I'm 22, and trying to join the fire department. I'm already enrolled in EMT courses. Is that a good start?

Question

I was told that most firefighters in my area need to have to have EMT training, so I went ahead and enrolled in EMT courses. But some people are telling me that I should volunteer first and get training that way, and worry about the EMT courses later. I wanted to do my courses now and volunteer later, so I can work as a paramedic and get paid while I volunteer. Whats the best thing to do?

Answer 1

Yes, that's a good start. My buddy is a firefighter here in Colorado. He volunteered for about 2 years before he got hired on. Another good thing to look into, alot of community colleges offer "Fire Sciences" coursework. You can get an AS, or sometimes all the way up to a Masters (of course that level isn't tought at community college) if you want to maybe be a fire inspector, or chief someday. Good luck!!

Answer 2

Off to a good start! That's how my buddy got into the department. Took his EMT courses, then worked as an EMT for like a year, and finally got into the department.

I hear in my area, unless you're female, that's the only way to get into the department right now.

Answer 3

Well you see Carl, the answer to your question is simply yes. It will not help you physically. However, If you're going to fill out an application at the local Fire House, it is good to brag to Steve and Kevin about how you were once an EMT. Do your courses. Do it.

Answer 4

right here in Ontario there's a fire college the place they prepare classes, provide assessments, and licences. Many firehouses now call for which you bypass those classes with the intention to grow to be a paid fire fighter. do a sprint discover ways to locate the closest fire college on your state. you may make many contacts and submit for jobs listed with the college. The course that my husband took replaced into 2 months, with extreme attitude rescue, small motor vehicle extraction, and defib education. he's a fire fighter for a nuclear ability plant, as nicely because of the fact the coach for his volunteer domicile, because of the fact he has the main journey. sturdy luck!

Answer 5

hi, my sons a fireman & he thought it would be best to stick to your emt training & volunteer with the fire brigade 1 or 2 days per week. the more training you have the more able you become to go for better paying jobs in the future. always get references re your voluntary hours, that will hold you in good esteem for future paid employment. good luck & best wishes, annie from down under.

Answer 6

I'm actually doing the same thing. 22, starting out as a volunteer firefighter. It's a great thing to do, trust me. Good pay for working real jobs.

Answer 7

do what you think is right. but remember, you also will need to have fire-fighter training. most fire departments have it available for those who can qualify for it. the trainoing you get as a volunteer is mostly remedial. and not the very basics. remedial is for those who have already had firefighting instruction in basic firefighting.

Answer 8

The physical requirements are stringent. You may have to run the mile in like six minutes. Push ups and pull ups. leaping to see how high you can jump straight up. Carrying heavy weight like a human body.
Following directions and moving quickly when given the need. Running an obstacle course.
Work on all these things. Run, Run Run!!!

Answer 9

dear atlas,

becoming an EMT is a very good start. most community colleges have courses in fire science, take them. One also needs to be in good physical shape.

Answer 10

A lot of hicks do volunteer work first. Usually they are the fire fighter in their little Village or Town.