That childhood dream of becoming a firefighter could soon be a reality for some, as the island’s fire and rescue service are looking for retained and full-time members.

Since February, the service has been running drop-in sessions for those wanting to apply. Not one to pass off an exciting opportunity like this, I met up with members of the Douglas fire station to get a taste of what’s expected from candidates.

Walking into the station, I was greeted by friendly faces who explained what I was about to do in a very clear and calm manner.

I then prepared for my first exercise: the bleep test - a multi-stage 20 metre run that gets faster every time.

Speaking with firefighter Steve Brearley, he informed me that in order to pass, candidates must reach level 8.8. He added that this was to ’examine fitness levels’ and that members of the service carry out the test regularly.

Thankfully my previous bleep test experiences from rowing and netball practice came in handy, as I managed to reach the challenging level.

Steve introduced the next stage saying: ’We then do a confined space check, where you have to wear breathing apparatus, to see if you have claustrophobia.’

All kitted up, I was given a step-by-step guide through an L-shaped tunnel and was advised to adopt a superman-like style.

This wasn’t a comfortable exercise, as the cylinder on my back would get caught on wood panels and having a face mask on felt very restricting. It made me think about what this would be like under real circumstances with fire, smoke and the fierce heat.

Afterwards, I was handed a heavy 25 metre hose, which I had to unravel at shoulder level and roll back up. Candidates will need to do this six times in eight minutes. I did one in just over two minutes.

Leading firefighter Rich Little kindly suggested that I may need to do some shoulder-work at the gym.

He added: ’Once successful, candidates are sent away for a training course at a firefighter college before coming back on a probation period. It’s onward development in this profession and there’s so much opportunity down here where they can choose to progress or join a specialist team.’

Other activities are included in the three month recruitment process, but fire officer Nigel Cain claims that they are particularly on the look out for candidates who are ’confidently working together’.

He said: ’Attitude and behaviour is key. This is very important, as it’s a 30 year commitment from both sides and we need to make sure we make the right choice.’

Overall, it was a tough, but top educational experience!

â?¢ The deadline to apply is Sunday. For more information see www.gov.im/jobs

The Fire and Rescue Service have been holding ’Come and Try It’ sessions for people interested in becoming a firefighter.Reporter Jess Ward put her skills to the test to see if she has what it takes.