Any firefighters here?

[Irishgirl]

I've just started looking into becoming a firefighter. I was interested to hear from anyone here that is one, or knows about it. Mostly what I'm not going to read on paper. I read about the physical test, the written test, etc. But how really did you find these to be? And more importantly, what's an average day like? What are the hours? I suppose it will depend on where you live. I don't even know at this point if my city is hiring, etc, just something I started looking into.

[Shibby]

Well I do know that now a days about 80% of all calls you see firetrucks go on are EMT related.

[shortz]

Originally posted by Shibby
Well I do know that now a days about 80% of all calls you see firetrucks go on are EMT related.

ACtually, I would say they are automatic fire alarms.

[Shibby]

Yea thanks, I'm sure that's the hard part off the job :rolleyes:

[psyko1]

goodluck with that IG. not sure about where you live but last i heard around here there was like a 3 year waiting period before you'd be considered. i'm sure it really helps to know someone in the dept.

[Shibby]

To add to what psyko is talking about... It's not enough any more to just be able to pass the physical aspects and pass a writen test. There are so many canidates now, people are going for assosiate and bachelor degree's before attempting to get an upper hand on the competition. But when it comes down to it for alot of people it's not what you know but who you know. Although through the process of getting a degree in (I'm not sure what's best so I won't suggest) you will meet alot of people that will open doors for you.

[Irishgirl]

Ya I've heard about the waiting list. That doesn't even bother me so much, I can sit at my desk job for a year or whatever, and then I'll really know it's what I want to do. I was good friends with a girl in HS who's father is a firefighter in my city, and has been for many years, is very well respected. I don't talk to her anymore because she moved out of state, but I could get in touch with her father.

[beefcake]

My brother had wanted to become a firefighter. He started by studying physics of fires or something of that nature. They wanted him to know all the science about fires, chemicals, stuff like that. Also had to become emt certified. That's like a really big part of it too. He started by being a volunteer for the department since they weren't hiring. Military didn't have any openings either, so he went in as an sp. My uncle is a firefighter in the military and made a phone call for him to be transfered to a firefighter. I know they are hiring for firefighters in oakland, ca, but that doesn't do much for ya.

[Blackdream71]

Re: Any firefighters here?

Originally posted by Irishgirl
I've just started looking into becoming a firefighter. I was interested to hear from anyone here that is one, or knows about it. Mostly what I'm not going to read on paper. I read about the physical test, the written test, etc. But how really did you find these to be? And more importantly, what's an average day like? What are the hours? I suppose it will depend on where you live. I don't even know at this point if my city is hiring, etc, just something I started looking into.

YOU CAN DO IT BABY! :)

[shortz]

Originally posted by Shibby
Yea thanks, I'm sure that's the hard part off the job :rolleyes:

Sometimes it can be a little nerve racking. A blown fuse can set off an autofire alarm, sometimes from a burned wire. Sometimes it's finding that single wire and making sure it's no longer a hazard when you leave. It's def not a glorious part of the job, but being a FF means safety too.

[Bouncer]

Re: Re: Any firefighters here?

Originally posted by Blackdream71
YOU CAN DO IT BABY! :)

:ghey:

[Blackdream71]

Re: Re: Re: Any firefighters here?

Originally posted by THE BOUNCER
:ghey:

:P

[Rottweiler]

Krypton32 is a firefighter.. I's send him a PM if I were you

[beeza]

I know a lot of the guys in cities around Boston will work two 24 hour days at the firehouse, and then have 5 other days off. I know this because I work in construction and meet some of them occassionally. The Money isn't that great, and a lot of them work construction on the side for extra cash $$. It's also really tough to get on a fire dept. unless you have some sort of a connection.

-Brian

[hlcn8]

I wasn't firefighter cross-trained by the time I left the rescue squads, but did plenty with them while an EMT. 95% of calls aren't really emergencies. There are automatic firealarms that you get halfway to and then turn off the lights and sirens and go home. Most calls are old people who fell out of bed, and taking massive precautions by backboarding people who've been in fender benders because they're shaken up. You will train, constantly. Until you're bored to tears. If you're not on a busy rescue squad, this will be most of what you do. Remember this mantra, 99% sheer boredom, 1% sheer terror. When you get into the really hairy situations, even the bad accidents and vehicle extrication you will revert entirely to your training until you develop a sort of second self in which to stand back and watch everything else occur around you. You will see some stuff that makes you stay awake sometimes, and you will feel so good about many others that it's all rewarding. It's either for you, or its not. You may wish to look into a volunteer rescue squad to find out if its for you or not. Best of luck. If you have a head on your shoulders (and your posts indicate you do), you'll do well.