Never stop learning.

Take as many courses as they offer.

 

good luck man, my only advice to ya is to take as many classes as they will let you take. it is the fastest way for the old guys at the firehouse to take you seriously and its the fastest way to make more money. good luck and if you need any help just give us a shout, you will learn fast that we are all brothers.

 

I am glad someone echoes my opinion. Cuase I am right

Matter of fact for the next few days I will be in New Braunfels, TX doing vertical rope rescue.

 

Been a Fire Fighter for 5 years now as a volunteer and a Paramedic Full time for just over 2 years. Basically like ever one said study hard, Pay attention, and listen to the veterans, but also listen to the newbies and yourself as well. If you have an idea in your head you think would work for something express yourself, or if another newbie has an idea listen to them. Sometimes the fresh minds can come up with the best ideas.

Oh yes and dont take anything to seriously, Emergency services in general weither it Fire, EMS, or Police love to joke around, and yes they will be going after you. So when they come after you kick back, relax, laugh, and remember your time to get them back will come around! haha

Good Luck! Be Safe!

 

You better show up up with coffee and lots of donuts on your first day in what ever house your assigned. Always buy plenty of food on your night to cook. Classes are good but remember all the paper in the world cant replace expierence. Listen to the veterans they didnt last in the job for nothing, Take the class room stuf and LEARN how to apply it. IT IS THE GREATEST JOB ON EARTH Brother

 

Pay attention in the academy, but once you're out listen to the guys on the job. Years of experience pays off more than a textbook. Ears open, mouth shut is what I was told as a probate. And never contradict what a senior guy says with something like "that's not how we did it in the academy."

 

Good luck and Be safe. i dont do it paid but we all have the same training Just be safe out there Brother

 

Plus 1 God advise

 

i'm glad i checked this out....great advice, as i am number 22 on Aurora's fire fighter/emt list. They will be hiring in a couple months and with any luck. I'll be able to join up!!!

 

I am with a volunteer dept. and currently hold the position of chief. As FX4Firefighter stated, we all have the same basic traning, just when you go to the academy the course load is condensed and is very intense. As stated, STUDY, LISTEN to the veterans and most importantly.... WATCH YOUR BACK and the Brothers that you work with.

Good Luck !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

The best and most rewarding job I've ever had. If I take a shift off on exchange or vacation, I can't wait to go back.... That speaks for itself.

 

I am a career firefighter and have been for about five years now. I could give you a lot of advise but I will echo what other have said. Make sure you never stop learning. You will never know everything and stay away from those that think they do, they will just get you hurt. Make sure you stay safe and make sure everyone comes home. Good luck in getting started. It is usually hard to get a job but it is well worth it!!!

 

STUDY!!! Get as much practice as you can and, if you're doing your practical exam with someone else, stick to your guns. Trust yourself and your instincts. Have some fun tho....there's nothing like getting strapped to the board, picked up and flipped over. Just hope they strap you in well. Florida doesn't accept other state's EMT licenses and National Registry means nothing to them (at least it didn't when I lived there). The test is tough, but it will make you a better EMT. As long as you remind patients that NOBODY vomits or voids in the back of the squad without written consent of all crew members on duty, you'll be ok.

As far as firefighting goes....good luck! Always watch your back and all your guys. That part of the deal isn't really my cup of tea. When common sense, school and mom all say to get out when the building is on fire I kinda have a problem with someone telling me to go in. LOL You guys are a group that ranks up with servicemen...putting your lives on the line for the rest of us.

Oh yah...do it because you WANT to, not for the money. I think it's sad that I made more money slinging parts at a car dealer than I would have if I were saving lives. Nothing compares to the gratitude you will get tho.

 

I know this thread is a month old but I want to chime in. I have been a firefighter for 6 years now. These guys are right with what they say. Remember that firefighting today is more than fighting fires. You will have more rescue calls than anything (rope rescue, swiftwater rescue, confined space...). Like these guys said, TAKE EVERY TRAINING OFFERED. Good luck! You will find that this field of work is a family.

 

Be nice to your brothers in blue (the police). Fireman need heros too. Haa