Firefighter

Firefighter

arringnl

32 Years Experience

Goose Creek, SC

Male, 54

Currently serving Jasper County Fire Rescue in south Carolina along with Charleston County EMS.

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Last Answer on June 29, 2022

Best Rated

My current job will have me moving every few years if I do volunteer work and get my certifications would they transfer over to a different state?

Asked by Henry over 8 years ago

Generally yes, especially IFSAC certifications.

I'm a female, certified EMT and I'm interested in becoming a Firefighter. Realistically, what kind of research should I do to make sure this is the right direction for me. What are my odds of making it through an academy?

Asked by Kathryn D. over 9 years ago

in your case being an EMT puts you ahead of many. I would advise you to joun a volunteer fire dept to determine if it is your ball of wax. As for fitness being in shape makes it easier and if you dont feel that you are than do something about it.

I am buying a home that had an attic fire 20 years ago. What can I do to reduce the smoke smell in the attic? Also, what can I do to reduce possible carcinogens in that space (we have no need of going up there otherwise as it is not a storage area).

Asked by Mary Ann over 8 years ago

There are companies that specialise in smoke odor removal after a fire, you may need to have all the insulation removed if it hasn't before.

I live in NYC, and there are only a few volunteer departments available, but I heard they clashed with the FDNY. Can I volunteer with the FDNY or does it have to be an all-volunteer department?

Asked by KJ almost 9 years ago

You can volunteer if they have them but I do not think FDNY has volunteers. You can volunteer with any volunteer FD, of course you need to apply and be accepted. I have heard that FDNY can be a little cocky, I do know NYPD and FDNY do not always get along though.

Why did you decide to become a firefighter?

Asked by Carrie almost 10 years ago

1. There was an instilled desire to help others which probably came from being active with Boy Scouts and a Explorer with our police dept. I obtained my EMT which led into firefighting.

2. Working a 3rd day can be taxing even if you don't run a calls it is the mental wear of the 24 hr shift that is the most tiring. Holidays, Birthdays, school activities with your kids sometimes have to be missed due to working which can be frustrating.

3. There are numerous hazards from fires, collapses and car accidents. We are in dangerous locations as you may have witnessed on the news of a firefighter fall into a roof while fighting a fire. We have been killed while working in the street at accidents. So it is difficult to point your finger at the most dangerous things that we come across.

4. We do not have Sgts we have Engineers. These positions are obtained by time on the job, testing both written and practical exams.

5. Become an EMT first and volunteer with a Fire dept or Rescue Squad in your area.

6. The satisfaction of helping others and knowing that they call you when they know that you will take care of their problems.

7. Probably saving a 2 yr. old that had fallen in a pool and we brought him back.

8. I do not have a particular specialty since we are all trained to do the same but I guess you could say that I enjoy EMS the most.

9. Changes in Construction- Things burn faster and hotter, Increased EMS responses with no increase in resources, and increased cost of equipment makes it hard to obtain.

10. Study. Workout, Sleep, Run Calls.

I'm interested in becoming a FF in 1.5 years after my military service ends? Could I go to school full time while fulfilling the the full time schedule of a FF? This would be to add an extra income to pay off previous student loans. Thanks!

Asked by Swifty almost 10 years ago

Yes, I am currently going to Eastern Kentucky University online working on a BA in occupational Safety. Firefighting schedules work out pretty good for school.

I'm in SoCal, I'm 23 w 2yr of 911 EMT experience, about to complete Fire Academy, then take Paramedic classes and hopefully work for a volunteer FD at the same time. What else should I be doing to stand a better chance of getting hired in SoCal?

Asked by SoCal over 8 years ago

Are you working while going to paramedic? If you are, you are going to find it difficult generally to volunteer/work and go to school all at once. Paramedic is a pretty tough class. Getting hired in CA can be difficult due to the competition. You will have a better chance applying nationwide. Paramedics are a dime a dozen in CA. They are hard sought for for instance in SC where I work. Most depts are going to an ALS system and require PM license.