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On-call firefighters
An on-call firefighter is someone who is employed by a fire and rescue service and is 'on-call' to respond to a range of emergencies. They will respond from home, or another place of work, where they have everyday lives and jobs - until their pager sounds and they respond as a firefighter within their community.

File type
On-call firefighter information guide
Read more about becoming an on-call firefighter.
Download
Application process
The stages below outline each step of the application process.

Stage 1 - Initial contact
- Register with the National On-call Website via: www.oncallfire.uk.
- Contact your local fire station and attend a drill night to see what it’s like to be an on-call firefighter.
- Contact our team of On-call Support Crew Managers.
- Discuss availability of hours.
Stage 2 - Application
- Complete online application form.
- Complete 124a form which highlights the provision of hours covered. This is a crucial part of your application.
Stage 3 - Physical and written assessments
- Participate in physical tests including Bleep test or Chester Treadmill Test, hand grip, ladder lift, ladder climb, equipment assembly, rural equipment carry and confined space tests.
- Participate in a mental agility test. This is a 15 minute timed test, designed to assess your mental agility, numeracy, literacy and problem solving skills.
Stage 4 - Interview
- The purpose of the interview is to assess your general attitude for the role an on-call firefighter.
- We encourage you to give examples about your own experiences and behaviours that demonstrate our Core Values. You will be marked against our core values and the role map requirements.
Stage 5 - Medical
- Invitation to be examined by the Occupational Health Physician.
- Complete a questionnaire covering your medical history. They may request a copy of your medical records from your GP.
- An eye test will also be required.
- The medical will include a physical examination and a range of tests including: hearing test, lung function, blood pressure test.
- CFRS require candidates to meet the eyesight standards for the Fire Service and DVLA Group 2 licence. For further information, please visit: www.fireservice.co.uk/recruitment/eyesight/
Stage 6 - References
Need to provide two references:
- Current/previous employer
- Personal character
Stage 7 - Appointment
- If you successfully pass each of the above stages, from assessment to pre-employment checks, you will be offered a role as an on-call firefighter.
- You will receive a contract of employment which details your terms and conditions as an employee of CFRS, including your agreed hours at your local station.
- Your Availability Form (124a Form) forms part of your contract of employment.