any advice for someone who wants to become a Firefighter?

[littlemissemt]

Hello-<br />Ia m a 23 y/o female from Mississippi. I am currently studying to become an EMT andI am going to go on from there and become a Paramedic. I am also contemplating becoming a FF and was wondering if anyone has any advice.

THANKS!!!!

[SWAF]

Good for you, make sure you stay in shape and can pass all the physical agility tests and be ready to DO THE JOB. If you can do the job, that's all you have to worry about. I definitely recc. going to FD, your life on the ambulance will be miserable, (but keep as PT job, cause you'll need one!) FD is much more secure and a good family. Don't worry about what others think of you, get training every chance you get and be educated! If you don't know something, SAY SO and then ask. I have found that we balance out the men with all their mechanical knowledge that we don't have from working on cars etc all our lives, that we have strong emotional side that helps out often. Just keep trying and be patient when trying to get hired, it can take a while, and remember that it is a way of life, not just a living. Good luck and read Harry Carter- he's great!<br />Robin J. Lt. PCFD

[bshepard]

Good for you I hope you do go for it. It is a good job and most of the people belive it is a way of life. I know I Do. and like the other respoce most people belive we all are a big family. keep trying to get on <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

[Sparkie911]

Hey Little,<br />Your little sig there shows me that you would fit right in with the FD, LOL cute!<br />Good to hear you are working up front to get your EMS training. That will assist you in the long run in attaining a job with a FD, if in fact you decide to go for it.

You say you are contemplating becoming a FF. I’m gonna ask you a question here and I would hope that you look honestly at it. What is it about being a FF that would keep you from going after that goal? Okay, make it two questions… What is it about being a FF that makes you want to go after that goal?

See, my advice would be for you to figure out if in fact this is something that is for you that you really want to do. The job itself has many benefits and rewards, but it also has the down side as well, as does every job.

If you put your two lists together of the pros and cons and decide that this IS something for YOU, then be prepared to do the following throughout your career:<br />- Stay informed<br />- Stay educated<br />- Stay good physical condition<br />- Be willing to make the unknown your friend

And never forget the 6 “P’s” <br />Prior, proper, planning, prevents, poor, performance!

Good luck to you Little, and best wishes!<br />Sparkie