Firefighting?

[DmC]

Currently looking into going to school at Lanier Tech for a Paramedic Degree. Then hopefully pursue Firefighting afterwards. I'm a 4 year combat veteran currently going to school getting my core classes out of the way. I'm looking to go to Lanier Tech come January. And was wondering if anyone had any advice or any knowledge about the best way to go about getting into firefighting? I know fire houses require some kind of paramedics. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks guys

[eraser4g63]

Your best bet is to start off small and take a step at a time. Were you a combat medic? If so then congrats you have an EMT-b license that will get you no where. If not you need to look into getting an EMT-I license and work for about 2-3 years then go get your medic. However if you are an EMT-b I would suggest trying to find a bridge program to EMT-i or if your really feeling froggy you could go right into Medic school ( be prepared to work your ass off and more than likely fail out as the drop rates are nearing 80%). I will tell you first hand you will want the field experience because treating a wounded 20 something year old is nothing like treating a 50 year old female that just tried to end her life ( that is not meant to discount your service to this nation) As far as firefighting goes it is not required you be a paramedic but it will get you bumped to the front of the line. Right now there are not very many places are hiring unless you are a medic with experience.

[DmC]

Thanks for the info eraser. I wasn't a combat medic so I'm starting at scratch. I'm looking to just get my paramedics then get into a firehouse. That way I have a better chance on getting on and staying on.

[ruah_23]

fire department

[DmC]

Thanks man. Good info. Does anyone know much on Lanier Tech?

[eraser4g63]

Like I said you will be better served in the long run getting your EMT and working at a high volume private service IE; Rural metro, Grady or Metro Atlanta ( based in Cobb) for a few years then going back to get your medic. This business is all about experience and the direct jump from EMT to medic ( we call it 0 to hero ) is not easy. Lanier has a good program, Sam Stone is a great instructor and he will get you ready for the real world how ever i would avoid their Fire science program like the plague.

[Greddypacked]

It's not easy lol. Im mostly thru my first quarter in my EMT class and if your not experienced in the medical field the studies are harder. Especially for anatomy and physiology. You study and keep at it though, it become's alot easier and second hand nature if you really keep at it. Drop rate is big they say. Some people do all of the schooling and get to the national testing and dont even go I heard my teacher say cuz it can be tough. Goodluck though, it might be something you are really good at and love doing.

If you have time before you get in your classes I recommend reading books on the body (functions and structures of the body "physiology and anatomy". This way you will understand more of the studies when you get in class. Then you can mainly focus on the studies of the EMT, basics, functions, laws, and actions.

[DmC]

I took an anatomy class in high school and remember how hard that was. Know EMT is going to be 5x harder than that.

Another question I'm looking at is, what is the job security look like in the next 2-4 years in EMT and Firefighting? Is there better areas that are hiring than just the south?

[Firefightin_tC]

Glad I found this thread.

Goingto get your Paramedic? Congrats...be prepared for hate life.

In my professional opinion, become a EMT-Intermediate first. Become well-verse in becoming a EMT and then if the mood still strikes you, become a Medic. I'm currently a Contract Firefighter in Saudi Arabia but before that I spent 5 years with Clayton County Fire Department, which I plan on returning to when I get home in May of '10.

Firefighting-wise, getting EMT-I or EMT-P will look good regardless of which on you get because it's less money a county has to spend on getting your trained.

I see that you're 23, so you're going to want to be busy and see all the action, so I suggest looking at the following counties.

1.) Gwinnett County FD
2.) Cobb County FD
3.) Clayton County FD
4.) Atlanta County FD
5.) DeKalb County FD

[Greddypacked]

I took an anatomy class in high school and remember how hard that was. Know EMT is going to be 5x harder than that.

Another question I'm looking at is, what is the job security look like in the next 2-4 years in EMT and Firefighting? Is there better areas that are hiring than just the south?

I read the job oppurtunities will increase 16 percent in this field, in the years to come.

[Firefightin_tC]

I took an anatomy class in high school and remember how hard that was. Know EMT is going to be 5x harder than that.

Another question I'm looking at is, what is the job security look like in the next 2-4 years in EMT and Firefighting? Is there better areas that are hiring than just the south?

The world will always need Firefighters.

This isn't just a -job-, it's a career and if you treat it right, she'll take care of you and your family forever.

[cbr900rrguy]

become a firefighter in california

[Firefightin_tC]

^^ That'll work too.

[ruah_23]

Just a heads up, if you don't like waking up at 3 am trying to help grandma up from the bed than this job is not for you.
If you are trying to be rich, this job is not for you.

Firefighting/emt is not a job. Not everyone can be one.

[Firefightin_tC]

Just a heads up, if you don't like waking up at 3 am trying to help grandma up from the bed than this job is not for you.
If you are trying to be rich, this job is not for you.

Firefighting/emt is not a job. Not everyone can be one.

You damn skippy.

"Everyone was born Equal, only a select few become Firefighters."

[DmC]

I understand firefighting is not a job, but a career. I know I would enjoy working in a firehouse. Just not crazy about all the schooling. Going to go talk to the local firehouse and see what they say today.

[cbr900rrguy]

good luck

[DmC]

Anyone know if the Griffen Tech EMT program is good?

[Firefightin_tC]

It's good and worth it to go.

[Greddypacked]

Ya I just passed my first quarter final. 80 questions lol.

[Firefightin_tC]

Good job.