small

[jmylea]

I have a question and need some straight answers. I just got my paramadic license and am actively looking for a position on a fire department. In my area you have to be a FF/P. My question?: I'm 5'1" and about 100 lbs. I can hold my own, but certainly not as much as a man. Is this realistic? Several people say it's not that big of a deal, but is it really? This is not a man v's woman thing...It's more of a woman v's size thing, if you will.

[EoneTiller]

Not all women are going to be able to do things men can do and vice versa.im not saying you cant be a FF or paramedic or w/e im just saying some men can lift very heavy objects and some cant, same with women.If you think you can do it then by all means you can do it, just have the right attitude.

"Its not the size that counts its how you use it"
sorry had to do that.

[Ohiovolffemtp]

Jmylea,
The best advice I can give is to look into the testing process fire departments in your area use. In my area, it's common to have to carry a 75# hose pack up 5 stories, drag charged lines, and drag a 165# dummy 75 feet. Other places use the CPAT test. See what they do and see if you can train yourself to be ready.

You might also see if you can find any friends of friends who are on depts and are small and see what they have to say. Classmates & instructors from your medic class should be able to provide you some leads.

Candidly, you may find it mighty tough. Not to rain too hard on your parade, but there are other employment opportunities: private ambulances, hospitals, etc. They tend to focus more on medical and less on field skills.

Good luck.

[jmylea]

I value everyone's opinion!
I'm not going to pretend that I am a super stong person. I want to be able to pull my own and don't want anyone to have to fear that I would be the one to back them up.
Time to lift some more weights and eat more food. But wait, isn't a short, fat FF/P just as bad??

Thanks for the advise and laugh!

[RyanEMVFD]

it's the size of the heart that matters.

[BLACKSHEEP1]

Come to St.Petersburg, Fla, fill out an application, we're taking apps for ff/medics every day, as in open, as in what are you waiting for?
Try stpete.org, or st.pete.org, with a fire suffix.