"Our service is both dangerous and difficult" - these words from one well-known song concern not only law enforcement officers, but also firefighters. According to American statistics, firefighters die three times more often than cops. The incident of September 11, 2011 killed 348 firefighters, and during the tragedy at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, the brave guys who arrived at the site first died in the hundreds. I wonder how much a fireman gets, risking his life to save others? We will conduct a small study and compare the situation in our country and the USA.
Work difficulties
Some people may think that the work of a fireman does not require special physical or moral efforts. Dangerous situations are rare, for the whole month there may be one or two cases. But actually it is not so at all. In order to become a real lifeguard, you need to know many things:
- The first thing firefighters do when a fire occurs is to evacuate people. Acting in harmony, each member of the fire brigade performs its function: someone straightens his sleeves, someone directs barrels to the fire, others put forward a ladder and remove people from the upper floors and the roof. Several people are sent inside the fire to assess the situation and identify the victims.
- On average, a fire truck arrives in five minutes per incident. Ambulance - in 15-20 minutes. If there are victims on the spot who need urgent medical attention, firefighters will provide it. Each team member should know the basics of first aid in any situation.
- Excellent physical fitness. Clothing and equipment weigh a lot. In order to be able to handle her quickly, you need to train a lot. Therefore, firefighters are the best runners, strong men and swimmers.
Cost of salvation
As in America and in our country, firefighters, in addition to their main duty - the fight against fire, perform a number of other rescue functions during accidents or natural disasters. It is estimated that over 10 years of service, a fire fighter is at risk of injuring an average of 765 times. How much does a fireman in Moscow get for his courage?
According to reports of free vacancies, in the capital, a firefighter can count on 30-35 thousand per month. Naturally, the size of the salary will depend on the experience and the skills that the rescuer will receive during the operations. In the fire services there are vacancies not only for firefighters, but also for mechanics, electricians, dispatchers.
We find out how much a fire inspector in Moscow receives . His salary is about 60 thousand rubles. Compare the incomes of people in related professions on chart 1. The highest salaries are received by the heads of fire safety systems.
In other regions of Russia
To find out how much a fireman receives in Russia per month, you need to look at the statistics. According to a study conducted by the author, over the past 12 months, wages have not changed and remained at the level of 22.5 thousand rubles per month. This is the average data for Russia.
Consider the level of wages by region.
As can be seen in the graph, the salaries of the Kemerovo region receive the highest salary. Also, a high level of income from firefighters of the far North.
The income of a fireman depends on many nuances:
- minimum salary;
- allowances for length of service;
- northern or district ratios;
- premiums;
- other allowances for difficult working conditions.
Over the past five years, the salary situation has improved. Salaries have become more consistent with the risk and complexity of the profession.
Like in america
How much does a firefighter get in America? After all, this is a country with a completely different standard of living. The rescue service there is built on a slightly different principle. Together with firefighters at the base are ambulances. There are no rescue services at hospitals. After the reform of the 2000s, all ambulance employees are on the staff of the fire station.
But that is not all. If you calculate how much a fireman receives in the United States, it turns out that many of them do not get paid at all. And all because they volunteer for a fire or natural disaster. This practice is universally applied in all states of America.
According to statistics, in the United States there are more than one million firefighters. But among them, professionals are 200 thousand people. The rest - volunteers work in different fields, but in cases of emergency they are called up for service. Such a system is explained by an economic factor. A huge team does not need to be constantly maintained and paid its salary, and when the need arises, mobilization is carried out under the slogans "Together we are strength." This method saves thousands of dollars in small regions.
Small salary?
Despite the fact that the profession of a fireman in America is very prestigious, they get a little. For example, take New York and find out how much a fireman gets there. The average salary of a simple middle-level worker is $ 29,000 a year, and for firefighters - $ 33,000. That is slightly above average.
In the regions, the salary of a simple fire fighter for a year is $ 25,000 plus a package of benefits. The chief in the rank of captain is already receiving $ 32,000, the head of the brigade - $ 60,000. It is possible to retire for seniority, if the experience of more than 25 years of service. Men leave a fireman at the age of 48.
How to become a firefighter in America
As mentioned earlier, in small towns, almost all capable men become firefighters in emergency situations. But at the same time, there are special educational institutions in which personnel are trained from school. The state allocates money for grants for students who want to devote themselves to the work of rescuers. There are many preparatory courses, schools and extracurricular activities.
After school, those who want to become firefighters must take a special course, which consists of two parts: theoretical and practical. In the first part, students study such sciences as medicine, physics, construction and architecture. The second emphasis is on physical fitness.
In the process, firefighters regularly pass tests and write tests.
How to become a firefighter in Russia
In Russia, the easiest way to become a fireman after serving in the army. At fire stations, special courses are held, according to the results of which they can be hired. But for this to happen, you need to work as a trainee for a year. For 12 months, a fireman needs to master a lot of knowledge. He is present at the educational process, studying theory and methodological recommendations. Then he is put on guard for a day, but at the same time, a trained fireman is attached to him. After a successful βtestβ, the intern goes to the training center for three months, where he needs to learn all the necessary disciplines and pass the exams.
Primary or secondary vocational education of a fireman can be obtained at the Technical Fire and Rescue College No. 57 of Moscow. Higher education is provided by:
- Academy of the State Fire Service EMERCOM of Russia;
- St. Petersburg University of the State Fire Service EMERCOM of Russia;
- Ivanovo Institute of the State Fire Service EMERCOM of Russia;
- Ural Institute of the State Fire Service of the State Fire Service EMERCOM of Russia.
conclusions
So, we learned how much firefighters get in Russia and America. Comparing these data, we can say that in a month the Russian rescuer works for $ 400, and the American for $ 2000. Moreover, the prestige of the US fire service is so great that many are willing to work there for free. In Russia, they go to the fire service after the army or at the end of specialized educational institutions. Rescuers in our country have benefits and retire earlier than others.