To be exact, the definition of a fireman is a man who fights fires, usually a public employee or trained volunteer. However, there is much more that defines a firefighter. A firefighter is strong, courageous, selfless, adaptable, caring and trustworthy. A firefighter is mentally strong. There are times when a firefighter must make a split-second decision, which can save a life or possibly put a person's life in danger. When making these decisions, many thoughts run through a firefighter's head. For example, is it safe to enter this burning building? Should I give this medicine? When searching a burning building, should I go right or left? What is the best way to ventilate smoke from this building? Each of these questions requires mental strength. Additionally, mental strength is required when tragedy strikes. The firefighter must be able to overcome the stress of the tragedy to continue his work. A firefighter is not only mentally strong, but also physically strong. Being physically fit is part of a firefighter's job. For example, cardiac endurance is vital for the firefighter since the leading cause of death among on-duty firefighters is heart attacks. The heart is put under extreme stress when a firefighter exercises in a burning building. If the firefighter's heart is not conditioned, he or she is at higher risk of a heart attack. Additionally, rescuing a person from a burning building requires a lot of strength. Often, a person trapped in a burning building is weak or unconscious from smoke inhalation and must be carried to safety. A firefighter must also maintain strength to handle heavy equipment such as ladders, car extricators and garden hoses. A firefighter is strong. Every firefighter is brave. Courage is required...... middle of paper...... his fellow firefighters. Trust is vitally important when depending on someone to save your life. Citizens and fellow firefighters trust that the firefighter will do what he needs to do in various situations. Firefighters are confident that their colleagues know what they do at work. When lives are in danger, whether it is a community member or another firefighter, the firefighter is trusted to carry out their task and save lives. A firefighter can be defined in many ways and means something different to each individual. People who have been rescued from a fire or received emergency medical services may define a firefighter differently than someone who has never needed a firefighter. A firefighter's spouse or family may also have a different point of view. The firefighter also has a definition of himself, just like the ordinary man who simply does his job..