Firefighter questions?

Really? I gave you some info about firefighters in Florida.

Sure I injected a little firefighter humor, but that's something you'll have to get used to if you wsh to be a firefighter; though it appears that you already don't have the stomach for it.

Get a sense of humor dude, you'll enjoy this site-and the career you aspire to- a lot more...

 

Hi there. I'm a firefighter and paramedic. I love what I do. I recently left a paid combined department and now work full time paid EMS and volunteer for fire department. Reason being - I have worked 48's for WAY too many years, and I moved to the country where it's separate. So now I serve my community for Fire AND EMS both. Someone mentioned that joining a volunteer FD to see if you like it - I think that's a great idea. Some of them will even put you through fire academy. Unfortunately, some departments when you get hired, will want you to go through THEIR rookie school regardless of certs you have. Around 70% - 80% of fire departments are actually still volunteer. Be prepared for politics where ever you go. Someone also mentioned about getting EMT training. YES. When I lived up north, if you didn't have your paramedic license - forget about getting hired. In GA - paramedic license is GOLD, and they are now starting to make it so you have your EMT Intermediate before you get hired.

Something I don't think was mentioned (I might be wrong) is about 80% of the calls you run are going to be EMS. I have unfortunately worked with too many people who are anti-EMS and only get their EMT/Medic so they can work on the FD. If you don't like EMS - try to find a place to work that isn't combined. My heart belongs to fire AND EMS. I love both. I am a 3rd generation FF.

Wages are going to obviously range from place to place, but most people who do this for a living have some sort of a side job. I myself, teach EMT and Paramedic Class.

Someone mentioned about thick skin, LMFAO - YES!!!! This is not for the easily offended person. As my sig says, Fire/EMS - it's not just a job, it's a mental disorder.

Good Luck to you. So far alot of people have posted a lot of good information you.

 

O trust me I have a great sense of humor. And I appreciate the actual useful advise that you gave. All I was stating is its people like you who feel the need to step in and throw out uncalled for comments. Which end up resulting in a thread being locked due to arguing or someone being banned. I may have taken it as a joke or sense of humor if you had hinted you were joking or only being sarcastic. But I must have missed the sarcasm.

 

Thank you for info. And again I can take a joke and sarcasm all day. I'm 21 and work on a job with guys ranging from youngest 35 to oldest 72 and I get my fair share of jokes and sarcastic remarks said to me daily. Whether about my age or just people messing around. And we all can always laugh and joke around with each other. Maybe I just missed his sarcasm in that one paragraph.

 

All in all. My apologies. I hadn't realized you were joking. I do appreciate the advice you had given though. And apologize for calling you a lowlife. I just hate reading a thread with info and always seeing the one comments that ruin it. I come here for info on our trucks and occasionally a offtopic thread such as this just seeking expert advice from the people who know.

 

This is the advice I always give people looking into FD. The only thing that's changed for me is the time I've been and no longer being the junior guy. I wrote this a long time ago.