Advice For A Career Move

[NYI4LIFE]

I live in Ocala, Florida (which is Marion County). now, im 20 years old and am currently going through the EMS program at my college (emt-paramedic in four semesters) my question.....

should i go through the EMS program, volunteer at a local station, and then go to fire college. Or, should i just get my emt and go directly to fire college?

any advice will help, thank you

thomas

[NYI4LIFE]

ALSO, SINCE IM LEANING TOWARDS VOLUNTEERING, I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO START TILL JANUARY DUE TO COLLEGE CLASSES...

ARE THERE ANY BOOKS I CAN GET STARTED WITH SO I CAN BE "AHEAD" OF THE GAME, OR SHOULD I JUST GO TO MY LOCAL FIRE DEPT.'S HQ AND ASK?

I REALLY WANT TO BE A FF/PARAMEDIC AND I'LL TAKE ANY ADVICE ANYONE IS WILLING TO GIVE

[kjohn23]

First of all, you live in Ocala which is the location of the Florida Fire College. In order to work in the state of Florida you must obtain FF2 through the state fire college.The rule on volunteering in Florida now requires FF1, also through the Fire college.These classes are also offered through the school board in Marion County, I do not know if any of the fire department in your area are volunteer, or if they will assist you in getting your schooling.
The book that the state uses is "Essientials in firefighteing" 4th edition and can be purchased at the Fire College bookstore. Hope this information helps.You can also find info on their website:
www.fldfs.com/sfm.bfst.fsfc/index.shtml

[NYI4LIFE]

THANKS A LOT....

THE MARION COUNTY FIRE RESCUE IS A VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT. SO THANKS A LOT AGAIN

[CALFFBOU]

I just very briefly scanned over these postings and am
going to add my 2 cents.

Here is my take. I would get yourself into any college
or higher education as soon as possible. I just hated
going to school, but I toughed it out and stuck with it.
Now, I have some former education that NO ONE can take
away from me and will forever give me the edge over other
candidates rather it be an entry level job or promotion.

Go get the EMT. It is a very basic thing to have in the
fire service. Get the education.

I saw someone wrote volunteer. Just about anyone can
volunteer. Fine. Just put your education and training
first. Because once you start life, (spouce, house, kids,
cars, etc) it will be hard and hard to finish school.

Get more information and great job tips at-
www.eatstress.com

-Bou

[NYI4LIFE]

actually (laughs, laughs) im married at 20 years old to a wonderful wife who is really into her faith and christianity. she keeps me going.

i start EMT-PARAMEDIC school in january but am taking so extra classes like anatomy 2 and algebra that the program doesn't need. i'm going first thing monday to start volunteering while in school. and yes, i work by working at my local hospital on friday, saturday, and sundays every week as a Patient Care Tech in the ICU!

thanks for everyone's input.

tom