Any firefighters/EMTs on here?

[Dakota]

Because of my heart, I can't be in the military or join the police force but I still want to do something to help people. So I've been thinking about getting my CPR and EMT training to become an EMT on our local Volunteer Fire Department (in addition to finishing up my business degree and taxidermy program to run my own taxidermy studio). Anyone have any advice or experience with something like this? I think I've noticed from a signature or two that we have a few firefighters on here. What has been your experience with this stuff? Thanks!

Dakota

[Muff]

yep I am a Volly...been one for about 15 years now.....It can be very hard work but I love it....at the same time it can be very sad....had good things happen to me and also seen some very bad stuff....guess until you dive in to it you will know if you are cut out for it.

[redkneck]

I've been a volly for several years now. Very rewarding work. In a rural area like mine we can go from no pages in two weeks, to being paged out 5 nights in one week. We have also had a member or two with heart conditions that were either cleared by the doc, or they just restricted their duties, there is ALWAYS need for help at a large structural fire or serious car accident, I am sure you'll find purpose in the field as well as a great satisfaction in helping your fellow man.

[ODH]

you'll enjoy it Dakota. I've been doing it since ive been outa high school and love it. You'll see alot of stuff and it is very rewarding. Here in Ohio they push a lot of training hrs on us but every states different.

[The_Kat]

I have my EMT/Firefighter1 & 2. The classes are pretty fun, and the EMS runs are a blast. To pass the Firefighter classes you will have to perform some pretty physical tests. Make dang sure your heart can handle getting its rate up there. Carrying the 175lb dummy up and down stairs is no joke, and the sprints are fairly rigorous too.

As long as you can do it safely I highly recommend it. I miss being a police officer/EMT so much! It's an absolute thrill to go on a call code 3.

On a side note, be sure your prepared to see some horrible stuff as well. I was fortunate enough to only have to work 2 fatalities during my time in public service, but both still are vivid pictures in my mind.

Good luck!

[Turkeygirl]

I'd suggest seeing if you can get in contact with your local EMT/EMS and see if you can go on a ride, see what it's all about...

OR

You can be a nurse....

Actually the other day an EMT I know from having her come to camp twice to take 2 campers to the ER, she was trying to recruit my sister and I...I've got enough to do as a nurse but it's definitely something that is in need.

[ODH]

On a side note, be sure your prepared to see some horrible stuff as well. I was fortunate enough to only have to work 2 fatalities during my time in public service, but both still are vivid pictures in my mind.

yes, youll have those runs that youll never forget. But its worth it

[LifeNRA]

I was an EMT for nine years, volunteer fire fighter for 16 years. All volunteer! Seen my share of bad things, along with some good things. Being both an EMT and a FF, it can be physical job, mostly a FF due to carrying out the tasks of a everyday call. I would consult with your doctor before thinking about any of these two jobs.

[bowhuntMN]

I've been at Fire School for a year now and will be graduating this spring with my A.A.S. degree in Fire Technology and Administration. When it's all said and done I'll also be a nationally registered EMT and be state certified in Fire 1 and 2, it all comes with the program. I've also been a volunteer on our rural department for a little over a year now and would recommend it if you want to be on a paid department in the future. You'd definitely love this type of work if you have an interest in the military since the fire service is a paramilitary organization. I'm not sure what the requirements are for heart conditions but you'll have to ask around and see. I wouldn't think it would be a problem though if you want to become an EMT but I'm not completely sure. I actually just got back from my second interview with the ambulance squad in town so hopefully i'll be on with them this fall. That's another good thing to do if you want to be a fire fighter. Even though you're not fighting fires, EMS calls are probably 90% of the calls you'll get on a department so experience on an ambulance squad is golden.

I'd also recommend going to college for a degree in fire science or fire tech or whatever fire program they have because a lot of departments are looking for someone who has already done the training to be a fire fighter. That way the department doesn't have to pay for them to go through an academy. Good luck to you in the future man!

[The Bug House]

I got my FF1 in 1998, and became an EMT and then EMT-P a few years later. I've been a volley since, and was on a fire squad at a national lab I worked at. I'm also a Registered Respiratory Therapist, which means I am on the trauma team at my hospital. I have a fairly close relationship with several Fire/EMS agencies. The departments I'm familiar with (including my own) have several members who, for one reason or another, have health related limitations. Most of these guys either chauffeur / pump operater or Fire Police. Depending on the Dept. and Physician clearance, you may be able to get a class B cert or some other exterior FF cert. All departments require a physical prior to joining. Some depts have radio dispatchers. In my experience, if you are serious about it, and willing to donate your time then they have a need for you. Good luck........it's an awesome brotherhood.

Edited September 14, 2010 by The Bug House
and sisterhood!!