Dublin Woman Transitions from Retail to Life-Saving Firefighter

Many individuals aspire to make a significant impact, yet few possess the courage to confront the dangers of emergencies. Jane Cassidy from Dublin is one such individual who embraced this challenge by leaving her nine-year career as a communications manager in retail to pursue a role as a firefighter. “Working with people has always been second nature,” Cassidy explained. After hearing a firefighter recruitment advertisement on the radio in 2022, she felt compelled to make a change.

Having experienced the conventional 9-5 office job, Jane sought a profession that aligned with her passion for helping others. She applied to the Dublin Fire Brigade, stating, “I took a risk. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done; I love it.” For Cassidy, the combination of teamwork, physical activity, and service to the community made firefighting an appealing choice.

Upon acceptance, Jane began her training in May 2023. The training program was rigorous, lasting several months, and involved psychometric testing, interviews, and physical assessments. “The crew I trained with really made it. We bonded so well and supported each other. That’s a massive part of the job—teamwork,” she noted. The skills she acquired during training have become second nature, allowing her to effectively apply them in real-world situations.

As a firefighter and paramedic stationed at Tallaght Fire Station, Jane’s responsibilities are diverse. The Tallaght station serves a specific district, responding to various emergencies, including fires, medical calls, and road traffic incidents. “Every day is so different. I go into work, and I never know what’s going to happen in Dublin city that day. I love that,” she shared.

The firefighters work rotating shifts, requiring adaptability between nine-hour day shifts and 15-hour night shifts. Daily routines include cleaning the station, maintaining equipment, and participating in drills to stay proficient with tools and techniques. “You also do a drill in the afternoon, which can cover anything. Usually, it’s about getting hands-on with equipment that you might not have used in a while,” Cassidy explained.

Contrary to popular belief, the role does not solely involve fighting fires. Jane spends a significant amount of time responding to medical emergencies. “That’s why you might see a fire truck arrive at a medical incident. We ensure the patient is stable until an ambulance arrives,” she clarified. The excitement of entering a burning structure is a highlight for many firefighters, including Jane. “Fighting fires is one part of the training that everyone enjoys,” she remarked.

On her first fire-related call as a recruit, Jane felt a mix of nerves and excitement. “The training mirrors the real experience. You get a bit of a thrill when those calls come in,” she recounted. In the field, firefighters work in pairs, which enhances safety and efficiency. “It’s a serious graft,” she added, emphasizing the collaboration required in high-pressure situations.

The emotional toll of the job is significant, as Jane encounters distressing scenarios regularly. “You rely on each other and look out for one another. That’s important, as sometimes when you’re out on a call, you can see difficult things that can affect you. It’s like a second family,” she stated. To manage stress, Cassidy and her colleagues utilize the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) program, which offers support after particularly traumatic incidents.

“CISM will always be activated after something traumatic. They make sure everyone is okay and let people know they can talk to them,” Jane explained. This support network enables her to process experiences and maintain a healthy work-life balance. “I do think about cases, but I can’t always carry it home with me. Tragic things do occur, and it reminds me to be grateful for what I have. Every morning is a new day,” she reflected.

Throughout her career, Jane has built connections with various professionals, including paramedics, doctors, and hospital staff. “It’s not always sad. You can have great fun and good laughs with people. Being able to make people smile and almost talk them out of feeling unwell is great,” she noted.

The satisfaction of helping individuals during their most challenging moments is what drives Jane. “The look on their face when they see you coming… they have just called emergency services at the worst moment of their day. Being able to arrive on the scene and use my skills to help people in need gives me great satisfaction,” she concluded.

With her dedication and passion for service, Jane Cassidy exemplifies the vital role firefighters play in their communities. Her journey from retail to a life-saving profession serves as an inspiring reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of others.