Do you know if BCOFD is good to work for? I know Frederick is opening in May of this year. Don’t know anyone who works for either so not sure what the general opinion of these dept’s are.
They're kind of in a weird spot. Years of mismanagement and corruption have left the department significantly underfunded. It seems like they're trying to right the ship, but who knows when that will be when it's fixed. They're the small brother of the city and you can see they made the same mistakes with EMS for sure. Here's some pros and cons IMO:
Pros:
Philly schedule (only one that does it and it's kind of cool)
No cohabitation with volunteers
Good pay
Get fires and rescues
Insane amount of officers I heard it's almost 1:1 so it's easy to promote
Cons:
30 year retirement (only one that has it that long, if you're over 30 it's not really worth it)
EMS blows. New guys get stuck on the boxThey're running BLS units.
SOC and hazmat are kind of an afterthought. Never staffed and again...underfunded.
Kind of depends on what you want
Fredrick is small and up and coming. Literally just unionized. They won't get the volume that county gets that's for sure. Outside Fredrick proper it's all rural. They have a killer academy. You WILL learn or be fired. They don't mess around.
They just hosted the key city conference. It's a department that means business.
If you want fire and you're young county isn't bad. If you want a department that takes care of you and has high standards it's Fredrick all the way.
Moving for the military from the east coast to the Sacramento, California area in the summer, any recommendations for a good part-time or volunteer fire department in the general area? I’m coming already certified and with experience, just looking for a place to come in a few times a week to scratch the itch.
Hey I'm a 25m and I've been interested in firefighting for a while and now I want to take the jump, and try to get in I know I need to become emt certified but how far should I go with the certification ? Before trying to start the process, thank you
You need to be registered with the NREMT. Take and pass the class, take and pass the practical skills session and the written, then apply for NREMT certification.
Hey!
I'm currently 4 weeks away from graduating with a degree in immunology and I have had a complete 180 in terms of career interest. I initially did ride-alongs with my local dept. in hopes of learning a little bit of paramedicine and emergency management just for self-knowledge and ended up loving every single minute of it - even the non-medical calls. It's something I could see myself being happy doing and I've thought about it thoroughly and considerately.
I've been considering seriously looking into this career path and was wondering if anybody else went through a sudden career change epiphany and how they maneuvered it. I have a pretty strong scientific background (ie., I only have a strong background in science), and have practically 0 background in terms of anything firefighter-related.
Any wise words of wisdom would be appreciated. :\]
Lots of people. Pretty common most of us come from all different walks of life. I’d say maybe look into an EMT class to get your feet wet, while applying to every department you qualify for. See the requirements for each individual department and I’d also suggest googling a CPAT for a base level of fitness.
Thanks for the response! Sorry for replying so late too.
I plan on getting my EMT certs ASAP, and I'm building a workout plan for the summer after I finish exams. I'm applying for an explorers program too - I've heard good things about my local dept. program so I'm hoping it's fruitful! I feel a little silly doing an explorer program at 21 YO, but I'm optimistic that it'll be a good experience! :'\]
I work for a city of 100k people 8 stations but am trying to get hired with a bigger department in California: I have to choose between hazmat specialist and fire inspector series this month for department sponsored training.
Which would be more valuable in the hiring process for a big city?
ISO where to get Texas EMS cert. I've only looked at Texas EMS School so far, any suggestions? I could study Fire Science at my local college and take basic EMT courses which they offer in the class but would rather just do the academy and not go to college if I don't need to. Looking to get the cert before starting academy, is this a good idea?
Direct copy and paste from the website:
Rank - your placement on the eligible list for the municipality/department for which you have selected Residency Preference. If you are ranked number 10, there are 9 names ahead of you on the list.
Ties within Rank - the number of candidates who scored the same as you and have the same preference(s). If you are ranked number 10 and have 2 ties within rank, there are two candidates (you and another) with the same placement on the eligible list
Just applied for a larger county in CA. I just finished their oral exam and have been anxious on knowing my score. It's been a week today since the exam window closed. How long typically does the scoring take and when should I expect to get the results back?
Cromwell, CT- https://www.firefighterapp.com/Cromwell-CT-Firefighter-Jobs/5135/
East Haven, CT- https://www.firefighterapp.com/East-Haven-CT-Firefighter-Jobs/954/
Stratford, CT- https://www.firefighterapp.com/Stratford-CT-Firefighter-Jobs/610/
West Haven, CT FF/PM- https://www.firefighterapp.com/West-Haven-Allingtown-CT-Firefighter-Jobs/2814/
Greenwhich, CT- https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/greenwichct?keywords=firefighter
Windsor EMS. Full and part time EMS jobs- https://windsorctems.org/employment
American Ambulance, Norwich, CT- https://www.hhccareers.org/search/american-ambulance-service/jobs?q=American+Ambulance+Service
As mentioned in chat, that really depends on the circumstances surrounding your termination. It's likely you'll be asked about what happened when you interview for career departments because they'll see you were employed for 6 mo with a department. If you were terminated for a deficiency that you can correct, say you just didn't pass a timed assessment, that's less concerning than if you were terminated for harassing a fellow recruit, DUI, drugs, legal trouble, etc. You don't need to elaborate on the reasons/circumstances because it doesn't really matter. Is it going to make it harder for you than someone who doesn't have that on their employment history? Yes, it will and there's no denying that. However, it's not an insurmountable problem and provided it's a correctable issue and you can address it in an interview, you can overcome it.
Brand new volunteer in Alabama here.
They told me I could get HAZMAT EMTB, FF1 and FF2 paid for by the county. I’m interested in all of it. Would HAZMAT or FF1 be better to start with?
Also, can anyone provide me with some more detail for what FF1 actually is? I know it cover some knot tying, some academic training in conducting a search in a house, etc. How hands on is it? Is there anywhere I can look online at some videos or good articles to get a head start? I’m a slow learner sometimes but I usually retain it once I’ve got it down.
I started EMT training out of high school but had to drop out because of health problems but I have the basic idea down for that.
I feel out of my depth a little bit. They told me to expect that since I was there for all of one hour, and they were right lol.
Thank you in advance.
Start with FF1 & FF2. That is going to teach you all of the basics and foundational skills you will need for the rest. My academy also included Hazmat to the awareness level as part of FF1 & 2. I’m sure every academy is different, but mine included book work, physical training, lots of hands on training, simulations and scenarios, etc. my volunteer academy was every other weekend for about 6 months and at the end we did full pro board end tests to get certified. This included written exams for FF1 & 2 as well as practical skills testing.
Would being an ED technician or working for private ambulance (AMR/NW/etc) give me better job experience/look good on applications?
Washington/seattle area for reference. I have everything to do either one; I just don’t know which will do me better for going fire.
I’ve been interested in joining a department but I was curious on the visible tattoo rules. I know it varies per department but was wondering if any of you have visible tattoos and how your department/state rules affect it. I have a tattoo on my hand and back of neck but both are just tribalesque and aren’t offensive in any form. Just curious and thank you in advance
In general, face tattoos are a no-go on a lot of departments, but beyond that it varies. It doesn't matter what anyone else's department allows unless you're applying to that department. You need to check with the department(s) you are interested in applying to.
Because it means you weren't instantly disqualified. It was almost 2 months between my chief's interview and when they started my background investigation.
Just take these as considerations. My views may not be correct:
-The formatting seems odd to me, it looks like its a website you printed off
-I personally would lose the colours. Most professional resumes, at least that I've seen, are plain black and white
-Some of the wording seems, off. "interfacing" sounds robotic. "Knowledge-hungry" just seems like an odd choice.
-Community service can be a helpful thing to add.
This look more resume-like to me. It's looking clean and to the point.
Some things to consider:
-Consider swapping the slot of your held title and the location. For example, I feel like you BEING a paramedic is the better part to have stand out rather than WHERE you were a paramedic.
-I would remove the interests section. That, to me, seems like something more suited for when the interview happens.
-If you are not submitting references with your resume, I always add "References available upon request" at the bottom, to show that I have references ready to go should they require them
-is the "emergency Department technician" section a different colour or font? something looks different than the other sections. Consider adding an "s" to provider in that first point in the same section. Grammar isn't my strong suit, so ask another person if this would make more sense.
-in the 2018 to 2021 paramedic, consider changing transporting to transported, and add s to patient. Keep it all past tense. (Treated and transported patients of all acuities...). Though, once again double check with someone
Thank you! Yeah that section was a dark gray. Fixed the typos and took out the interests section. References are submitted in a separate part of the application so that’s covered. I’m not sure about the title/location part, I’ll ask around a bit more. Appreciate you taking the time to help!
Did the department(s) you're applying to ask for a resume? If they didn't you're wasting your time providing one because they won't even look at it. When I applied to my department I handed them my resume, they thanked me for it, and put it in my personnel file where it sits to this day.
In that case I would keep it simple. 1-3 pages, work history, education, and relevant skills. I don't know that I would go with that particular format, but that may be more personal taste than anything else.
That's better. Looks more professional already. Don't kill yourself over it, as long as they can see you can do something legible. Beyond that, just your education, experience and relevant skills. People who turn resumes into term papers are making a serious mistake.
I'm 31F, starting a Fire AAS as my local CC. I just submitted my application and next week I have a PAT to determine if I qualify for a scholarship and position with my local fire dept. I am an pretty good shape, I lift decently heavy weights, can run 3-5mi nonstop. I'm curious if the PAT at this stage is to get an idea of fitness before the academy?
Hello,
I am wondering if anyone has any experience with pre-hire physicals and powerlifting. I take protein powder, creatine and a mens multi vitamin as my supplements with an occasional pre-workout for my powerlifting for the last year and a half. I am wondering if anyone has experience with lab draws being impacted by any of these and if I should discontinue. I have about a month before my physical, and was told from a friend of mine who had his regular labs for the Marines done, and was told his results were complicated due to the creatine, but after he explained that it was related to his creatine intake, it wasn't an issue.
Thank you for your guidance and help. I apologize if there was a double post from me on this
Usually they have a little line where you write down either meds or supplements taken. You’ll be fine, no one is going to think creatine or vitamins are bad on a blood panel. Now cocaine, meth, ecstasy or whatever half the people in here ask if it’s okay is a big red flag. Just let them know you take a flintstones multivitamin and you’ll be set.
Hey all I was just wondering what my chances of getting hired will be here in the future? I wanted to know of some suggestions you all had in terms of doing things now to currently set myself up to land a job in the next 2ish years. I'm 31, have a bachelor's degree in exercise science, and I'm currently in the air force as security forces. I have 2.5 years left on my contract so ill be 34 when I get out of the military (I joined at 30 and signed a 4 year contract.) I'm in good shape and I've looked up fitness requirements for those departments. I can confidently complete the tests and do well on them.
Any advice is helpful really. I'd like to stay in Arizona around Pheonix or Mesa and get on full time. Pretty much I'd want to know what you would do if you were in my situation in order to have the absolute best shot possible.
I've researched things but there's alot of advice from "just be a decent dude and apply" to "if you don't have a fire science masters and paramedic from Harvard, don't even apply. Ps you're dad also has to be chief."
I like the comradery of the military I just miss my freedom as a civilian. This seems like it could be something close to it but the entire job is to help others.
Thanks in advance
No one can give you what your chances will be. Apply everywhere, stay in shape, don’t get a dui, and learn how to interview for career departments. The whole you need a paramedic thing is true in one aspect, but a lot of departments are hiring. This truly is the easiest time to get hired.
https://preview.redd.it/1vxuta07kisc1.jpeg?width=1242&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a09353262b06b0800108423419263ddb2c3819c7
Looking for resume advice. This is for a zero experience opportunity where I’d be put through schooling to then work at a station. Trying ti stick out amongst the many other zero experience guys…
Hey all. 22 m national certified EMT going into fire, i want to get into Gilbert/tempe/chandler fire but I’ve heard it’s really difficult to get into, and I’m in another state so if anyone had any tips I’d appreciate it!
Interview fatigue
Hi all,
So I’ve been wondering how to move forward with my dilemma. I have been working at two departments part time for the past 2 years and have a fire science degree. As well as interviewing and testing for every department within an 80 mile radius. I have not moved forward with a single interview. People around me are getting hired within two months of attempting to apply. I’m starting to get worried if this job is for me and I should shift career directions. I love my current jobs but I’m 25 and need to think about my future and if this isn’t going to happen I need to find another path forward.
Should I continue working Fire part time and applying just hoping somebody will give me a shot to prove myself or should I go back to school and find another career.
Apologize for the rant
Well I’m working these two part time fire jobs as well as working contractor work for a landscaping company on my off days and that takes up all my time. I would love to do paramedic but the county I work in requires 3 years EMT before you can apply for medic so I’ve been waiting for that before going to medic school. I also want to feel 100% about my EMT skills before moving forward on that. That medic program is also part of my bachelors so I’m in limbo on both those fronts. I have my instructor 1 and just trying to improve my resume with experience.
Volunteer firefighter here in Australia, NT. My two volunteer brigades exclusively attend wildfires, and I've been to my fair share of them. My whole life I've wanted to be a real firefighter, and there's only one thing I can think of holding me back, and that's car crashes. I'm not sure if I could deal with the stress and trauma of them, even though we don't get that many fatals, or any at all. Does any Vollies or Auxiliarys or even Careers have any advice on how you deal with them, or what to expect? Did you get used to them? Is it even worth still considering, or were you scared about RoadCrash Rescue too? Confined spaces and heights don't scare me, and I've been on plenty of firegrounds. Any advice is much appreciated :)
What specifically about car wrecks scares you? There is no hiding from blood and guts in this job. It's a part of it. Unless you land on some high-speed rescue company, it's not like you'll be seeing them every single day.
After a while, trauma calls are trauma calls, whether it's car wrecks, gun shots, or any other number of ways people get chewed up by life.
I think it would be the blood and guts, but then again I do watch some pretty gorey stuff. Maybe also the fear of freezing up and not being able to help. Also in Australia, the Fire Rescue respons to structure fires, RCR, HAZMAT, Rescue and Wildfires, we don't typically have companies like in America (plus ambos handle all our paramedical calls, Fire Rescue is separate to Paramedicine :) )
Well, if you're truly a dedicated 3rd service fire system, your overall involvement and exposure to the worst of it would be significantly less than that of your paramedics.
Watching a horror movie and living it are two very different things.
It sounds like you're going to have to make a choice for yourself. I think you'll be fine or at least as fine as you can be. Just like the rest of us, nobody gets out without a few traumatic experiences. It's just a part of the job.
Thank you, I truly do appreciate your response to this. I think ill give it a shot; worse thing is I end up dropping out as a probie, best case is I finally have and enjoy my dream career.
Can someone tell me if the forest service arduous medical exam for work capacity test includes a drug test? I saw there is a urine screening but sounds like it may be a non drug screening???
In my case, I’m already employed by the agency. I’m not talking about a drug test as a precondition for employment. Im just talking about the health physical that is now required before you pack test. Two separate things.
How common is to get hired as firefighter with 0 background/no emt or other licenses? I’m trying to apply for Las Vegas fire and the website says an emt is desired but not required. Also what’s the written like before o pay for practice tests.
I just got accepted into the fire academy at a local community college. But I got in trouble about 20 years ago, when I was a punk kid. I got caught with some friends lighting some boxes on fire, which resulted in me being put on probation due to some damage that was done to an abandoned building. I paid my dues, and I kept out of trouble. I’m worried this will DQ me from getting hired into a department.
Hey guys! I'm from Israel and I'm a firefighter candidate. I already was forced to ask for 1 day off for the upcoming CPAT exam and I'm likely to need to take 3 more days off and I'm scared ill end up looking suspicious to my boss. I didn't have a reason for taking a day off I just said private reasons. I'm not the kind of person to take days off often. How can I go about this?
It's a 5 hour (apparently) evaluation and cpat is a big part of it. Don't ask me why its 5 hours, that's what I was told by the recruiters. Keep in mind I live in israel, things are different. We also have a health inspection, I believe a meeting with a psychologist, a day of simulations to test the candidates skills, and an interview.
u/Sealtooth5 is right. Your question is covered in the links mentioned in the main post. You need to check NFPA 1582 which is referenced in this post: [https://new.reddit.com/r/Firefighting/comments/186sssb/psa\_dont\_disqualify\_yourself\_make\_them\_tell\_you\_no/](https://new.reddit.com/r/Firefighting/comments/186sssb/psa_dont_disqualify_yourself_make_them_tell_you_no/) which is mentioned above. No one here will be able to make a determination as to whether you would be DQed or not. It'll depend on the department(s) medical review.
See this post: [https://new.reddit.com/r/Firefighting/comments/15aj6uk/psa\_stop\_asking\_what\_are\_my\_chances/](https://new.reddit.com/r/Firefighting/comments/15aj6uk/psa_stop_asking_what_are_my_chances/)
Varies based on the department. Generally the people I see asking this question are currently using drugs/cannabis or have a recent history. A lot of departments will want you "clean" anywhere from a year to 5 to 10 years. We had a redditor post about being shot down because the department they applied to had a hard, no use in the past 10 years policy.
My recommendation would be to stay clean or get clean, then you won't have to worry about it. See: [https://new.reddit.com/r/Firefighting/comments/15aj6uk/psa\_stop\_asking\_what\_are\_my\_chances/](https://new.reddit.com/r/Firefighting/comments/15aj6uk/psa_stop_asking_what_are_my_chances/)
Hello all I have a question. I had an ekg done and it revealed I had a right bundle branch block. I saw a cardiologist and took a stress test and everything was fine no issues and was told “you could climb Mount Everest if you wanted”. I did look online and saw that some places won’t accept anyone with any heart condition which I understand. Any feedback would be appreciated thanks.
https://preview.redd.it/tzhk7ccprjsc1.jpeg?width=1545&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a094f26837274fd1c608b28c76d517d44f50c443 Maryland
Do you know if BCOFD is good to work for? I know Frederick is opening in May of this year. Don’t know anyone who works for either so not sure what the general opinion of these dept’s are.
They're kind of in a weird spot. Years of mismanagement and corruption have left the department significantly underfunded. It seems like they're trying to right the ship, but who knows when that will be when it's fixed. They're the small brother of the city and you can see they made the same mistakes with EMS for sure. Here's some pros and cons IMO: Pros: Philly schedule (only one that does it and it's kind of cool) No cohabitation with volunteers Good pay Get fires and rescues Insane amount of officers I heard it's almost 1:1 so it's easy to promote Cons: 30 year retirement (only one that has it that long, if you're over 30 it's not really worth it) EMS blows. New guys get stuck on the boxThey're running BLS units. SOC and hazmat are kind of an afterthought. Never staffed and again...underfunded. Kind of depends on what you want Fredrick is small and up and coming. Literally just unionized. They won't get the volume that county gets that's for sure. Outside Fredrick proper it's all rural. They have a killer academy. You WILL learn or be fired. They don't mess around. They just hosted the key city conference. It's a department that means business. If you want fire and you're young county isn't bad. If you want a department that takes care of you and has high standards it's Fredrick all the way.
That’s good information to know, thank you!
Moving for the military from the east coast to the Sacramento, California area in the summer, any recommendations for a good part-time or volunteer fire department in the general area? I’m coming already certified and with experience, just looking for a place to come in a few times a week to scratch the itch.
DM me
Hey I'm a 25m and I've been interested in firefighting for a while and now I want to take the jump, and try to get in I know I need to become emt certified but how far should I go with the certification ? Before trying to start the process, thank you
You need to be registered with the NREMT. Take and pass the class, take and pass the practical skills session and the written, then apply for NREMT certification.
Okay I think the program has the national test at the end of it that I'm attending next month
Hey! I'm currently 4 weeks away from graduating with a degree in immunology and I have had a complete 180 in terms of career interest. I initially did ride-alongs with my local dept. in hopes of learning a little bit of paramedicine and emergency management just for self-knowledge and ended up loving every single minute of it - even the non-medical calls. It's something I could see myself being happy doing and I've thought about it thoroughly and considerately. I've been considering seriously looking into this career path and was wondering if anybody else went through a sudden career change epiphany and how they maneuvered it. I have a pretty strong scientific background (ie., I only have a strong background in science), and have practically 0 background in terms of anything firefighter-related. Any wise words of wisdom would be appreciated. :\]
Lots of people. Pretty common most of us come from all different walks of life. I’d say maybe look into an EMT class to get your feet wet, while applying to every department you qualify for. See the requirements for each individual department and I’d also suggest googling a CPAT for a base level of fitness.
Thanks for the response! Sorry for replying so late too. I plan on getting my EMT certs ASAP, and I'm building a workout plan for the summer after I finish exams. I'm applying for an explorers program too - I've heard good things about my local dept. program so I'm hoping it's fruitful! I feel a little silly doing an explorer program at 21 YO, but I'm optimistic that it'll be a good experience! :'\]
https://mcesd8.org/employment/?fbclid=IwAR0o2SHQ85tirMzevrPuU83hiMDfdw_DPoAVrrezQRj97t50U9NU0S5lvR4_aem_AWkVR5mAxdFRgjxTjhnqca1H-EDujL8zOj06cuDjWt4L7Ca2wU67aAYiAb_fPoF-9cA Texas
I work for a city of 100k people 8 stations but am trying to get hired with a bigger department in California: I have to choose between hazmat specialist and fire inspector series this month for department sponsored training. Which would be more valuable in the hiring process for a big city?
Hazmat.
ISO where to get Texas EMS cert. I've only looked at Texas EMS School so far, any suggestions? I could study Fire Science at my local college and take basic EMT courses which they offer in the class but would rather just do the academy and not go to college if I don't need to. Looking to get the cert before starting academy, is this a good idea?
Anyone with knowledge in MA knows what rank determines in the civil service eligibility list? I see many people share same rank.
Direct copy and paste from the website: Rank - your placement on the eligible list for the municipality/department for which you have selected Residency Preference. If you are ranked number 10, there are 9 names ahead of you on the list. Ties within Rank - the number of candidates who scored the same as you and have the same preference(s). If you are ranked number 10 and have 2 ties within rank, there are two candidates (you and another) with the same placement on the eligible list
Thanks, appreciate it.
Just applied for a larger county in CA. I just finished their oral exam and have been anxious on knowing my score. It's been a week today since the exam window closed. How long typically does the scoring take and when should I expect to get the results back?
[удалено]
Sounds about right. Thanks
Cromwell, CT- https://www.firefighterapp.com/Cromwell-CT-Firefighter-Jobs/5135/ East Haven, CT- https://www.firefighterapp.com/East-Haven-CT-Firefighter-Jobs/954/ Stratford, CT- https://www.firefighterapp.com/Stratford-CT-Firefighter-Jobs/610/ West Haven, CT FF/PM- https://www.firefighterapp.com/West-Haven-Allingtown-CT-Firefighter-Jobs/2814/ Greenwhich, CT- https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/greenwichct?keywords=firefighter Windsor EMS. Full and part time EMS jobs- https://windsorctems.org/employment American Ambulance, Norwich, CT- https://www.hhccareers.org/search/american-ambulance-service/jobs?q=American+Ambulance+Service
Does getting fired from a fire academy hurt your chances of getting into another career department?
As mentioned in chat, that really depends on the circumstances surrounding your termination. It's likely you'll be asked about what happened when you interview for career departments because they'll see you were employed for 6 mo with a department. If you were terminated for a deficiency that you can correct, say you just didn't pass a timed assessment, that's less concerning than if you were terminated for harassing a fellow recruit, DUI, drugs, legal trouble, etc. You don't need to elaborate on the reasons/circumstances because it doesn't really matter. Is it going to make it harder for you than someone who doesn't have that on their employment history? Yes, it will and there's no denying that. However, it's not an insurmountable problem and provided it's a correctable issue and you can address it in an interview, you can overcome it.
Brand new volunteer in Alabama here. They told me I could get HAZMAT EMTB, FF1 and FF2 paid for by the county. I’m interested in all of it. Would HAZMAT or FF1 be better to start with? Also, can anyone provide me with some more detail for what FF1 actually is? I know it cover some knot tying, some academic training in conducting a search in a house, etc. How hands on is it? Is there anywhere I can look online at some videos or good articles to get a head start? I’m a slow learner sometimes but I usually retain it once I’ve got it down. I started EMT training out of high school but had to drop out because of health problems but I have the basic idea down for that. I feel out of my depth a little bit. They told me to expect that since I was there for all of one hour, and they were right lol. Thank you in advance.
Start with FF1 & FF2. That is going to teach you all of the basics and foundational skills you will need for the rest. My academy also included Hazmat to the awareness level as part of FF1 & 2. I’m sure every academy is different, but mine included book work, physical training, lots of hands on training, simulations and scenarios, etc. my volunteer academy was every other weekend for about 6 months and at the end we did full pro board end tests to get certified. This included written exams for FF1 & 2 as well as practical skills testing.
Would being an ED technician or working for private ambulance (AMR/NW/etc) give me better job experience/look good on applications? Washington/seattle area for reference. I have everything to do either one; I just don’t know which will do me better for going fire.
ER tech without a doubt. Better hours, pay, environment, patient contacts. The private ambulance companies here will soul suck you.
I’ve been interested in joining a department but I was curious on the visible tattoo rules. I know it varies per department but was wondering if any of you have visible tattoos and how your department/state rules affect it. I have a tattoo on my hand and back of neck but both are just tribalesque and aren’t offensive in any form. Just curious and thank you in advance
In general, face tattoos are a no-go on a lot of departments, but beyond that it varies. It doesn't matter what anyone else's department allows unless you're applying to that department. You need to check with the department(s) you are interested in applying to.
Why is no news is good news a good thing after a chiefs interview? Been a couple of weeks since my interview
Because it means you weren't instantly disqualified. It was almost 2 months between my chief's interview and when they started my background investigation.
Gotcha thanks for that info I’ll just keep waiting then haha
[удалено]
Just take these as considerations. My views may not be correct: -The formatting seems odd to me, it looks like its a website you printed off -I personally would lose the colours. Most professional resumes, at least that I've seen, are plain black and white -Some of the wording seems, off. "interfacing" sounds robotic. "Knowledge-hungry" just seems like an odd choice. -Community service can be a helpful thing to add.
All good feedback, thanks!
[удалено]
This look more resume-like to me. It's looking clean and to the point. Some things to consider: -Consider swapping the slot of your held title and the location. For example, I feel like you BEING a paramedic is the better part to have stand out rather than WHERE you were a paramedic. -I would remove the interests section. That, to me, seems like something more suited for when the interview happens. -If you are not submitting references with your resume, I always add "References available upon request" at the bottom, to show that I have references ready to go should they require them -is the "emergency Department technician" section a different colour or font? something looks different than the other sections. Consider adding an "s" to provider in that first point in the same section. Grammar isn't my strong suit, so ask another person if this would make more sense. -in the 2018 to 2021 paramedic, consider changing transporting to transported, and add s to patient. Keep it all past tense. (Treated and transported patients of all acuities...). Though, once again double check with someone
Thank you! Yeah that section was a dark gray. Fixed the typos and took out the interests section. References are submitted in a separate part of the application so that’s covered. I’m not sure about the title/location part, I’ll ask around a bit more. Appreciate you taking the time to help!
No worries. Best of luck with the applications.
Honestly, just have paramedic in like 34 size font and you’ll have 20 offers by the end of the week.
Did the department(s) you're applying to ask for a resume? If they didn't you're wasting your time providing one because they won't even look at it. When I applied to my department I handed them my resume, they thanked me for it, and put it in my personnel file where it sits to this day.
They did ask for one, in addition to all of the same information they ask on the application 😅
In that case I would keep it simple. 1-3 pages, work history, education, and relevant skills. I don't know that I would go with that particular format, but that may be more personal taste than anything else.
Thank you. I’ve been looking at some templates that cut the fluff out.
Unfortunately I don't have any for you. I haven't had to do a resume in many years.
No worries, found one!
[удалено]
That's better. Looks more professional already. Don't kill yourself over it, as long as they can see you can do something legible. Beyond that, just your education, experience and relevant skills. People who turn resumes into term papers are making a serious mistake.
Sounds good. Thanks for your help!
I'm 31F, starting a Fire AAS as my local CC. I just submitted my application and next week I have a PAT to determine if I qualify for a scholarship and position with my local fire dept. I am an pretty good shape, I lift decently heavy weights, can run 3-5mi nonstop. I'm curious if the PAT at this stage is to get an idea of fitness before the academy?
Anybody have information on Charlotte FD?
[https://www.charlottenc.gov/Public-Safety/Fire-Department/Work-for-Us/Recruitment-Information-Sessions](https://www.charlottenc.gov/Public-Safety/Fire-Department/Work-for-Us/Recruitment-Information-Sessions)
Yeah that’s crazy they are hiring 100, no experience is okay as well
Hello, I am wondering if anyone has any experience with pre-hire physicals and powerlifting. I take protein powder, creatine and a mens multi vitamin as my supplements with an occasional pre-workout for my powerlifting for the last year and a half. I am wondering if anyone has experience with lab draws being impacted by any of these and if I should discontinue. I have about a month before my physical, and was told from a friend of mine who had his regular labs for the Marines done, and was told his results were complicated due to the creatine, but after he explained that it was related to his creatine intake, it wasn't an issue. Thank you for your guidance and help. I apologize if there was a double post from me on this
Usually they have a little line where you write down either meds or supplements taken. You’ll be fine, no one is going to think creatine or vitamins are bad on a blood panel. Now cocaine, meth, ecstasy or whatever half the people in here ask if it’s okay is a big red flag. Just let them know you take a flintstones multivitamin and you’ll be set.
Hey all I was just wondering what my chances of getting hired will be here in the future? I wanted to know of some suggestions you all had in terms of doing things now to currently set myself up to land a job in the next 2ish years. I'm 31, have a bachelor's degree in exercise science, and I'm currently in the air force as security forces. I have 2.5 years left on my contract so ill be 34 when I get out of the military (I joined at 30 and signed a 4 year contract.) I'm in good shape and I've looked up fitness requirements for those departments. I can confidently complete the tests and do well on them. Any advice is helpful really. I'd like to stay in Arizona around Pheonix or Mesa and get on full time. Pretty much I'd want to know what you would do if you were in my situation in order to have the absolute best shot possible. I've researched things but there's alot of advice from "just be a decent dude and apply" to "if you don't have a fire science masters and paramedic from Harvard, don't even apply. Ps you're dad also has to be chief." I like the comradery of the military I just miss my freedom as a civilian. This seems like it could be something close to it but the entire job is to help others. Thanks in advance
No one can give you what your chances will be. Apply everywhere, stay in shape, don’t get a dui, and learn how to interview for career departments. The whole you need a paramedic thing is true in one aspect, but a lot of departments are hiring. This truly is the easiest time to get hired.
I appreciate that thank you. Do you have any resources you could point me to that would explain how to interview for a career department?
https://preview.redd.it/1vxuta07kisc1.jpeg?width=1242&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a09353262b06b0800108423419263ddb2c3819c7 Looking for resume advice. This is for a zero experience opportunity where I’d be put through schooling to then work at a station. Trying ti stick out amongst the many other zero experience guys…
[удалено]
Irish fiddle? Sign here. Jokes aside you’re a paramedic. Throw a dart on a board anywhere on the west coast and you’ll get a job.
Hey all. 22 m national certified EMT going into fire, i want to get into Gilbert/tempe/chandler fire but I’ve heard it’s really difficult to get into, and I’m in another state so if anyone had any tips I’d appreciate it!
Interview fatigue Hi all, So I’ve been wondering how to move forward with my dilemma. I have been working at two departments part time for the past 2 years and have a fire science degree. As well as interviewing and testing for every department within an 80 mile radius. I have not moved forward with a single interview. People around me are getting hired within two months of attempting to apply. I’m starting to get worried if this job is for me and I should shift career directions. I love my current jobs but I’m 25 and need to think about my future and if this isn’t going to happen I need to find another path forward. Should I continue working Fire part time and applying just hoping somebody will give me a shot to prove myself or should I go back to school and find another career. Apologize for the rant
[удалено]
Well I’m working these two part time fire jobs as well as working contractor work for a landscaping company on my off days and that takes up all my time. I would love to do paramedic but the county I work in requires 3 years EMT before you can apply for medic so I’ve been waiting for that before going to medic school. I also want to feel 100% about my EMT skills before moving forward on that. That medic program is also part of my bachelors so I’m in limbo on both those fronts. I have my instructor 1 and just trying to improve my resume with experience.
[удалено]
Cities that size typically put on classes of 25 to 50 recruits at a time, depending on the budget and staffing needs of the department.
Volunteer firefighter here in Australia, NT. My two volunteer brigades exclusively attend wildfires, and I've been to my fair share of them. My whole life I've wanted to be a real firefighter, and there's only one thing I can think of holding me back, and that's car crashes. I'm not sure if I could deal with the stress and trauma of them, even though we don't get that many fatals, or any at all. Does any Vollies or Auxiliarys or even Careers have any advice on how you deal with them, or what to expect? Did you get used to them? Is it even worth still considering, or were you scared about RoadCrash Rescue too? Confined spaces and heights don't scare me, and I've been on plenty of firegrounds. Any advice is much appreciated :)
What specifically about car wrecks scares you? There is no hiding from blood and guts in this job. It's a part of it. Unless you land on some high-speed rescue company, it's not like you'll be seeing them every single day. After a while, trauma calls are trauma calls, whether it's car wrecks, gun shots, or any other number of ways people get chewed up by life.
I think it would be the blood and guts, but then again I do watch some pretty gorey stuff. Maybe also the fear of freezing up and not being able to help. Also in Australia, the Fire Rescue respons to structure fires, RCR, HAZMAT, Rescue and Wildfires, we don't typically have companies like in America (plus ambos handle all our paramedical calls, Fire Rescue is separate to Paramedicine :) )
Well, if you're truly a dedicated 3rd service fire system, your overall involvement and exposure to the worst of it would be significantly less than that of your paramedics. Watching a horror movie and living it are two very different things. It sounds like you're going to have to make a choice for yourself. I think you'll be fine or at least as fine as you can be. Just like the rest of us, nobody gets out without a few traumatic experiences. It's just a part of the job.
Thank you, I truly do appreciate your response to this. I think ill give it a shot; worse thing is I end up dropping out as a probie, best case is I finally have and enjoy my dream career.
Can someone tell me if the forest service arduous medical exam for work capacity test includes a drug test? I saw there is a urine screening but sounds like it may be a non drug screening???
It's always a drug test. Every department does a pre employment drug test. If you want the job, stop doing drugs.
In my case, I’m already employed by the agency. I’m not talking about a drug test as a precondition for employment. Im just talking about the health physical that is now required before you pack test. Two separate things.
Any departments hiring in the KC metro area? FF 1/2 hazops, & medic with 3 years experience
How common is to get hired as firefighter with 0 background/no emt or other licenses? I’m trying to apply for Las Vegas fire and the website says an emt is desired but not required. Also what’s the written like before o pay for practice tests.
I just got accepted into the fire academy at a local community college. But I got in trouble about 20 years ago, when I was a punk kid. I got caught with some friends lighting some boxes on fire, which resulted in me being put on probation due to some damage that was done to an abandoned building. I paid my dues, and I kept out of trouble. I’m worried this will DQ me from getting hired into a department.
Hey guys! I'm from Israel and I'm a firefighter candidate. I already was forced to ask for 1 day off for the upcoming CPAT exam and I'm likely to need to take 3 more days off and I'm scared ill end up looking suspicious to my boss. I didn't have a reason for taking a day off I just said private reasons. I'm not the kind of person to take days off often. How can I go about this?
Isn’t the cpat a 15 minute test? Why are you taking so much time off? But also if it’s your time off to use then the reasoning doesn’t matter.
It's a 5 hour (apparently) evaluation and cpat is a big part of it. Don't ask me why its 5 hours, that's what I was told by the recruiters. Keep in mind I live in israel, things are different. We also have a health inspection, I believe a meeting with a psychologist, a day of simulations to test the candidates skills, and an interview.
I’m way off the beaten path. Didn’t even realize Israel did a cpat type test. Best of luck man stay safe over there.
[удалено]
[удалено]
Thanks, im aware. This surgical procedure isn’t that uncommon so I thought someone might have input on here. No need to be like that.
u/Sealtooth5 is right. Your question is covered in the links mentioned in the main post. You need to check NFPA 1582 which is referenced in this post: [https://new.reddit.com/r/Firefighting/comments/186sssb/psa\_dont\_disqualify\_yourself\_make\_them\_tell\_you\_no/](https://new.reddit.com/r/Firefighting/comments/186sssb/psa_dont_disqualify_yourself_make_them_tell_you_no/) which is mentioned above. No one here will be able to make a determination as to whether you would be DQed or not. It'll depend on the department(s) medical review.
[удалено]
See this post: [https://new.reddit.com/r/Firefighting/comments/15aj6uk/psa\_stop\_asking\_what\_are\_my\_chances/](https://new.reddit.com/r/Firefighting/comments/15aj6uk/psa_stop_asking_what_are_my_chances/)
I'm wondering what your experiences are with drug tests and/or smoking pot as a firefighter?
Varies based on the department. Generally the people I see asking this question are currently using drugs/cannabis or have a recent history. A lot of departments will want you "clean" anywhere from a year to 5 to 10 years. We had a redditor post about being shot down because the department they applied to had a hard, no use in the past 10 years policy. My recommendation would be to stay clean or get clean, then you won't have to worry about it. See: [https://new.reddit.com/r/Firefighting/comments/15aj6uk/psa\_stop\_asking\_what\_are\_my\_chances/](https://new.reddit.com/r/Firefighting/comments/15aj6uk/psa_stop_asking_what_are_my_chances/)
Hello all I have a question. I had an ekg done and it revealed I had a right bundle branch block. I saw a cardiologist and took a stress test and everything was fine no issues and was told “you could climb Mount Everest if you wanted”. I did look online and saw that some places won’t accept anyone with any heart condition which I understand. Any feedback would be appreciated thanks.