go through the space again.
There will be a time limit to complete this test and you will have
5 minutes.
Equipment carry test video transcript
To complete the test successfully,
you will need to combine endurance, upper and lower body strength and co-ordination.
You will be carrying equipment over the length of the course,
moving around the two cones which cover a distance of 25 metres.
The items are laid out in order,
which they are to be used, there is a start and finish line.
There is a time limit to this test and the time to complete,
it is 5 minutes and 37 seconds.
Manual dexterity test transcript
This is an anchor Strop. It is a loop of material.
This is a carabiner.
It operates by opening the gate on a spring system. You open it by operating a sprung hinge.
When you let go, it automatically goes back into its closed position.
You lock it by turning the thumb lock until it is finger tight. Only unscrew the thumb lock and it is back ready for operational use.
The rigging plate is a blue metal plate with several holes. It is used to attach carabiners.
This test uses various ropes with loops into attached carabinas to.
This is a pulley. To open it up, twist it open, then close for use.
You can then place a rope inside the pulley and return to the closed position.
It is locked in place by placing a carabiner through the holes.
When required, take the carabiner off, open the two sides of the pulley and the rope comes free.
To set the anchor system up, pick up the anchor Strop and thread one end loop until it is halfway through the first anchor point fixed to the table. This anchor point is marked white.
Fold it in half and bring both ends together.
Use the white carabina labelled as #1.
Incorporate both loops in the carabina and then attach the carabiner to the blue rigging plate in the area marked white.
Make sure you secure the carabina gate.
Next, take the short yellow rope.
Take one of the yellow carabiners marked #2
Thread it through the loop on the rope
and attach it to the hole marked yellow on the rigging plate. Make sure you secure the corbina gate.
Take the second yellow carabina, thread it through the loop at the other end of the yellow rope, and use it to secure the rope to the yellow anchor fixed on the table.
Make sure you secure the carabina gate.
Next, take one of the blue carabiners and attach onto the loop on the piece of rope where the knot is marked blue.
Attach that onto the blue marked area on the blue rigging plate.
Take the blue pulley, open it up and close it around the rope between the two knots.
Take the second blue carabina and attach onto the closed pulley. Now attach the carabiner onto the blue anchor fixed on the table. Make sure you secure the carabina gate.
Take the red pulley, open it up and close it around the rope between the blue pulley and the last knot. Take a red carabiner and attach onto the closed pulley.
Now attach the carabiner onto the red area on the rigging plate. Make sure you secure the carabina gate.
Now take the last carabina and use it to attach the last knot to the red anchor fixed on the table. Make sure you secure the carabiner gate.
Once the instructor confirms you have completed the task, disassemble the equipment in reverse order and place all the items in their correct place as in the first image. Do not secure the carabina gates. The clock will then be stopped and your time will be recorded.
Fitness test
Take a look at the video below to find out more.
Multi stage fitness test video transcript
Multi-stage fitness tests, our bleep test,
Is a progressive running test that is used to predict aerobic fitness.
This involves running back and forth under twenty metre course in time with an audible bleep.
You should pace yourself, so that your foot touches, or is behind the line when hearing the bleep.
Before turning and running to the other end of the course in time with the next bleep.
At first, your running speed will be slow,
but will increase at the start of each level when you'll hear a triple bleep.
To be successful, you'll need to reach level 8,
shuttle 8. This is the equivalent to running
for approximately 8 and a half minutes covering a distance of 1400 metres,
which is close to one mile. You can familiarise yourself beforehand by
downloading a 20 metre bleep test app from your devices app store.
Many of these are free to download. Ensure that you use a suitable open space
and measure the distance of the course to provide an accurate result.
You can attempt a similar test on a treadmill by running for nine minutes,
starting at 8.5 kilometers per hour
and increasing speed by 0.5 kilometers per hour each minute.
You can also use a bleep test app to help you to train for the test.
Try running one level, then resting one level until you can no longer keep up with the bleep.
You can also do this with a partner by running alternate levels
and resting whilst your partner runs.
Another example is to forward the app to level 7,
complete the level, then rest for one minute and repeat three to four times.
Try to progress this to level 8,
or level 9, so that you are confident of passing the test.
Training
Your training to become a fully qualified competent Firefighter will take a period of time, with each step building on the last. The following provides an overview of what to expect.
IOSH (Health and Safety training)
Time: 1 Day
You will undertake an IOSH Working Safely course and learn the foundations for good working practices in the work place to ensure yourself and others are kept safe.
Phase A - Pumps and Ladders
Time: 10 Days
You will learn the basics in fire ground safety, using and storing our ladders, using and storing hoses and water delivery. Which will also include learning about fire service hydraulics and how to operate fire service pumps in a range of scenarios and environments. How to work safely at height, how to operate height safety equipment and perform rescues from height safel
Phase B – Breathing Apparatus and Compartment Fire Behaviour Training
Time: 12 Days
You will learn about fire behaviour, operating and wearing breathing apparatus, extinguishing fires and carrying out rescues from these types of incidents.
Phase C – Immediate Emergency Care
Time: 5 Days
You will learn the most advanced, up to date trauma skills currently available to non-health care professionals in the UK and be taught how to identify and treat life-threatening emergencies and prepare casualties for rapid evacuation to hospital.
Phase D – Road Traffic Collisions
Time: 5 Days
You learn how to safely resolve these types of incidents and operate technical rescue equipment.
Phase E – Water
Time: 2 Days
You will gain the knowledge and skills required to carry out rescues in a swift water and flood water environment.
Hazmat
Time: 1 Day
You will gain an understanding of what hazardous substances are and the risks associated with them at an incident.
Trainee Firefighter Development Programme
Time: 33 Months
With all initial training modules complete, you will be able to perform all the core firefighting tasks at an emergency.
At this stage you begin the 33 month Trainee Firefighter Development Programme to become a competent Firefighter.
Within this period, you will be trained and validated using the Skills For Justice Fire Functions and National Occupational Standards including:
- Informing and educating your community to improve awareness of fire and rescue safety matters
- Respond to operational incidents requiring breathing apparatus
- Taking responsibility for effective performance in fire and rescue
- Extricate casualties from situations of entrapment
- Save and preserve endangered life
- Operate fire service water pumps
- Resolve fire and rescue operational incidents
- Provide a first response to water based incidents
- Working at height in fire service
- Protect the environment from the effects of hazardous materials
- Support the effectiveness of operational response
- Support the development of colleagues in fire and rescue
- Contribute to fire safety solutions to minimise risks to your community
- Drive fire and rescue service vehicles
Fully qualified competent firefighter
Your competency in role will be demonstrated through assignments, assessments and the completion of a firefighter development portfolio.
Further training in specific areas and skills will be acquired throughout your firefighting career and your competency maintained through continuous training.
On-Call payment system
Our On-Call firefighters receive a variety of payments for providing cover, training and responding to emergencies.
Retaining fee
A retaining fee is paid for the hours of cover that you provide as an On-Call firefighter and will vary depending on the amount of cover agreed. This is only paid once recruit training is complete and you enter Firefighter development.
For example: a firefighter on a 70 Prime contract would receive per year £4,121.88 while in development phase and when competent this would increase to £5,274.50 per year.
Disturbance fee and hourly rate
This is a set amount that is paid each time you respond to an emergency as an On-Call firefighter.
Once alerted, you will be paid at a set hourly rate for the duration of the emergency call. You will also be paid at this rate for any training or additional work that you do for the Service.
| Role: Firefighter | Hourly Rate | Disturbance Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Trainee (for course attendance and development sessions only) | £12.91 | Not applicable as a Trainee |
| Development | £13.44 | £4.96 per call |
| Competent | £17.20 | £4.96 per call |
As a newly recruited On-Call firefighter you will start on the trainee hourly rate of pay, and stay on it until you have completed all the acquisition training modules.
You will then progress to the development hourly rate of pay until your portfolio is completed, usually after 33 months.
At this point you will graduate to the competent hourly rate of pay.
Employee benefits
Pensions
As one of our On-Call firefighters you will be eligible for membership to the 2015 Firefighters’ Pension Scheme. The 2015 Scheme is a Career Average Revalued Earnings (“CARE”) pension scheme, which came into effect on 1 April 2015. It is open to firefighters who took up employment on or after 1 April 2015, and whose role includes:
- resolving operational incidents; or
- leading and supporting others in the resolution of such incidents; and
- firefighters who are transition members.
To find out how the changes affect you, please click here.
If you have any further questions, please call the team on 01482 567540 or email oncallrecruitment@humbersidefire.gov.uk
