BECOME A FIRE CONTROL OPERATOR

Thousands of calls are received by the Fire Service control every year, and the Fire Control Operators (FCOp) are a vital element in the work of the Fire and Rescue Service.

LEARN THE STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS OF HOW TO BECOME A FIRE CONTROL OPERATOR.

Packed full of insightful information, tips and guidance, this download guide will ensure that you have the very best chance of securing a job as a Fire Control Operator.

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THE ROLE OF A FIRE CONTROL OPERATOR

The main duty of the FCOp is to obtain enough information from the caller and, within 90 seconds of taking the call, decide what fire crews and equipment need to be sent to the incident. Naturally, in the vast majority of cases this will be a relatively simple task based on the predetermined response that has been set by the Fire and Rescue Service. However, on occasions there will be times when the skills of the FCOp will be tested to the limit. The potential for varying degrees of incident difficulty will very much depend on the ‘risks’ that are present in a specific county area.

For example, in the county of Kent there are the following significant risks:

  • The Channel Tunnel;
  • The M2, M20, M25 and M26 motorways;
  • Dungeness Power Station;
  • Numerous rail links, including the hi-speed rail link to London;
  • Bluewater shopping centre;
  • The Queen Elizabeth Bridge and the Dartford river crossing.

Of course, the county area that you are applying to join as a FCOp will have many different risks than the county of Kent. We recommend that you learn what they are before you attend the interview stage of the FCOp selection process. Here is a sample interview question for you to prepare for:

Q. What are the major risks presented to the Fire and Rescue Service in this county area?

fire control operator UK

FIRE CONTROL OPERATOR PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

To be a competent FCOp you will need to demonstrate the following personal attributes:

  • Confident communication skills (oral, written and comprehension skills);
  • Effective and confident telephone communicator;
  • Good keyboard skills;
  • Be able to work calmly under pressure maintaining attention to detail;
  • Enjoy contributing to a small team environment;
  • Be able to prioritise events and take appropriate action;
  • Be able to absorb verbal and written information and apply this both practically and theoretically to NVQ Level 3 standard or equivalent;
  • Be self-motivated, with aptitude and ability to undertake intensive initial and ongoing training and assessment.

To become a fire control operator, you will need to:

  • Demonstrate the key qualities and attributes required to perform the role
  • Complete the application form stage
  • Undertake assessment tests including: Audio Typing, Word Comprehension and Number Recall
  • Pass the fire control operator interviews

TESTING

Testing may vary from Fire Service to Fire Service; however, the tests will usually consist of the following three elements. Audio Typing: this consists of listening to passages read out by an individual or from an audio recording device played out loud into the room. The aim of this test is to assess your typing speed, spelling, accuracy, listening skills and also your interpretation of what is being said. The content you provide will be examined, and even though you may not finish the passage, as long as the example is accurate and spelling is good this will be considered. Word Comprehension: this is the ability to read text, process it and understand its meaning. This is tested by reading a passage that will then give a choice of the correct spelling and the meaning of the word. For example: “The presence of the man in the room” could also be written as “The presents of the man in the room.” Both sound the same, but the written context is totally different.

  • Presence = the fact or condition of being present within your immediate surroundings or vicinity.
  • Presents = a gift or showing and giving, or an introduction.

Number Recall: this again, is either verbally given from a representative or a recording played in the room. A sequence of numbers is given; initially a lower set of numbers is given, i.e. 2928. Then, as the test progresses, the length of sequence will increase i.e. 4935742, and so on. You are required to write down the numbers in the correct sequence on your test paper. This test is used for listening and accuracy skills. Numbers are used to a high percentage of the working day within the role of an Operator and therefore, you need to demonstrate that your memory retention ability is high

QUESTION

The pilot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . the helicopter back to basecamp due . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . the strong winds and . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . down pour.

Which of the following combinations of words is the only one which can be inserted into the sentence? ANSWER: D

How to Become a 999 Fire Control Operator Guide Download
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MAIN PRODUCT FEATURES

  • Become a Fire Control Operator – A comprehensive overview on how to pass every element off the selection process.
  • Application form – How to complete the application form with sample questions and answers.
  • Practice Tests – This guide contains over 100 test questions and answers:
    • Audio Typing test;
    • Word Comprehension tests;
    • Number Recall tests.
  • Assessment centre – Pass the assessment centre.
  • Interview – Step-by-step interview process.
  • Insider advice and expert knowledge!

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How to Become a 999 Fire Control Operator Guide Download

✓Become a Fire Control Operator – A comprehensive overview on how to pass every element off the selection process;
✓ Application form - How to complete the application form with sample questions and answers;
✓ Practice Tests – This guide contains over 100 test questions and answers;
✓ Assessment centre - Pass the assessment centre;
✓ Interview – Step-by-step interview process.
Order Now