Hello, I'm new

[Lorraine]

Hi everyone,
I'm a brand new volunteer firefighter. Just started two months ago. I'm starting EMT classes tonight and am really excited about it. I've been on six calls, so far, and am loving it. Our station is in a small rural area - Level Cross NC. There was one other woman when I joined and now there are three of us. Most of the guys treat us pretty well, and have been real supportive in helping us learn. I've read some real horror stories about things that some women have had to put up with, so I guess we're lucky. I'm 42 yrs old, and feel pretty old compared to some of the other firefighter/EMTs. Are any of you around my age?

Lorraine

[NCRSQ751]

I'm 33. I have been doing EMS and Technical Rescue for about 15 years, I just got my firefighter certification last year with a bunch of 18 year olds. I was one of only 2 females and older than half the instructors so I know what you mean.

I really haven't had problems - once you prove you are there to do the job and not find a man or profile you are OK. Usually the older ones like us have even less of a hard time because we have some years and experience on us. We have the maturity level we've earned and know how to deal with the occasional sexist.

Try being the only (and first)female Chief - I was second in command for a few years before that and generally went to all the Chiefs meetings in the county...for the first year or so no one would even sit at a table with me (some actually stood up for 2 hours instead). These days I don't really have a problem except with some real old timers and I just ignore them.

Most men treat me like I've earned - and that's the key - earning it.

[volunteercareer]

I'm 38 almost 39 and I know how you feel!

I have been a firefighter for 10 years now (10 with a volunteer dept. and 3 with a paid department.)

At 35 I decided to change careers from graphic arts to paid firefighter. I was the second oldest in my academy class. The oldest guy who was one year older than I was called "Abuelo" Spanish for Grandfather. I have been called grandma once in a while. Oh well! Gotta have a thick skin to be in this business. There was one guy who kept giving me a hard time, alway treating me with little respect. One day I finally had enough and told him "Hey look, I am old enough to be your mother, I think I deserve a little respect from you!" since then we have become pretty good friends. He has his own problems with descrimination just because of his age. He started with the paid department at age 18. Smart guy who knows his stuff but the department tried to tell him he couldn't teach because the older guys wouldn't listen to him. Fought his way through and is teaching now.

I have earned the respect of my coworkers by pulling my weight and staying involved in special projects such as EMS instructor, Technical Rescue Team, SCBA Technician, Safety committee member, HazMat instructor. I grew up with two brothers. Now I have 120 close brothers and like any family, not all members get along all the time.

I think the biggest key to be treated fairly in this field is to have the attitude that you are a firefighter first who just happens to be a women instead of being a "woman firefighter". Don't get me wrong, I am proud to be that firefighter who is a woman, but on the fire ground it is the firefighter that counts!

Last night we were just finishing up a wood pile fire when an EMS call came in. Nothing like responding to somebody's house sweaty, with soot on your face and bunker pants on to take care of a sick family member. We made sure we cleaned off our boots really well before entering the house. It doesn't matter how you look they are always happy to see you!

Welcome to the wonderful world of emergency services.
Good luck in all you do!

-KGM