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Firefighters and EMTs - Burn Prevention and Response Specialists

Firefighters and EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) protect communities by preventing fires, responding to emergencies, and mitigating the impact of burn injuries. Their work blends frontline response, public education, and collaboration with burn care teams to save lives and support recovery.


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Find Jobs in Burn Prevention and Response

Explore roles with municipal fire departments, EMS (Emergency Medical Services) agencies, national and regional fire safety programs, and specialty burn prevention teams. Opportunities often include emergency response, public education, community risk reduction, and working alongside burn centers.


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What Do Firefighters and EMTs Do?

Firefighters and EMTs respond to fires, medical emergencies, vehicle accidents, and incidents involving hazardous materials. Many also lead community burn prevention programs, teach fire safety, and partner with hospitals to help prevent and manage burn injuries.

Typical Work Environments

  • Municipal and regional fire and EMS departments 

  • Specialized burn prevention units or community risk reduction teams 

  • Schools and community groups for public education 

  • Collaboration with hospital burn centers, trauma teams, and burn survivor networks

Key Responsibilities

  • Respond quickly to fire, medical, and rescue emergencies 

  • Provide emergency medical care and stabilization as EMTs or paramedics 

  • Educate the public on fire safety and burn prevention 

  • Inspect buildings and enforce fire codes 

  • Partner with burn centers on survivor outreach and recovery programs 

  • Participate in ongoing training and skill development 

  • Maintain firefighting, EMS, and rescue equipment

Education and Training Path

  • High school diploma or GED (minimum requirement) 

  • Fire academy training and certification (varies by state/department) 

  • EMT certification; some roles require advanced paramedic licensure 

  • Continuing education in community risk reduction, burn prevention, and hazardous materials 

  • Advanced courses in burn prevention and survivor support through the ABA or related organizations, such as Advanced Burn Life Support® training 

What Makes a Successful Firefighter and EMT? 

Preventing burn injuries saves lives and eases suffering before a patient ever reaches the hospital. Firefighters and EMTs specializing in prevention and response bridge the gap between emergency care and long-term community safety.

ABA Membership Benefit for Firefighters and EMT

  • Evidence-based burn prevention toolkits and public education resources 

  • Networking with burn care professionals, trauma teams, and survivor advocates 

  • Discounts on Advanced Burn Life Support® (ABLS) and specialized courses 

  • Opportunities to join the ABA Burn Prevention Committee’s initiatives 

  • Resources to build and expand local burn prevention and community risk reduction programs 


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This work is about more than emergencies — it’s about protecting people before, during, and after. The ABA’s prevention tools, and professional network help us make our communities safer every day.

Jason Woods, FF
Firefighter/EMT and Burn Prevention Advocate

Advance Your Career in Burn Prevention and Emergency Response

The ABA supports firefighters and EMTs with education, prevention resources, and a network dedicated to saving lives. Join today to expand your impact — on every call and in every community.


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