You have less than a one percent chance of getting the job when you apply.
And if you are hired, you have to endure six months of training.
That's what it takes to become a honolulu firefighter but applications still keep pouring in.
This is a training session for the latest class of recruits. The scenario, a building has partially collapsed and there are casualties.
Recruits have to determine who needs immediate attention.
And those who aren't seriously injured.
The casualties are separated in different categories. Those in the red mat are in need of immediate attention, those in the green can wait, those that are brought in the yellow mat, that is a tougher decision to make.
In some cases, firefighters don't have the medical means that can help, so that patient will have to wait. These are tough decisions that firefighters have to make on the spot, but they don't have to make it alone.
"They work together as a group and have a common base of knowledge so that they can perform as directed and as based upon what they find," explained Captain Terry Seelig.
HFD expects more than five thousand people to apply in an upcoming recruitment drive, which is done every two and a half years. After going through written and physical agility tests, interviews, and medical screening, just over a hundred will actually make it in. Those who have put in the time say it's worth the effort, because there's always something exciting to look forward to.
"Anything from medical calls, to rescues on land and sea, to firefighting, hazardous materials. So that constant change I think is appealing to firefighter applicants," said Captain Debbi Eleneki.
HFD is taking applications for the next class of recruits from June first to the fifth. Starting pay is just over 40-thousand dollars.