little help for the new guy

[RistoEMT]

Hello,

I'm new to Fire/EMS. I recently got my NREMT-B cert. through a class in college. I did quite a few ride-alongs with the FD, and some with AMR ambulance. I have acquired a real interest in these jobs. I'm just wondering what I need to do to get my foot in the door. I’ve been told EMT-B is a good start. I’ve never been in a Volly Fire Dept. or anything like that. I live in Montana, 20yrs old, and want to try and get a job around the North East coast. What should I do next? Where can I find info about the certifications I need (Firefighter I, etc.)? Are there nationally certified FFs? Or is it State only? Is it hard to get into a paid position in Fire Departments? Do you think states in the North East will consider hiring someone so far away? Anyone who can give me the general low-down, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks
Risto

[Towerladder57]

tring to get into a paid dept. is like tring to be the prez of the us.

[GrovFire25]

tring to get into a paid dept. is like tring to be the prez of the us.
LOL, it seems like that huh?

Risto,
I'm trying to get hired in the northeast too. It's tough around here now, especially Mass. We're laying off:(
I'm on a call dept and am just applying wherever I can. The biggest problem you're going to have is traveling to test. Some departments have residency requirements and/or credit. This could hurt you.
Why do you want to come east from Montana?
If I were you I'd get on a volunteer department and get as much experience as you can, maybe FF certification. You're young enough where I wouldn't be in a hurry. Make sure it's the job you want and have some idea of what you're in for. This will help you in the interview process too.
Good luck;)

[46Truck]

If you really want to become a career firefighter without waiting around for 5-10 yrs just hoping for a job here's my 2 cents. (take it for whatever it's worth) Forget the Northeast..it is extremely difficult to get a paid gig there (layoffs are increasing right now)and being a non-resident will make it all but impossible for you. I would suggest 1) get your Paramedic certification and 2) move down south or out west..states like Texas , Florida, and California are still hiring at a good clip and are BEGGING for EMT-P's. Most large FD's will put you through their own drill school. However most states teach fire academies at local colleges if you are looking at small to midsize departments. Take the time to get these certs and put yourself where the jobs are and you'll have a great shot. GOOD LUCK!!!!

[Frozenhosehead]

If your looking for a paid gig you need to look in your own back yard. Montana had a ton of places that were hiring and most required no experince at all or emt b and firefighter I. The east coast has thousands of applicants for one or two jobs while the northwest may only have a few hundred or less in some areas. You need to look at going were your chances are good and not unimagineable. You may want to consider going Active Duty Air Force or Air Guard to be a Firefighter or even a DOD civilian somewhere. Check the Web or usajobs.opm.gov for civilian dod jobs

Good luck

[Salmonid]

Risto just posted questions that are very similar to my own. I'm 25, live in RI, and have been wanting to do this for a few years. It's been hard to find info on how to get started. This thread was definitely a disappointment, but its good to get some info. Does anyone know if that money from Homeland Security is going to be used to hire new firefighters, or is it meant to support the current numbers? Any feedback is much appreciated!
Thanks!