arringnl
32 Years Experience
Goose Creek, SC
Male, 54
Currently serving Jasper County Fire Rescue in south Carolina along with Charleston County EMS.
Generally if a dept does not have an aerial they dont do that but you still need to climb extension ladders. So you have two options work on your fear since extension ladders come with the job or change choices, but you usually cant have it both ways. Sorry being honest.
Share Answer: 
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.
Share Answer: 
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.
Share Answer: 
No it gets turned over to Police Dept and no they do not have to pay for it since it is theirs anyway
Share Answer: 
Mailman (City Letter Carrier)
Is there a big difference in the amount of mail you deliver today from 5-10 years ago?
Fashion Forecaster
Are people in the fashion world as rotten as those in Devil Wears Prada?
Security / Bodyguard
Are you expected to take a bullet that's meant for someone you're guarding?
can you do both? As online college degree in fire science?
Share Answer: 
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.
Share Answer: 
I can only speak for Sc but the curriculm is the same. Here they make the classes accomatable for the volunteers by doing classroom portion in the evenings and Sat. Takes approx 3 moths to get FF 1&2.
Share Answer: 
-OR-
Login with Facebook (max 20 characters - letters, numbers, and underscores only. Note that your username is private, and you have the option to choose an alias when asking questions or hosting a Q&A.)
(A valid e-mail address is required. Your e-mail will not be shared with anyone.)
(min 5 characters)
By checking this box, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to Jobstr.com’s Terms and Privacy Policy.
-OR-
Register with Facebook(Don't worry: you'll be able to choose an alias when asking questions or hosting a Q&A.)
Browse Jobs
Host a Q&A
Search
Submit Your Question
Host a Q&A
Last 7
