Each day, firefighters risk their lives to protect the people they serve. Their job is one of sacrifice and courage, but it also comes with unique challenges. Firefighters face danger regularly, which means they need a partner who understands what they go through daily. If you’re considering dating a firefighter, here are some things you should know before joining your relationship.
You Should Know That It Is a Very Dangerous Job
It’s important to know that being a firefighter is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Firefighters are often exposed to many chemicals and toxins, including asbestos, which can cause cancer and other health problems if inhaled or ingested over time.
They also work in extreme conditions, from fires that reach temperatures of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit to floods where they’re submerged up to their necks in water, and they may suffer injuries or even death while on duty.
It’s not just physical dangers that firefighters face either. They could also be exposed to emotional trauma from witnessing tragic events like car accidents or suicides while working at an accident scene. This type of stress can lead some people into substance abuse problems later on down the road.
Firefighters Can Be Called to Duty at Any Time
Source: work.chron.com
According to the US Fire Administration, there are around 1,215,700 firefighters in the US. And they are on call 24 hours a day. They can be called out at night, on holidays, or even on weekends. If you’re dating a firefighter and want to see them one day, you might find they’re away because they’ve been called into duty.
You need to understand this before getting involved with someone with this job type. You may have plans together that get ruined because they are called away unexpectedly. However, it’s not something they can control, so don’t take it personally.
Firefighters Often Have Many Nights Away From Home
One of the most significant drawbacks to dating a firefighter is that they can be called out anytime or night. While this may sound romantic in theory, it could be better when planning for family life. If your partner is on duty when your kids are sick, snow is on the ground, and school is canceled, it can be difficult for them to come home as planned.
As a result, many firefighters will try their best to stay with their families during holidays and other special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries. It means that even if you’re currently single but looking for someone who isn’t always going off-duty during these special days, there are still plenty of other options.
They Might Have Illness as a Result of AFFF
Source: nytimes.com
Recently, The Guardian reported that firefighters are three times more likely to die from specific types of cancer. They are exposed to toxic chemicals regularly. The most common chemical mixture firefighters use is AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam), which contains compounds like fluorosurfactants, hydrocarbons, and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).
These chemicals can cause illness in people exposed to them, including skin rashes, respiratory illnesses, and cancer. These effects aren’t always immediate, but they can also be long-term problems that may not appear until years later.
Many people have also filed lawsuits after developing severe illnesses due to AFFF exposure. The AFFF Lawsuit settlement amounts have been handsome, touching up to $300,000 or more. If you’re starting a relationship with a firefighter, it’s a good idea to learn more about the AFFF lawsuit and its latest updates.
A Firefighter’s Schedule Leaves Little Time for Family Time
Source: howtobecome.com
If you’re considering dating a firefighter, it’s essential to understand that their schedule leaves little time for family time. Firefighters are often called to duty at any time and may be away from home for long periods. They might also be called away from home for short periods. For example, if there is an emergency nearby or they need to travel for training.
For this reason, many firefighters choose not to have children while they are working full-time as firefighters. However, some do choose this career path because they want the satisfaction of helping people in need and saving lives without having kids themselves.
Being Trained as a Firefighter Can Be Expensive
Being a firefighter can be expensive. As you may know, firefighters must maintain their certifications and attend training sessions to keep up with new technology and maintain their equipment.
In addition, many departments require that you take certain classes before getting hired as a firefighter. So it’s best to prepare yourself financially for this possibility before pursuing any romantic relationship with one.
Conclusion
Source: viewthevibe.com
Dating a firefighter can be an exhausting experience. You need to be patient, understanding, flexible, supportive, and willing to compromise if you want your relationship with your firefighter partner to last.
Firefighters will not always be around as much as you would like them to be, but that doesn’t mean they don’t love or care about you. If this bothers you, dating a firefighter isn’t for you.
If you can handle the demanding lifestyle of a firefighter, then we highly recommend dating one. They are deeply dedicated to serving their community and protecting those in need.
They are also some of the most caring people around. If you’re looking for someone with a big heart willing to go above and beyond for those they love, this could be the perfect match for you.
