FOR generations, firefighting has been viewed as a male-dominated profession, shaped by physical stereotypes and outdated perceptions. But within the Jersey Fire and Rescue Service, that narrative is steadily changing, as more women step forward and prove that the role is defined by far more than brute strength.
In recent years, the service has made a concerted effort to open doors for women – recognising that confidence, teamwork, resilience and communication are just as vital as physical fitness.
Station Commander Craig Channing says many women rule themselves out before ever applying, often believing the job is beyond their physical capabilities – but recent female-only taster sessions have helped to remove that assumption.
“The sessions are a way to break down those barriers, to try and make women understand that they can physically and easily do the role,” he explained.
“Once they realise they can do the assesments, the application rate for female firefighters goes up.”
At its core, the role of a firefighter today is centred on medical response, rescue operations and working calmly under pressure.
Whilst acknowleging that a “baseline” level of fitness is essential, Mr Channing stressed that strength alone does not define a good firefighter.
Listing the ideal qualities, he said: “One, a blend of physical ability. Two, really good mental skills and professional character.”
Mr Channing added that age and background are not barriers to entry, and that people from a wide range of careers bring valuable transferable skills into the service.
“We only have a minimum age limit of 18 on your first day of service,” he explained.
“But we’ve taken on people through their 20, 30s, 40s and even 50s, because people at different ages have different things that they can bring to the service.”
He also highlighted persistence as an important quality, noting that not all successful candidates are accepted on their first attempt.
Mr Channing said that he has seen candidates later succeed following a second application.
“That shows for us the great resilience, testament to the resilience before wanting to come to the role,” he noted.
Taster sessions held over the last month gave interested individuals a flavour of what it’s like to be a firefighter, offering an interactive experience that showcased the physical and mental demands of the role.
Attendees had the opportunity to participate in simulated firefighting exercises –including a ladder lift and enclosed space scenario – with over 100 potential candidates in attendance.
But recruiting female firefighters remains a challenge.
Georgina Connor joined the service as a full-time firefighter around four years ago after spending eight years in the retained service.
She said that language and long-standing stereotypes have historically influenced how women view the profession.
“A while ago, it was always ‘fireman’ instead of ‘firefighter’, whhich has improved a bit since,” she said.
Ms Connor also reflected on her own early doubts about entering the role.
“We currently have three women in our retain service, which is a large increase from when I started,” she said.
“Originally, I was like ‘I can’t do this role’. Then I started passing tests like my colleagues were and gained some self belief.
“With that growing confidence, you realise that we all bring something to the table.”
Ms Connor said she hopes that increased visibility of women within the service will encourage more females to apply in future, helping to further break down outdated perceptions of what it takes to be a firefighter.
Mr Channing encouraged anyone interested to speak to the service and learn more about the role.
“I think once they come along and have a chat with us, they realise that they can actually do the job, and they’ve got a lot a lot of attributes to bring to the service,” he said.
