Being a volunteer firefighter is an act of civic engagement. The recruitment of volunteer firefighters is done by application and subjects the aspirant to certain criteria. The eBrigade software supports you, from recruitment to training, in the management of your volunteer firefighters.
Being a volunteer firefighter (SPV)
A volunteer firefighter, or SPV, is a person hired as a firefighter in parallel with his or her main professional activity. It is a civic act based on voluntariness, but subject to certain conditions.
Indeed, becoming a volunteer firefighter requires certain criteria:
- be at least 16 years old (minimum 21 years old is required to be an officer),
- have completed the Defence and Citizenship Day, be in possession of a certificate of service performed in the case of military service or national service,
- to maintain physical and medical fitness in accordance with the missions of the SPV,
- be in full possession of his or her civil rights,
- not be the subject of a conviction that is irreconcilable with the position of firefighter.
Other conditions are expected to reach the rank of lieutenant or captain. These grades both require the obtaining of a level II (BAC + 3) and level I (BAC + 5) diploma level. The Membership and Application module of the eBrigade software allows you to generate an application form, making it easier to fill in the various recruitment criteria.
The volunteer firefighter commitment is effective for a period of five years. It includes a probationary year and the appointment is automatically renewable subject to physical and medical aptitudes. Although the firefighter’s commitment and activity are based on volunteering, he is still required to demonstrate a certain availability, equivalent to about six monthly interventions.
Training
The volunteer firefighter benefits from several training courses in SPV missions. Initial training, including the probationary period of the volunteer firefighter, continuing and advanced training.
The initial training lasts about thirty days within a period of 1 to 3 years. During this training, the SPV practises operations specific to its rescue centre. The volunteer firefighter is still authorised to intervene according to his assimilation of the units of value. As soon as it is recruited, the SPV can also be hired as a volunteer firefighter learner. The volunteer firefighter team member can intervene after validation of his modules in three main areas of activity: fire, victim rescue and various operations (protection of people, property and the environment).
Continuous and advanced training takes place throughout the volunteer firefighter’s commitment. Their aim is to maintain the skills they have acquired and to help them develop specialities.
The software also supports training. In the form of training activities, you can manage the organisation of several types of training (initial training, continuing education, etc.) as well as their registrations. This tool facilitates the monitoring of volunteers and their skills acquired throughout their commitment.
How to get involved?
To get involved as a volunteer firefighter, simply submit your application to the Departmental Fire and Rescue Service (SDIS) in your department. The application file includes a CV, a cover letter, as well as a copy of the titles, diplomas or training certificates.
In addition, the methods and criteria for recruiting SPVs are individual to each departmental SDIS. The Membership and Application module allows you to generate an application form and set up the recruitment process. It also gives you the option to keep each candidate form with the attached documents.
The Membership and Application module of the eBrigade software allows registration from an external site.
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