City of Baltimore

[GFD1FF]

Yes I would say that both cases might be options.

[merchan5967]

Well if you choose to become a medic or already are one, do they take you off the suppression units and put you in a single role as a medic, or do you work as a crosstrained FF/PM on a suppression unit?

[GFD1FF]

I believe they run paramedic engine companies.

[merchan5967]

I believe they run paramedic engine companies.

Well thank God for that.

[Andyboyfire]

Anyone else out there here anything more about the city hiring medics first or making new members sign in their employment that they must seek upgrade to paramedic within so many years? Also does anyone know if the department is short people or if they plan to hire quickly once the exam is given? I know its mostly just rumor right now. Thanks for any help.

[GFD1FF]

I'm not sure how many or how quickly they plan on hiring but as far as I know firefighter/emt recruits are no longer required to obtain their medic certification. Also keep in mind they're currently doing rotating brownouts so they're having budget issues as are many other departments across the country.

[giweff]

Hey I have a question it doesn't have to to with when they will hire. But I was reading on firehouse and what are Baltimore Squads are they like the FDNY's or are they just paramedic engine companies or something? Thanks in advace.

[merchan5967]

Hey I have a question it doesn't have to to with when they will hire. But I was reading on firehouse and what are Baltimore Squads are they like the FDNY's or are they just paramedic engine companies or something? Thanks in advace.

If you're talkin rescue squads or companies, I know BCFD has one heavy rescue company and four squads. From what I've seen, the squads are specially equiped engine companies. I thing they're kinda like rescue engines you'd see in Mongomery, or PG County. Not 100% sure though.

[Andyboyfire]

Just curious and I realize that many factors play into this but would a good average be that roughly 1 of every 4 shifts is spent on the ambulance if you are an EMT-B, more-less? Thanks.

[thanojon]

Just curious and I realize that many factors play into this but would a good average be that roughly 1 of every 4 shifts is spent on the ambulance if you are an EMT-B, more-less? Thanks.

no offense but you ALWAYS ask about how much an emt spends on the ambulance or how long they will be on etc. Dude, start worrying about GETTING ON the job first, then ask that later on. Who gives a sh*t about how much time they spend on the ambulance anyway. Just the notion of being a Baltimore city firefighter should eliminate any thought of that.

[merchan5967]

no offense but you ALWAYS ask about how much an emt spends on the ambulance or how long they will be on etc. Dude, start worrying about GETTING ON the job first, then ask that later on. Who gives a sh*t about how much time they spend on the ambulance anyway. Just the notion of being a Baltimore city firefighter should eliminate any thought of that.

I have to agree. Most big city fire departments have ambulances anyway, so you can't escape EMS. In fact, when my brother was thinking about being a firefighter one of the first things I told him was learn to love EMS, because weather we like it or not, it is a HUGE part of our job. And by the way, if you're hired on in Balto as an FPA you WILL fight fire, but you WILL be on the ambulance as well. Learn to love all aspects of this job if you truely want to do it.

[Andyboyfire]

Sorry I am in the midst of an emt course, I trying to ride the ambulance not trying to avoid it. Sorry this was misinterpreted. Thanks.

[merchan5967]

Sorry I am in the midst of an emt course, I trying to ride the ambulance not trying to avoid it. Sorry this was misinterpreted. Thanks.

Oh ok brother. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

[Andyboyfire]

I'm not sure if anyone would know this. I am active duty military and will be for the next two years, until the middle of 2011. My question is when I separate from service, if I were to get an apartment in the city and submit my DD 214 to the city, would I then be entitled to residency and veterans points? Obviously I can't reside in city limits and I couldn't submit a DD 214 as you recieve this upon discharge. I have been trying to contact City Data and Processing to no avail. If anyone is in a simialr boat or has an answer it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks alot guys, stay safe.

[tonsoffun1101]

everyone been studying hard. big test day it right around the corner

[Wittmer321]

See you guys there tomorrow morning. I'm really curious to see what kind of turnout this exam gets. There isn't really that much talk about it compared to other exams. It wasn't advertised well at all.
Good luck to everyone!

[tonsoffun1101]

lets hear it....how did we do? likes dislikes? hard easy??

[merchan5967]

How many sat for the test this time around?

[jaximus85]

merchan5967- I asked when I left the 1 PM test how many applications were turned in and was told that there were around 2200 applications total. Of course that is what was turned in and not how many actually took the test. You have to figure that there were individuals that did not show up for whatever reason and also for those who forgot their cards to register when they got to the test.

tonsoffun1101- I do not think the test was bad at all. It was very straight forward. It will be interesting to see how many people will be eliminated from the written test alone. What were your thoughts?

Good luck to everyone during the process. Hope to see you all around.

[Kevlar24]

Just wanted to wish everyone goodluck in the testing process...also, whats goin on here all the other threads are puttin us to shame!!! lets pick it up lol....how does everyone think they did this past saturday? Maybe someone could shed some light on a question i had. On the green paper they gave us when we left the test it says, "you may be selected from the top five scores or ratings for any approved vacancy in a graded list". Im not really sure as to what that implies. Anyone able to clear that up for me...well good luck to all.......