Texas Paramedic looking to become a firefighter

[mrwig88]

Like the title states im a 25yr paramedic living in Austin,TX wishing to become a paramedic/FF. Ive been an EMT for about 3 years running 911. I volunteered a while back and yes its what I dream about doing. Relocating isnt a huge deal but im not moving to nebraska or wyoming if you get my meaning. I was told about the shoe-in deal and around here at least its worthless. I hate testing against 5k but if anyone has any suggestions of places looking for PARAMEDICs to train in a fire academy please let me know ive been on this trek for about 5 years and I really want this to happen. Any assistance or advice would be great. Also thinking bout just going into the Navy and getting those extra 10 points and a lot of experience to jump out and get a FF job.

[mrwig88]

I was just going to add I have over 150 college hrs but no degree. Any ideas of where to go?

[riffemt0303]

dc, arizona,virginia,maryland,texa s, florida, california is hiring all over you can go to 911hotjobs.com or just get a list of some depts you would really like to work for and check in and see when they have a upcoming test and what it takes to apply!!!!,i would personally stay away from some places in georgia and florida, south carolina and other southern states pay are alittle low to raise a family now,the northeast due to the fact that i live in this region it took me forever to get on the job so....the states like rhode island connecticut massachusetts new york......are very political and lots of competition coming from families of firefighters people who know state reps, mayors town councils, or high ranking people !!! if you have your nremt-p GOLD CARD you should not have a problem if you have experience no horrible background, and dont mind to relocate!!!good luck to you!!!

[mrwig88]

well thats what i originally was told and I mean I want to work in a city. Austin has ESD's that are all BLS, their EMS and FD are two seperate entities and most surrounding areas are BLS and REQUIRE fire certs, i was just curious bout cities people know that love having people who already have medics who run ALS FD even workin on a box for a few years to get on an engine would rock. Thank you for the input

[RyanTX]

Arlington FD

http://www.tcfp.state.tx.us/pdf_posts/arlington.pdf

[docflip4884]

Houston Fire Dept.

There are two different tests, certified and non cert. You fall under the non cert.

They will train you and send you to get ff and paramedic. They will send you to a box for your first 5 years then after that you're home free for a job on a truck or engine. I know it sounds rough at first, but, good experience in EMS running ALS 911 calls, if your lucky you may catch a few fires under your belt.

[RyanTX]

Houston Fire Dept.

There are two different tests, certified and non cert. You fall under the non cert.

They will train you and send you to get ff and paramedic. They will send you to a box for your first 5 years then after that you're home free for a job on a truck or engine. I know it sounds rough at first, but, good experience in EMS running ALS 911 calls, if your lucky you may catch a few fires under your belt.

At one time HFD offered a Paramedic only test. Keep an eye out for it. But, I don't think the demand is what it once was.

[agavegrove]

San Angelo in West Texas, is always taking applications. They have 1 test a year and continually hire about 10+ guys a year. They run the box. When I wa there you spend about 1-2 shift off the box. They will hire paramedics because that's one medic they don't have to pay to put through school. There are 2 hospitals (one with a helicopter) that paramedics can do PT work at. You won't get filthy rich - unless you have a lucrative side job - but you can make a good living for yourself. Google San Angelo Fire Department and go from there.

[91xjfireman]

I agree with the above. I spent 2 years with San Angelo and contemplate plate going back every year that I've been away. Great guys, okay pay, great dept. Played pool and ping pong everyday!!!!

[emmex510]

Of course, CA is always hiring Fire Medics but most of the ALS departments are smaller meaning they want you to have a State Accredited Academy under your belt. Go to 911hotjobs (free) or firecareers (fee) and check the descriptions to see if there are any that do not require an academy, meaning they will put you through their own or in another agency's.

Good Luck...Medics are getting swept up over here.

[burton1795]

There are several metroplex fds hiring right now that only require paramedic and will send you to fire school. Go to www.tcfp.state.tx.us and click employment. Arlington, lancaster, Grand Prarie, and NFACT are all hiring right now.