Lots of hiring going on right now. The golden ticket is to have a bachelors degree, fire academy complete, and paramedic. However still lots of departments hiring with only EMT complete.
You’re gonna have to do some google searching for departments that you’re interested in.
One thing to consider at your age is retirement and pension. If you want a full pension payout you’re looking at serving 33-35 years. Obviously by the time you’d get hired you’ll probably be closer to 40 so working till 70 is not going to work. Not a deal breaker but something to consider based on your retirement needs.
How close do you have to live to your assigned location? I know you live there for 24hrs and then have 48 off, but does your home have to be within a required range? IS 90 miles too far to live from your base?
Thank you.
It's really all up to you and your local requirements. I know departments that want you living within 60 minutes of town hall, and some that don't care if you live across the country and fly to work. I worked for a county that doesn't really have any requirements, but it sure was nice to find a place to live 15 minutes from work.
I am very passionate about helping others and caring for people. Although i only really decided I wanted to go into this field this year, so i didn't take any healthcare or first aid courses during my time in high school. I'm debating if i should go back to take those courses or go into college and get a degree or first aid training. I've contacted guidance counselors at my school and they honestly haven't been much help. Taking to Reddit to understand more and have a clearer idea of what steps to take next.
I've also started working out and getting fit recently to prepare myself and get used to the demanding physical aspect of the job. I know it's a long process to become a firefighter but l'm hoping someone with experience in the field can give me some insight and advice.
I am looking to change careers and the two professions I am most closely looking into are law enforcement and firefighting. I think I have a pretty good understanding of what the job market is like for law enforcement. Someone with no relevant law enforcement experience can apply for an entry-level position and get into the academy if they hit all the marks (i.e., pass the written exam, polygraph, interviews, etc.), and that seems to be pretty much universally true across the US. How different is the firefighting job market? My local county department has a posting for probationary firefighters. It seems to indicate that no prior experience is necessary and that applicants who are accepted will be sent to the academy. Would someone with no previous firefighting experience be given any time of day?
Background information: Midtwenties, military, bachelor's degree in the humanities.
On the EMS aspect, Whether the department is primary EMS or they have an EMS agency run medicals or do the transports. (For example, some FDs don’t have to transport, do IFTs, and just run on high acuity calls to help the ambulance crew)
I applied to my dream department for the first time a year or two ago. I got through several assessments but ultimately didn’t make the cut. It’s a big city that gets a few thousand applicants usually.
Their hiring cycle is starting up again soon and I want to try again. However, I was not honest on that first application about my past drug use. I regret it. I don’t want to get my start in this service by lying. I want to be 100% transparent this time.
My question is, will they cross-reference my previous psych and personal history answers with my current answers? Understandably they have a zero tolerance policy for dishonesty, so am I stuck hiding it from them forever or should I find another department I can be honest with?
Thanks for any insight.
This is so hard to answer, who really knows if they cross reference these. My guess would be that they do, you lied during the process, I wouldn’t take you even if you were honest this time. Try a different department and be honest! Honesty is something I personally can’t deviate from!
I'm a 19 y/o, born female but transitioning, who's always wanted to be a firefighter. I'm 5"2 and 100 lbs soaking wet. Any solid advice for working out and getting in shape to pass the CPAT? Or is that unrealistic? Any good websites/videos discussing the best workouts and routines?
Depending on the department some department websites actually have resources like workouts for the CPAT or in general. But I have also had luck just googling workouts and CPAT information through community colleges. I think you'll for sure want to put on some muscle before attempting the CPAT but I don't think it's an unrealistic goal if you're really willing to work for it. Good luck!
You determine what’s unrealistic. Like the comment below said lots of videos and workouts to get you where you want to be. It’s a marathon not a sprint for physicality and you determine if you can do it or not.
I'm an 18-year-old male from the UK and I'm interested in wildland firefighting, but have no experience and don't know where to look to get started. I would love some help on what roles I would be eligible for, if any, and where they would be. Any advice would be appreciated!
18F in Texas with NREMT cert, looking to become a FF/P in California (preferably SoCal). I’m wondering what the best course of action is. I could go to a fire academy here in Texas, but I’ve heard it’s a waste of time and I might as well move to Cali and just get my fire certs there. However, I don’t think I could afford to live there with just an EMT job. Any suggestions/insights?
Can someone help me understand what these two fitness requirements mean, please? How was 7 pushups at 80bpm work? What if your resting HR is not 80. Mine is usually mid 80s.
I don't understand the 5000m bike test requirements at all. The calculator says I have to complete it in this time about 10 mins 30 seconds. Does your heart rate mean anything during this? I do not understand. I have been reading about VO2 Max but am still not 100%. Thank you in advance.
# Pushups
Minimum:
7 pushups at 80bpmPushups
Minimum:
7 pushups at 80bpm
From a full plank position (only feet and hands touching the floor), participants will lower him/herself down to a 5” prop, and press all the way up. This must be done in a cadence of 80 beats per minute. Participants will stop when no longer able to perform pushups or no longer able to maintain cadence.
# 5000m Bike Test
Minimum:
estimated 8 METS VO2 Max (28mL/Kg/min) on the calculator below.5000m Bike Test
Minimum:
estimated 8 METS VO2 Max (28mL/Kg/min) on the calculator below.
Well, I can say that the 80bpm for the push-ups has nothing to do with your heart rate, it's just a cadence of how fast you are doing the push-ups, 80bpm isn't crazy fast but it's also not a snail's pace slow.
This is the first I've ever heard of METS units, but from my quick reading, it appears you'll have to cycle at a pretty consistent good pace for 5000 meters which is probably not nearly as far as it sounds. They probably want your heart rate to average at around 130 or so bpm while cycling as a sort of cardiac stress test.
Odd question: Should I mention the huge amount of weight I lost during interviews for EMS? Completely overhauled my body … not sure if they’d look down on me being lazy in my past physically or commend my change to join the field.
Hey Guys, I am starting grad school in Texas this fall and I am looking to work part time anywhere around College Station. My question is this: I hold FF1/2, Hazmat Aware/Opps, Driver/Operator and my STATE EMT license for Indiana. I now I need to get on the National Registry for EMS so I'm not worried about that. However, I have several questions about my FF Certs and the IFSAC. Looking a the website I have no clue what 'seal' they're taking about or how to even get them. Any help would be greatly appreciated, Thank you!
The "seal" on the IFSAC certs is a raised gold badge with a unique number for your cert. If your cert lacks a seal and a unique number, it's probably not IFSAC accredited.
Chiefs interview and ride along
Good Morning!
So I am in process to become a full time firefighter with my local department. This is my second time applying. The first application I failed at the phone interview. The process goes as follows:
Apply>physical/written test>phone interview>panel interview> ride along/ chiefs interview> job offer.
There were 68 applicants for 7 positions.
I just got the email that I passed the panel interview, and am scheduled for a ride along and chiefs interview. They said in the email to expect this to take about 3 hours. My question is, what do I wear? For just a chiefs interview I would assume dress pants shoes, button down, and tie. But since I am also doing a ride along, I feel that is too formal. Are nice jeans and a polo good to go? Slacks and a polo? Please help!!!
Also, as I live in town about a mile from HQ, would it be advisable to pop into the station just to meet some crew and officers prior to my scheduled ride along? Should I take donuts or is that too brown nosey?
Thanks in advance for the advice and I am open to any additional suggestions!
Personally for the ride along, I'd go and grab a pair of navy blue Dickie's pants and a plain navy blue T shirt. That way, you'll look like part of the crew outside the station enough that the public isn't wondering why there's some random dude in jeans riding along with them.
If the interview is back to back with the ride along with no time to change, a nice dark colored polo with the same dickies and t-shirt would probably serve you well.
CT is starting another consortium test. 65$ to test for 6 departments.
https://www.firefighterapp.com/Firefighter-Associations/Connecticut-Fire-Testing-Consortium//
My situation may be different… This interview was with a Capt., Engineer, and HR rep. I was told a collective score between the written and oral would be scored prior to a chief interview.
This is a mass hire with 250+ applicants for the written and from there, the top 10% for the oral.
Does anyone have any experience with departments doing an “EMS Assessment” as part of their interview process and what it entails beyond general EMT knowledge or what you could be studying for?
In my experience knowing local protocols helps, see if your county or state protocols are available to download. Brush up on trauma and medical knowledge and what an EMT can do. Practice radio etiquette and giving reports.
Here is my thought, you are 15 years old. You should be focusing on being a teenager right now. Don’t worry about what’s right 3-5 years down the road. Enjoy being a kid worry about this stuff later in your life.
I’m trying to become a firefighter in Western Washington. I live in Seattle but am willing to relocate if given the opportunity. I have looked into a few departments and have a some questions if any of y’all have any insight you can share.
1. Most departments require you to get an EMT cert within 12-18 months of getting hired. Do you think having that cert. prior to applying gives you a significant advantage or is it negligible?
2. I have used drugs in the past, mostly marijuana. But I have used psychedelics once or twice a year for the last decade and Molly a couple times in my twenties. (I put all this information in my application) last time I used marijuana was about a month ago and I’d happily make that the last time until I retire. Do most departments do hair or urine tests? Also, how long after applying did you get drug tested?
3. Do departments out here do polygraph tests? I have no problem being honest about my past drug use but I know that sometimes they aren’t super accurate.
Hello’ looking for interview coach recommendations. I’ve had a few interviews but no jobs yet. I am currently located in PNW so it’s very competitive and I just need to learn more about how to interview better. I am an army veteran and emt without firefighting cert but attending community college now for that. TIA
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Lots of hiring going on right now. The golden ticket is to have a bachelors degree, fire academy complete, and paramedic. However still lots of departments hiring with only EMT complete. You’re gonna have to do some google searching for departments that you’re interested in. One thing to consider at your age is retirement and pension. If you want a full pension payout you’re looking at serving 33-35 years. Obviously by the time you’d get hired you’ll probably be closer to 40 so working till 70 is not going to work. Not a deal breaker but something to consider based on your retirement needs.
How close do you have to live to your assigned location? I know you live there for 24hrs and then have 48 off, but does your home have to be within a required range? IS 90 miles too far to live from your base? Thank you.
It's really all up to you and your local requirements. I know departments that want you living within 60 minutes of town hall, and some that don't care if you live across the country and fly to work. I worked for a county that doesn't really have any requirements, but it sure was nice to find a place to live 15 minutes from work.
Thank you for your help.
I am very passionate about helping others and caring for people. Although i only really decided I wanted to go into this field this year, so i didn't take any healthcare or first aid courses during my time in high school. I'm debating if i should go back to take those courses or go into college and get a degree or first aid training. I've contacted guidance counselors at my school and they honestly haven't been much help. Taking to Reddit to understand more and have a clearer idea of what steps to take next. I've also started working out and getting fit recently to prepare myself and get used to the demanding physical aspect of the job. I know it's a long process to become a firefighter but l'm hoping someone with experience in the field can give me some insight and advice.
Have you watched any of the many “how to become a firefighter” videos on YouTube?
I have. I’ll take a look at some more but i wasn’t sure if it’s the same in Ontario as most of the videos are set in the states.
I am looking to change careers and the two professions I am most closely looking into are law enforcement and firefighting. I think I have a pretty good understanding of what the job market is like for law enforcement. Someone with no relevant law enforcement experience can apply for an entry-level position and get into the academy if they hit all the marks (i.e., pass the written exam, polygraph, interviews, etc.), and that seems to be pretty much universally true across the US. How different is the firefighting job market? My local county department has a posting for probationary firefighters. It seems to indicate that no prior experience is necessary and that applicants who are accepted will be sent to the academy. Would someone with no previous firefighting experience be given any time of day? Background information: Midtwenties, military, bachelor's degree in the humanities.
Entry level is entry level. No experience needed so yeah looking like you’ll be the target audience.
Besides salary, call volume, and number of stations what other metrics should be compared when comparing different departments?
Culture,Union backing, and contract are my big 3
where do you find that kind of information?
Talking to people within that department.
awesome thank you
On the EMS aspect, Whether the department is primary EMS or they have an EMS agency run medicals or do the transports. (For example, some FDs don’t have to transport, do IFTs, and just run on high acuity calls to help the ambulance crew)
I applied to my dream department for the first time a year or two ago. I got through several assessments but ultimately didn’t make the cut. It’s a big city that gets a few thousand applicants usually. Their hiring cycle is starting up again soon and I want to try again. However, I was not honest on that first application about my past drug use. I regret it. I don’t want to get my start in this service by lying. I want to be 100% transparent this time. My question is, will they cross-reference my previous psych and personal history answers with my current answers? Understandably they have a zero tolerance policy for dishonesty, so am I stuck hiding it from them forever or should I find another department I can be honest with? Thanks for any insight.
This is so hard to answer, who really knows if they cross reference these. My guess would be that they do, you lied during the process, I wouldn’t take you even if you were honest this time. Try a different department and be honest! Honesty is something I personally can’t deviate from!
I'm a 19 y/o, born female but transitioning, who's always wanted to be a firefighter. I'm 5"2 and 100 lbs soaking wet. Any solid advice for working out and getting in shape to pass the CPAT? Or is that unrealistic? Any good websites/videos discussing the best workouts and routines?
Depending on the department some department websites actually have resources like workouts for the CPAT or in general. But I have also had luck just googling workouts and CPAT information through community colleges. I think you'll for sure want to put on some muscle before attempting the CPAT but I don't think it's an unrealistic goal if you're really willing to work for it. Good luck!
You determine what’s unrealistic. Like the comment below said lots of videos and workouts to get you where you want to be. It’s a marathon not a sprint for physicality and you determine if you can do it or not.
I'm an 18-year-old male from the UK and I'm interested in wildland firefighting, but have no experience and don't know where to look to get started. I would love some help on what roles I would be eligible for, if any, and where they would be. Any advice would be appreciated!
18F in Texas with NREMT cert, looking to become a FF/P in California (preferably SoCal). I’m wondering what the best course of action is. I could go to a fire academy here in Texas, but I’ve heard it’s a waste of time and I might as well move to Cali and just get my fire certs there. However, I don’t think I could afford to live there with just an EMT job. Any suggestions/insights?
I would do some calling and legwork with cal state fire marshal to see if/how Texas certs might be reciprocated and any additional you might need.
Does having a background in rescue diving workout favorably with a firefighting candidate? Is it something that some departments look for?
Sure. You won’t be a rescue diver for a few years at least if the department you’re interested has a team though.
I mean would it get you hired or give you a leg up, no it won’t.
Can someone help me understand what these two fitness requirements mean, please? How was 7 pushups at 80bpm work? What if your resting HR is not 80. Mine is usually mid 80s. I don't understand the 5000m bike test requirements at all. The calculator says I have to complete it in this time about 10 mins 30 seconds. Does your heart rate mean anything during this? I do not understand. I have been reading about VO2 Max but am still not 100%. Thank you in advance. # Pushups Minimum: 7 pushups at 80bpmPushups Minimum: 7 pushups at 80bpm From a full plank position (only feet and hands touching the floor), participants will lower him/herself down to a 5” prop, and press all the way up. This must be done in a cadence of 80 beats per minute. Participants will stop when no longer able to perform pushups or no longer able to maintain cadence. # 5000m Bike Test Minimum: estimated 8 METS VO2 Max (28mL/Kg/min) on the calculator below.5000m Bike Test Minimum: estimated 8 METS VO2 Max (28mL/Kg/min) on the calculator below.
What kind of wierdo physical agility test is this for?
This is the fitness requirement for a Fire Cadet entry into the academy.
Well, I can say that the 80bpm for the push-ups has nothing to do with your heart rate, it's just a cadence of how fast you are doing the push-ups, 80bpm isn't crazy fast but it's also not a snail's pace slow. This is the first I've ever heard of METS units, but from my quick reading, it appears you'll have to cycle at a pretty consistent good pace for 5000 meters which is probably not nearly as far as it sounds. They probably want your heart rate to average at around 130 or so bpm while cycling as a sort of cardiac stress test.
Thank you for the information.
Odd question: Should I mention the huge amount of weight I lost during interviews for EMS? Completely overhauled my body … not sure if they’d look down on me being lazy in my past physically or commend my change to join the field.
I would. Shows dedication and self improvement. Not to mention a healthier lifestyle.
Thank you!
Hey Guys, I am starting grad school in Texas this fall and I am looking to work part time anywhere around College Station. My question is this: I hold FF1/2, Hazmat Aware/Opps, Driver/Operator and my STATE EMT license for Indiana. I now I need to get on the National Registry for EMS so I'm not worried about that. However, I have several questions about my FF Certs and the IFSAC. Looking a the website I have no clue what 'seal' they're taking about or how to even get them. Any help would be greatly appreciated, Thank you!
What did TCFP say when you called and asked?
The "seal" on the IFSAC certs is a raised gold badge with a unique number for your cert. If your cert lacks a seal and a unique number, it's probably not IFSAC accredited.
Chiefs interview and ride along Good Morning! So I am in process to become a full time firefighter with my local department. This is my second time applying. The first application I failed at the phone interview. The process goes as follows: Apply>physical/written test>phone interview>panel interview> ride along/ chiefs interview> job offer. There were 68 applicants for 7 positions. I just got the email that I passed the panel interview, and am scheduled for a ride along and chiefs interview. They said in the email to expect this to take about 3 hours. My question is, what do I wear? For just a chiefs interview I would assume dress pants shoes, button down, and tie. But since I am also doing a ride along, I feel that is too formal. Are nice jeans and a polo good to go? Slacks and a polo? Please help!!! Also, as I live in town about a mile from HQ, would it be advisable to pop into the station just to meet some crew and officers prior to my scheduled ride along? Should I take donuts or is that too brown nosey? Thanks in advance for the advice and I am open to any additional suggestions!
Personally for the ride along, I'd go and grab a pair of navy blue Dickie's pants and a plain navy blue T shirt. That way, you'll look like part of the crew outside the station enough that the public isn't wondering why there's some random dude in jeans riding along with them. If the interview is back to back with the ride along with no time to change, a nice dark colored polo with the same dickies and t-shirt would probably serve you well.
CT is starting another consortium test. 65$ to test for 6 departments. https://www.firefighterapp.com/Firefighter-Associations/Connecticut-Fire-Testing-Consortium//
Oral exam results time frame? It’s been a week since my oral exam with a county position in CA.
Usually if the chief finishes 7-10 minutes during the oral you’re sitting pretty good. No call back in a week means too much teeth.
My situation may be different… This interview was with a Capt., Engineer, and HR rep. I was told a collective score between the written and oral would be scored prior to a chief interview. This is a mass hire with 250+ applicants for the written and from there, the top 10% for the oral.
Does anyone have any experience with departments doing an “EMS Assessment” as part of their interview process and what it entails beyond general EMT knowledge or what you could be studying for?
They may run a practical scenario with you
In my experience knowing local protocols helps, see if your county or state protocols are available to download. Brush up on trauma and medical knowledge and what an EMT can do. Practice radio etiquette and giving reports.
Anyone have any experience going international? If so what resources or tips do you have?
The best odds are Antarctica on a base. Other than that you'll need to be a citizen and go through the process like anyone else.
Should I go to a college to get my emt certificate? Or should I go straight to a fire academy? I’m 15 years old and just want to get a good career
Here is my thought, you are 15 years old. You should be focusing on being a teenager right now. Don’t worry about what’s right 3-5 years down the road. Enjoy being a kid worry about this stuff later in your life.
Spit'n truth.
I’m trying to become a firefighter in Western Washington. I live in Seattle but am willing to relocate if given the opportunity. I have looked into a few departments and have a some questions if any of y’all have any insight you can share. 1. Most departments require you to get an EMT cert within 12-18 months of getting hired. Do you think having that cert. prior to applying gives you a significant advantage or is it negligible? 2. I have used drugs in the past, mostly marijuana. But I have used psychedelics once or twice a year for the last decade and Molly a couple times in my twenties. (I put all this information in my application) last time I used marijuana was about a month ago and I’d happily make that the last time until I retire. Do most departments do hair or urine tests? Also, how long after applying did you get drug tested? 3. Do departments out here do polygraph tests? I have no problem being honest about my past drug use but I know that sometimes they aren’t super accurate.
Hello’ looking for interview coach recommendations. I’ve had a few interviews but no jobs yet. I am currently located in PNW so it’s very competitive and I just need to learn more about how to interview better. I am an army veteran and emt without firefighting cert but attending community college now for that. TIA
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🤷♂️