I have been involved in the fire service since I was 16 years old. I am 28 now. I started on my town's volunteer ambulance and when I turned 18, I joined the fire dept. All I ever wanted to do was become a "career" firefighter. I became a paramedic, I have a fire science degree, and I also became an instructor. I finally got hired in a large fire dept in Va. Soon after going to work, I was terminated.....because i am a diabetic. I have been hired in 4 other fire depts since. I kept being diabetic a secret from the depts because i knew I would never get hired because of the diabetes. Each time I allowed my condition to be known, I was terminated. I have never had any episodes of low blood sugar, and this condition has never affected me on the job. If it wasnt for me allowing others to know of my condition, I am certain that I would still be a firefighter. I am not a drunk, and I would help anyone. I can't find a reason why God won't allow me to continue to work in this service. Can U?
2007-07-29 16:09:56 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Diabetes
I am glad that so many of you seem to think that a diabetic person places firefighter co workers at risk. This diabetic paramedic shocked a fat non diabetic firefighter and he is alive today because of me..after placing me and the general public at risk because of his fat ***. Maybe all firefighters should be diabetic, then they would not have a gut hanging over their belts. Heart attacks, strokes.....kills firemen each year. Maybe a fat fireman is more of a risk than a diabetic one. What do I know? As far as the whole God thing.....thats a croc. His *** must have been sleeping on 9/11 and when Worcester Fire Dept was searching for victims. He sure as hell wasnt there in south carolina......9. I am not much of a holy roller, and i am tired of trying to help people only to get screwed. So, me not being a fireman is probably a good thing.
2007-07-29 17:32:55 · update #1
It's not God. Just keep it quiet. It's ok to do that. People with HIV have the same problem as do people with epilepsy. It is difficult to get and keep a job if you have a chronic medical condition. This is not their business.
2007-07-29 17:05:33 · answer #1 · answered by mama woof 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
There is NO reason why a diabetic can't be a firefighter. It was illegal for you to be fired because of it. Don't lie about it, though. Lies of omission can come back to haunt you.
While there may have been some restrictions, don't let anyone tell you that you can't do the job. I know several diabetic firefighters and all do the job well. When it comes to restrictions, you will probably not be able to get a CDL, which is required in most states to drive a fire truck (ambulances are okay...you don't need a CDL for that.
I'm an EMT (not a firefighter but that's not because of diabetes). I drive an ambulance, work long hours and weird shifts and I manage just fine. One way I do this is with an insulin pump. No problem there. I have never put my co-workers, patients or anyone at risk because of diabetes. I'm very careful and I take care of myself.
I advise you to talk to an attorney. You may have ground for wrongful termintion against persons with "disabilities (although I have never considered diabetes in and of itself to be a disability).
Keep working toward your dream. Someone like you, who is a firefighter and a paramedic and instructor to boot would be wanted by any fire department. Don't give it up because of a disease. Maybe you could consider going to just medical. Paramedics don't necessarily have to be firefighters to work in 911...they just work off the ambulance.
One thing I learned a long time ago is that there are a lot of diseases that can take your life. Diabetes can take OVER your life. Please don't let it. Stay in public safety, get out there and show them what we can do!! God bless.
EMT
2007-07-31 14:57:21 · answer #2 · answered by emt_me911 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't know what God would have to do with keeping you from being anything you want to be. Perhaps you aren't listening to what it is you need to do. You make a very good point about some of the firefighters that can be found in some departments. Perhaps you have an opportunity to educate and get a movement going to change some of the rules. Do you keep records of your blood sugar? Do you have reports from your doctor to support your contention that you are always in balance and not a risk to others. What is your plan if you were at a site for ten or twelve hours constantly working a hose or building a break... that is probably the underlying concern for the department from the basic perspective of concerns. Seems to me if you can prove yourself under stressful situations and provide documentation that shows your blood sugar levels are no different than someone without diabetes that you would have a good format for being the exception to the rule. I imagine there are a lot of people just like you who take good care of themselves and simply do not mention their condition for the very reasons you have described. Hope this gives you a little different perspective and approach to your situation and that you can come up with some creative ways to find a better solution for you and others like you.
2007-07-29 17:47:40 · answer #3 · answered by LEC 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok so im surprised no one told you this...but you cannot get fired from a job on the basis of being diabetic. Its called discrimination and as a diabetic you are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act. If they told you thats why you were fired, then you can sue the fire department/city under the ADA. Most of these people are full of it, you can do anything you want, and you have that right. They have no legal right to fire you because of diabetes, its actually illegal. Im actually a little riled up about this because everyone here seems to think that they can legally do that. If you pass the physical, and all the medical requirements and they hire you, then you cannot be fired for being diabetic, plain and simple. I would check into a lawsuit if i were you.
2007-08-02 08:32:54 · answer #4 · answered by sassycat_0910 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow that's sad.....My toddler son is diabetic and I can only imagine the heartache and disappointments he will face as he grows older. Are there any laws or rules where you were working that state that you can not be a diabetic and have this job? If not maybe you could pursue some legal action and prove that upon discovering your condition you were fired. Basically that's discrimination and although I think its a dangerous job to be in anyway I can see why people who don't know the disease would be worried. People need to know before they speak! I hope you realize that maybe GOD has something way better for you! Never feel discouraged due to your D I intent to tell my son he can be and do anything his little heart desires..and I have every intention of paving that path for him!! again good LUCK and Look the bigger and Brighter things! When a door closes a window opens.....Look for that window!!
D's mommy!!
2007-07-30 05:11:17 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes when God closes a door in front of you, if you turn around and look you will find a different door open for you. Being a fireman is very strenuous work and yes your blood sugar can drop dramatically, very quickly. Not to mention the fact that the hours are irregular which makes meals irregular which can complicate the disease. You have been lucky so far that your diabetes hasn't affected your ability to do your job. I know this is something that you wanted to do, but maybe he wants you to do something else. Have you thought of nursing? There are a lot of diabetic nurses out here.
2007-07-29 16:18:44 · answer #6 · answered by Lola 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why would you wanna be a firefighter? Most of them are all fat pieces of **** that are to overweight to get out of their own way. If you are diabetic and a firefighter, i am sure you are in good shape. So, it would probably be you that would have to be the one rescuing your co workers and not the other way around. How many fireman die each year from heart attacks and strokes? Why....cause they are fat and overweight. How many die from low blood sugar?.....i have not heard of 1 yet. If you really want to be a hero, become the new Jack Lalane...for the fire service. Save those fat people from themselves. around 100 or a little more die each year......and its always from the same causes.......the same causes. so, this means they are also stupid. Anyway.....this is a discrimination issue. Fire Depts are supposed to do a thorough back round check on candidates anyway. .
2007-07-29 17:17:43 · answer #7 · answered by zimmiesgrl 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
With the newer types of insulin these days, diabetic diets aren't necessarily as restrictive as they used to be. Read here https://tr.im/x15TB
As with any medicine or diet change, you should discuss it with your doctor. Fruits, both fresh and dried, have a natural sugar in them that will raise blood sugar levels, so be careful about eating too much. Not sure about the nuts. Moderation is always the key. I've been diabetic for 18 years and just recently changed insulin types. I love it because it gives me more freedom in when and what I eat.
2016-05-01 15:18:08 · answer #8 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You just need to let them know that your condition won't be at risk. But they're doing it out of legal rights, and its better that you tell the truth and not get hired than to lie, get caught and get fired, and end up not even with that job anyway.
im sorry that you have such a passion for it but are having such a hard time getting a job. The time will come, you just have to wait. Also, your life for firefighting is great, but keep your eyes open. You never know what will come your way that you've never thought of before, you'll be surprised at the love you have for other things aswell.
All the luck to you bud!
xx
2007-07-29 16:15:13 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It's not discrimination, it's an NFPA standard.
NFPA 1582 A.9.6.2(1)
It specifically references diabetes, and more specifically insulin dependent diabetes. The departments that are not hiring you are doing so because they are following the standards. Same as they are when the refuse to hire candidates who are colorblind.
Some volunteer departments will gladly accept the help you have to offer, and I hope you find a department that will work with you, you sound like you have a lot to offer.
2007-07-31 02:44:04 · answer #10 · answered by Michael H 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Lies of omission on your health forms is enough to bring termination.
Because Fire Fighters rely on one another for their lives under extremely dangerous conditions, even the "outside chance" of you having a diabetic episode can put your fellow fire fighters at greater risk.
Your own personal goals should not put others at risk. I support the decision all those Fire Departments made to terminate you.
Look for another area of service within the Emergency Services. "Them that can, do. Them that can't, teach."
Retired Fire Fighter-current Teacher)
(retired due to asthma)
2007-07-29 16:25:53 · answer #11 · answered by Bobby Jim 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋