new medic, no fire experience...how do i become a fire/medic

[rnjesse01]

i am currently in the EMSLRC at university of Iowa and i will be a national registered medic in august 2005. I am very interested in working fire as a paramedic but i have absolutely no experience as a firefighter, no certs or anything! i want to know what is the quickest way for me to get that experience, do i need to go back to a community college and take fire science classes or what, i have no idea where to start. im only 22 y/o so i have some time but i would like to get started as quick as i can. please help or give me some sites to look

[DennisTheMenace]

Originally posted by rnjesse01
i am currently in the EMSLRC at university of Iowa and i will be a national registered medic in august 2005. I am very interested in working fire as a paramedic but i have absolutely no experience as a firefighter, no certs or anything! i want to know what is the quickest way for me to get that experience, do i need to go back to a community college and take fire science classes or what, i have no idea where to start. im only 22 y/o so i have some time but i would like to get started as quick as i can. please help or give me some sites to look

First join a local Volunteer Department and see if the fireside is your thing. Many Departments will cover the costs of your training and certs. Being a Paramedic already puts you leaps ahead of most of the pack. I am sure others will have better and more indepth advice for you then I.

[shroom]

Find a community college in your area that has a fire academy. Attend the academy to earn your FF1 certificate. With your medic cert, FF1, and volunteer experience, you should be golden.

[Kobersteen]

Fairfax County, Virginia is looking for Fire Medics so intently, that recruitment will speed your process when you show them a NREMT-P card. No previous fire training required.

Here is the info: http://www.co.fairfax.va.us/ps/fr/ge...ecruitment.htm

For info not on there, let me know...

[FDengine13]

Jesse,
Congratulations on completing your paramedic program. That's quite an accomplishment. I would encourage to enroll in fire science courses at the junior college and become involved in a volunteer program.

If possible put yourself through a basic firefighter academy. While earning your paramedic license will greatly assist you, it is imperative that you become educated on the job of a firefighter.

Learn our trade, read magazines, visit fire stations and find out what it takes to get hired on your target department. Lastly, make sure you are in top physical condidtion. Paramedic school has a way of filling out your jeans. Get back in the gym and stay in shape. Good luck!