2 important questions

[jkobbs125]

i am currently taking the EMT-Basic course, to become certified, i am also taking fire science classes to gain that associates degree. i plan on advancing to get my paramedics licensce while gaining a firefighting certificate. i am 19 years old and this has been my passion for years. i love the way firefighters live and i love the job they are called to do. my two questions are these:
1) a year ago i recieved a dui, i have no other convictions, no signs of any alcholhol abuse, and to be honest havent really touched alchohol since the incident, it was an honest mistake that i am lucky enough that no one was hurt or injured, but my question is, will i be able to be hired? i wont be done with the program for at least 2 years, but even then will this but a block on me getting a job?

and secondly, i have been told two answers to this question so any clarification would be wonderful. i was born blind in my left eye, i have no problem seeing out of my right eye, my vision is 20/20, and caused me no problems. i have been able to obtain a drivers lisence with no restrictions, but yet some people still try telling me i wont be able to be a firefighter. i just wnat to know if my eye will still allow me to pass the exam and live on with my dream? thanks for your time and i hope to recieve clarification

josh

p.s. i currently live in ohio (the cleveland region)

[reesncsa]

I am pretty confident of my answers to the second question, so I will start there. This is what the NFPA states as necessary vision requirements:

---------------------------------------
1. Vision

Monocular vision is likely to be disqualifying. See Exhibit A to the Firefighter protocol, which outlines the essential functions of the position.

Far Acuity:

20/30 or better each eye corrected or uncorrected.
Uncorrected, but normally uses Glasses: 20/100 or better each eye.
Uncorrected, but normally uses Hard Contact Lenses: 20/100 or better each eye.
Uncorrected, but normally uses Soft Contact Lenses: Successful wearers of soft
contact lenses (defined as six months without a problem) are not subject to the
uncorrected standard.

Peripheral Vision

>= 70° temporal visual field in each eye in the horizontal plane

AND

>= 140° binocular visual field in the horizontal plane

Assess by a vision-testing machine or with confrontational fields.

Color Vision: All candidates should be tested with pseudoisochromatic plates, such as the
Ishihara test. If the candidate fails this test, the Farnsworth D-15 should be administered. Those
who fail the Farnsworth D-15 should be restricted from all field duties requiring color
identification and discrimination such as HAZMAT team duty.
------------------------------------


Just so you know, Exhibit A just lists the typical duties of a firefighter and why something like monocular vision could be disqualifying. The reason stated is that being a firefighter will likely entail driving a big truck at high speeds when it is dark out, and the lack of depth preception due to monocular vision can make that dangerous.
--- As a side note, the dept I am with never tested for binolular vision.

I also know that not every dept uses these standards exactly. some are willing to be a little more flexible than others. you should find out what the depts you are interested in being hired into use as their standards. I do think, however, that the larger the dept the less likely they are to bend these requirements.


As far as the first question (it may not be an issue depending on what you find out about the eye thing), I know that an underage DUI would likely be pretty disqualifying in my dept, because it would most likely deny your ability to get a CDL. That is a requirement of employment here. Things may be different in other places. The truth of the matter though is to admit that you made a mistake (though flaunting it might not be wise) and show proof that you have mended your ways and learned from it. That can show character. I think Captain Bob has some insight on how to deal with things like that. Try looking in the hiring and employment threads, or search
-driving record- etc etc and see what comes up. You are not the first person to question what an issue on their record might mean.

I hope this helps a little. I just went through the process, so i am a bit fresh on the medical requirements and stuff. If you have any more questions, you may want to post on the Hiring and Employment threads as they are a little more down the alley of what you are asking, but of course you are welcome here too :)

Keep learning like a sponge!!
Stay safe


Randy




The Information, Thoughs, and Opinions above are from me as an individual, and are in no way associated with my dept.

[Mark21]

Ever try going to eatstress.com? Go there and check it out. Click on the link to email Capt Bob and ask him your questions. He'll be able to help ya out or at least point you in the right direction. Good Luck

[JorieH]

I know some people who have DUIs and are allowed to drive the ambulance. It may not be disqualifying, but can be in some areas. Also most of the time they only look back in the past 4 years. Since you're 19 you won't be able to test till you're 21. When you do test DO NOT LIE ABOUT IT, but don't offer the information. The main question would be a felony. If you've been convicted of a felony that would be a disqualification. Ummm come to think of it, is a DUI a felony?~honestly I don't know.

Your eye situation would be more of a concern. Research it, find out what are the limitations and if they change at different locations(areas). reesncsa gave you some good information.

[RspctFrmCalgary]

By typing "monocular" into the Search feature ...

http://forums.firehouse.com/showthread.php?t=32545&highlight=monocular

http://forums.firehouse.com/showthread.php?t=16161&highlight=monocular

http://forums.firehouse.com/showthread.php?t=16135&highlight=monocular

By typing "dui" into the Search feature ...

http://forums.firehouse.com/showthread.php?t=73816&highlight=dui

http://forums.firehouse.com/showthread.php?t=71171&highlight=dui

http://forums.firehouse.com/showthread.php?t=65773&highlight=dui

There are a lot more threads on both subjects, I just picked out a few.

[bmac82]

Another option, as long as monocular vision doesn't completely disqualify you, is to wait (I know it's hard but its worth it) and get a four year degree. They do have four year fire science degress out there too. That will open up many doors for you as well as impress any interviewers. In Florida DUI's are kept on yours record for five years, so by the time you finished up your degree and went to fireschool, it would most likely be gone.

Since you are finishing your EMT, just from someone who got a 4 year degree, Interfacility transport is a great parttime job for a college student. You make your own schedule and the work is very, very easy. The only catch is I believe you have to be 21 to drive the ambulances there but that may vary depending on where you work.