6 Things I Wish I Knew BEFORE I Became A Firefighter

I'm the kind of person that likes knowing what I'm getting myself into before I get into it. That said, there was a lot I didn't know when I first became a firefighter. Here are just a few of the main things I had no idea about when I first started.

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[bryantenjhay]

My sister was save by a fightfigher who arrived before the ambulance and I want to become one to thank that person

[RedT...TheOriginal.NotANumber]

Most potential firefighters don't realize just how closely they'll be tied to EMS. With the rare exception of 3rd party EMS areas, Fire will be running more medical calls than trauma calls (falls, MVCs), and more trauma calls than fires. "This is not what I signed up for!" is a common statement among new firefighters. Some states require FFs to be at least EMT-Bs for that reason.

[ellenrice]

I've watched several of your videos, never worked for any fire service but started my career in Healthcare as an EMT for a private service. Went on to become an RN. So much of what you have to say applies to many jobs where you are helping people, I think anyone who wants to work in any facet of Healthcare would benefit from what you have to say. Thanks for your service

[gravity]

Queensland, Australia. A few years ago the Parliament passed what is called (shorthand) Presumptive legislation, in which any firefighter who is diagnosed with one of 12 defined cancers is Presumed to have it as a result of their employment. It is no longer necessary for a cancer patient to PROVE it is work-related. This was a HUGE leap forward for Workplace Compensation.

[chrism]

Inspiring Firefighters/EMTs/Paramedics .... 99% of 911 calls are going to be "bullshit". It's not like TV, where every call is going to be badass and fun. I can't even remember the last time I had a legitimate call... It's probably been over a month. My last call yesterday was "Non-traumatic ankle pain" x 3 weeks.

[donniepoff]

Really appreciate these videos. It’s the best FF prep out there. I really appreciate the honesty. It’s helpful.

[precisionfilms]

Fire/EMS should pay $100k a year all day. Once I stepped out of the fire service and started my Company I realized how crazy the hours were and the risks involved and hazards especially with Covid 19. My hats off to the men and women that sacrifice themselves for us.

[davidperry]

Had my first call out as a volunteer firefighter at 3:30 this morning I love watching your videos

[JamesPPW]

I have just started my application process for Fire in Alberta, Canada. The honesty and insights to the reality of the profession have been incredibly helpful.

[andradebrown]

This is really help full because ever since I was 7 I knew is what I wanted to I have a passion for first responders I like the fact that being a firefighter you have can help propels in a big way put a smile on their face

[sergioalvarez]

I’m an animal control officer / Wildlife rescue tech. Essentially animal cop & EMT. I often consider if I could do this with people. I work closely with PD & Fire, but I always enjoy taking calls with fire fighters. Watching your videos currently and discerning on what to do exactly. All I can say is thank you for taking the time to make these videos and educating us all!

[JoeyC]

Appreciate the tips and wisdom! Here, in Virginia, it’s 25 years for the pension. People who transfer in from another state, military, ect can buy back their time from the state.

[brendansimmons]

Thank you for your service and the helpful videos, today is day 4 for my push-up challenge.

[kasestolte]

Love the content! I just finished my Psych Eval and have just one more step before training!

[boonelorenz]

I know a 7 year medic who just by chance happens to get nailed with codes all the time. As a result, she has more code experience than a lot of people do at retirement. A great paramedic once said experience can't be measured in years, experience is gained in seconds.

[randyellison]

Your videos are great. I just got into college for fire science. I've been wanting to get into firefighting as a career for a long time so I made the decision to act and not waste anymore time lol.

[junkie_cosmonaut]

I remember when I was little we had a fire. We have a finished basement we live in it's confusing but not the point. My little brother was on fire I only had minor burns. I remember pulling him up the stairs and running to get my dad who was outside grilling some chicken. I couldn't hardly say anything except "dave's on fire" and after that honestly it's kind of blurry for me but all I know is if it wasn't for the fire department I probably wouldn't have a brother now. I wasn't even 10 years old. It was me being a stupid kid playing with fire that caused it and it's only pretty recently I've stopped blaming myself but that's not the point. Now 10 years later I'm conflicted between becoming a Firefighter and joining the Marine Corps. I'm so lucky though I saw the very same men who were on call that day at work last week and I could finally tell them how grateful I am for their service to our community. God bless the Portage Fire Department and god bless every brave man and woman who serves their community.

[TriangleChoke]

Not a firefighter, but former EMT. I'll echo the stress of dealing with patients who are in tragic situations. When I was working as an EMT doing transport before doing 911 my partner and I transported a fairly young patient, say 30s - it was a long time ago - who had some kind of degenerative neurological condition where she basically couldn't move and had a ton of pain. We moved her from the stretcher to the nursing home bed as she was screaming I think more out of realization that her fate was to life the remainder of her life in a nursing home bed rather than pain, but who am I to say? It was horrifying, but we were powerless to help other than to do the transport. I'm very fortunate to have moved to a different kind of work, but God bless all healthcare workers.

[pbunny]

The seniority comment was spot on. They all were, but that one in particular struck with me. I got promoted to a company officer very early on in my career and the amount of backlash I put up with even years later from those in the same hiring process is just a symptom of that culture. Keep doing what you do. Try to get some sleep.

We're very small, no Kelly days or anything like that so 24-48 pretty much forever. The career is more exhausting than I could ever explain.

[ralphreign]

Thank you so much for your service as a firefighter and also for your service to the firefighter community spreading information from experience.

I’m in the process of becoming a firefighter here on Vashon island / Seattle area and one thing I’m not finding much about online is mental prep + toughness.

Just from watching your videos I know that knowledge takes away a lot of the fears / doubts / worries / and questions and training will lead to confidence but what are some things you do to keep a level head?