Become an On-Call Firefighter

Meet Maria, a Communications Manager and an On-Call Firefighter

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service has over 100 On-Call Firefighters in Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, ready to respond to emergencies.

With 10 On-Call operated fire stations and over one million residents in Surrey, the role is vital.

To be an On-Call Firefighter, you'll live or work within four to seven minutes of a fire station and will be alerted when there's an emergency. That means you can continue your regular job or commitments, all while being ready to respond when your community needs you.

Meet Maria, an On-Call Firefighter at Oxted Fire Station. She shares her journey of becoming an On-Call Firefighter. Revealing some myths and advice for those considering answering the call.

What inspired you to become an On-Call Firefighter and how do you balance this role with your primary job?

Working within Surrey County Council's Communications team, I support Surrey Fire and Rescue Service with their communications needs. I've always admired the camaraderie and teamwork that's so evident within the fire service, and I wanted to be part of that in a more hands-on way. Being involved in my local community has always been important to me, and becoming an On-Call Firefighter felt like a meaningful way to give back.

Balancing the on-call role with my full-time job and responsibilities as a mum can be a challenge. However it's achievable with good time management and prioritisation. I'm fortunate to have a supportive manager and a workplace that values flexibility, which helps me make it work.

How does being an On-Call Firefighter tie into your work for the council and are there any transferable skills or overlaps between the two roles?

Communication is central to both of my roles. Whether it's coordinating during an emergency as a Firefighter or crafting strategic messaging for the council. Skills like staying calm under pressure, making quick decisions, and working as part of a team are vital in both contexts.

One of the most transferable skills is having a solution-oriented mindset. As Firefighters, we're often faced with practical challenges that require problem-solving and adaptability, like finding alternative ways to approach a rescue. In communications, the challenges might involve simplifying complex information or presenting a technical issue in a way that's clear and engaging. Both roles require the ability to think on your feet and find solutions that make a difference to the outcome!

What's a common myth or misconception about being an On-Call Firefighter and what's the reality?

When I tell people that I need to be available for at least 54 hours a week, they're often surprised by what seems like a huge time commitment. But the reality is that I'm only called out for a small portion of that time. It's about being ready, not constantly on the go. I've learned to incorporate this availability into my daily routine—whether I'm at home, running errands locally, or spending time with my family. As long as I'm within four minutes of the fire station and can respond when the pager goes off, it's entirely manageable.

Can you describe a particularly rewarding or memorable experience you've had as an On-Call Firefighter, and how it impacted you?

During the recent heavy downpours and flooding in the Mole Valley area, we were called to assist an older gentleman. His car had become stuck in rising floodwaters. He had driven too far into the water before realising it was too deep to continue. By the time we arrived, the water was up to his torso, and he was trapped inside his vehicle.

After safely getting him out of the car, I was able to put my Immediate Emergency Care training into action. I then wrapped him in a foil blanket while monitoring his vitals. It was incredibly rewarding to be able to provide care and reassurance during such a distressing moment.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about becoming an On-Call Firefighter especially if they already have a full-time role?

Don't let the idea of balancing two roles discourage you. It's definitely doable with good planning and communication. Speak to your employer—they may be more supportive than you expect, as mine has been. We have On-Call Firefighters from all walks of life and many of them work for well-known companies.

If you're eligible and interested in becoming an On-Call Firefighter, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service would love to hear from you!

Find out more about the role and hear from more of our On-Call Firefighters.