What does an EMT do?
An EMT is tasked with providing BLS (Basic Life Support) to patients. Bleeding control, airway management, administration of basic medications, splinting, patient-packaging are some examples of the skills an EMT will be expected to perform. In addition, and EMT will be asked to complete radio reports, drive and operate an ambulance, and respond to emergencies with an EMT or Paramedic partner.

Check out our video blog on this topic here

What can an EMT expect to earn?
Typical starting wages in San Diego County now range from $7-$10 per hour.

Check out our video blog on this topic here

Where can an EMT work in San Diego County?
There is a range of options. If someone wants to work strictly as an EMT – they may seek employment at an ambulance company, a hospital or at one of the special event staffing locations. If someone wants to work as an EMT within the Fire service, they may do so as a volunteer Firefighter or as a Firefighter/EMT. Please see EMT Jobs for a complete listing.

Check out our video blog on this topic here

What are the personal qualifications, skills and abilities needed to become an EMT?
The basics: You must complete a CPR/First Responder course (which ranges from a 1 day course to a semester long course), then complete an EMT course (1 semester long). The intangibles: You must be able to handle the sight of blood, the sound of pain, must be able to work well with others and respond appropriately to stressful situations.

Check out our video blog on this topic here

How much does it cost to become an EMT?
Each program has different requirements but the overall cost can range between $300 – $1000.

Check out our video blog on this topic here

What’s the difference between an EMT and a Paramedic?
EMT’s are trained to perform Basic Life Support assessments and treatments while Paramedics are educated with a more global understanding of patients and emergencies and they have additional skills training.

Check out our video blog on this topic here

What is the difference between CPR cards? Does it matter which one I get?
There is and can be a BIG difference between CPR cards! It is important that you understand what you need before you take a class…

Check out our video blog on this topic here.

Should I wear EMS gloves on every call? If so, how is the best way to do this?

Without question the answer to this is “YES”. Every medical aid that you respond to, whether you are the person in charge of the assessment, in charge of the overall scene safety or just visiting on a ride-along….you should be wearing EMS gloves. These act as an important barrier between you and bodily fluids that may be present, and since you can’t anticipate when or where those fluids may present themselves, you’ll want to be ready at all times. As we mentioned, even as a ride-along, it’s important to wear gloves: you help to maintain a consistent public image for the responding crew, and you’ll never know if you’ll be asked to help pick up gear, or lift a gurney – all of which may have things like blood, vomit or worse on it – you’ll want to be protected!

For more on this topic visit our video blog here.

What are extra classes I can take during my journey to help make me a more desirable candidate?

The types of classes you can take generally fall into one of 4 categories: EMS, Rescue, Wildland or Command. With the exception of a short class designed to introduce students to EKG readings (EMS category), it’s our opinion that an entry level candidate would be better served to spend their time & energy seeking volunteer or reserve firefighter employment or volunteering within their community vs. taking a high-level or advanced class from one of these categories. You’ll make yourself stand out as a candidate with a solid work history and a strong oral interview, not a list of classes that many career Firefighters don’t have even after 5-10 years on the job.

For more on this topic please watch our video blog here.

What does a Firefighter do?

The job of a Firefighter includes activities such as: pulling hose lines, throwing ladders, operating tools and equipment (chain saws, generators, swinging an ax), wearing bulky and/or heavy protective equipment, effecting rescues, and many other miscellaneous duties. They also perform field assessments of patients and deliver medical care, respond to fires and other emergencies, keep the fire station in clean and working order, work well with others and maintain a level of peak physical fitness.

What kind of education do you need to be a Firefighter?

There is no set template or requirement – every fire department or agency will have a different set of qualifications they will ask candidates to apply with. In general, there are two types of training you can acquire to become a Firefighter:

1. Academic: This is acquired by taking Fire Science or Fire Technology classes, eventually earning a Fire Science or Technology degree (2 years or 4 semesters)
2. Hands-on Training: This is earned by attending a Firefighter I Basic Fire Academy.

What are the physical demands like?

Firefighting is one of the most physically demanding jobs you will find – it requires a high level of strength and cardiovascular fitness. In general, you must be able to sustain a high level of energy output for up to 30 minutes at a time – doing things like moving equipment, throwing ladders, carrying hose packs, using hand tools, dragging charged hose lines and ascending/descending stairs – all in bulky Firefighter gear.

Why is it a good idea to repeat orders on the fireground?

The emergency scene can be chaotic, loud, confusing and challenging for everyone involved – including the professionals that respond to them. When a Firefighter is given an order to do something, they are expected to follow that order. By repeating that order to the supervisor from whom it came, they show that supervisor that they understand the order. This is a simple way that 2 people can exchange information quickly and effectively when time is of the essence.

For more information view our video blog here.

What are some basic exercises I can do to get into Firefighter shape?

3 exercises that come to mind that are simple, effective, and relatively cheap are the pull-up, the push-up, and 20 minute cardio. By mixing these three exercises into your routine, and making them part of each week, you’ll begin to increase strength and your endurance. If you have any type of stairs nearby, such as a football stadium, park, or high-rise building, running these will also help your lower body strength.

Please visit these 3 previous blog posts for more info: A Classic Exercise (Pull-ups), 20 minute cardio, and Fitness Anywhere (Push-ups).

What are extra classes I can take during my journey to help make me a more desirable candidate?

The types of classes you can take generally fall into one of 4 categories: EMS, Rescue, Wildland or Command. With the exception of a short class designed to introduce students to EKG readings (EMS category), it’s our opinion that an entry level candidate would be better served to spend their time & energy seeking volunteer or reserve firefighter employment or volunteering within their community vs. taking a high-level or advanced class from one of these categories. You’ll make yourself stand out as a candidate with a solid work history and a strong oral interview, not a list of classes that many career Firefighters don’t have even after 5-10 years on the job.

For more on this topic please watch our video blog here.

What does a Firefighter/Medic do?

In short, a FF/PM is expected to perform all the duties of a Firefighter, and all the duties of a Paramedic as well.

Watch our video blog on this topic here for more details.

What are the personal qualifications, skills and abilities needed to become a Firefighter/Medic?

Qualifications: A Paramedic certificate, sanctioned by the National Registry, the State of California and San Diego County. Typically, a Firefighter I certificate, which is earned at a Basic Fire Academy.

Skills: Must perform at a minimum, acceptable standard within local protocols – as a Paramedic and as a Firefighter.

Abilities: Must be ready and willing to perform under stress; to work within a paramilitary organizational structure; to work well with co-workers; to deal professionally with the public.

Why is it a good idea to repeat orders on the fireground?

The emergency scene can be chaotic, loud, confusing and challenging for everyone involved – including the professionals that respond to them. When a Firefighter is given an order to do something, they are expected to follow that order. By repeating that order to the supervisor from whom it came, they show that supervisor that they understand the order. This is a simple way that 2 people can exchange information quickly and effectively when time is of the essence.

For more information view our video blog here.

What are extra classes I can take during my journey to help make me a more desirable candidate?

The types of classes you can take generally fall into one of 4 categories: EMS, Rescue, Wildland or Command. With the exception of a short class designed to introduce students to EKG readings (EMS category), it’s our opinion that an entry level candidate would be better served to spend their time & energy seeking volunteer or reserve firefighter employment or volunteering within their community vs. taking a high-level or advanced class from one of these categories. You’ll make yourself stand out as a candidate with a solid work history and a strong oral interview, not a list of classes that many career Firefighters don’t have even after 5-10 years on the job.

For more on this topic please watch our video blog here.

Where can I find help to get in shape?

We recommend your local Crossfit gym – this is the closest you will get to experiencing the demands of being on a fire ground – flexibility training, strength conditioning, followed by 15-30 minutes of grinding, physical labor. Other physical fitness considerations should be any yoga studio with hot yoga sessions (this closely mimics the feeling of being in uncomfortable gear and conditions as a Firefighter). The normal avenues should be given consideration as well: 24 Hour Fitness, LA Fitness, or a local Triathlon club. Please visit our Resources page for more information.

What would be a good, simple exercise I could do to build full body strength?

Pullups. Incorporates arms, shoulders, back, abs, and all the smaller balancing muscles as well. The other thing about pullups is that get easier as you lose weight – clear incentive for trimming down.

For more on this topic view our video blog here.

What is the difference between Fire Science and Fire Technology?

This is essentially the different title given to the academic training available at different community colleges – you will find the programs, and the classes – to be very similar.

What does the Firefighter I Academy consist of?

There are two ways of looking at what a Basic Fire Academy entails:
- The certifications you’ll earn: ICS 100 & 200, HazMat First Responder and WMD, Trench Rescue, Swiftwater Awareness, Auto Extrication, Confined Space Rescue and Wildland S-190

- and the general training you’ll receive: you will learn about PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), Ropes & Knots, Ladders, Forcible Entry and associated tools, Building Construction, Fire Hose & associated Nozzles and Fittings, Truck Operations, Fire Behavior & Extinguishment, Fire Prevention and Wildland Firefighting.

This is considered a “Basic Fire Academy” and it can be 12-16 weeks in length, depending on the organization that hosts the training (private, community college or fire department).

What are the prerequisites for the Firefighter I Academy?

Typically, a CPR and EMT certificate, valid California driver’s license are the minimum requirements. If you earn your FFI through a fire department training program, there may be additional requirements in order for you to gain employment within that fire agency before taking part in the FFI training. If you attend a community college FFI Academy, such as Palomar College, they may have additional college-level educational requirements as well. Please see Firefighter Info for more details on local fire academy prerequisites.

What is an interest card?

Many times a city or municipality will not have an opening for the job you seek, but the Human Resources department will have you fill-out an “interest card”. This will typically ask for basic information such as your name, address, phone number and/or email. Once a job opening is created, the city or municipality will mail you a notice of the job opening, based on your interest card.

What is a seasonal Firefighter?

This is typically a term that is associated with CAL FIRE – it’s also known as a “Firefighter I”. CAL FIRE hires seasonal Firefighters each winter, by opening up the application period from late November to late January. Each seasonal Firefighter that is hired will work from their respective hire date until October of the next year.

Why are some Fire engines different colors?

This question has deep cultural roots within each department, and is a question best answered by those departments individually.

Why do some people call them trucks vs. engines? What is the difference?

Not only do some people call an apparatus a Truck or an Engine – that is the correct terminology for two different types of apparatus. Other slang terms you may hear include “Ladder” when describing a Truck, and “Pump” when describing an Engine.

Simply put, the difference is this: Engines are designed to hold a large tank of water, and different types of hose and nozzles – they are used to extinguish fires. Trucks are outfitted with various-sized ladders & forcible entry equipment, and do not have any hose or water onboard. A trucks primary role at a fire is to provide for ventilation – a way for the smoke and super-heated gases to escape a structure safely.

What is the schedule like?

The schedule will change from department to department – most will use some form of the “Kelly” schedule – which means that they work 24 shifts and will have time-off in 24-hour blocks as well.

What are the opportunities like for promotions?

Once hired by a fire agency, the opportunities for promotion typically relate to people retiring in the higher ranks of the organization. As people retire, an organization will select employees from below to fill their spots – this is when promotions occur. If a fire department hired a number of people together years ago (3-5 people at a time), they may see them all retire at nearly the same time as well – which would mean more opportunity for promotions. These types of questions are usually answered by looking at a department’s size and their potential for growth.

Why are Fire hydrants different colors?

Although this is typically a practice of fire agencies to the east of San Diego County and elsewhere in the country, different colors on a fire hydrant mean that there are different water pressures at that location. Yellow hydrants will have one select water pressure, red hydrants another, blue hydrants yet another, and so on.

Will I be assigned to one specific job, for will I be moving around?

When hired as a Firefighter you will be hired to fill a job with a specific job description, and while this is typically very broad in nature, there are a number to things that you’ll be expected to do no matter where or when you are hired. During your probationary year of employment (your first year) – there is a high likelihood that you’ll be moving around from station to station, and from crew to crew. However, your job description will not change – you’ll still be expected to perform the basic tasks of a Firefighter.

What kind of gear will I need for a ride-along?

There is a combination of clothes and shoes you’ll probably want to wear – plain, dark blue pants, some type of polo or collared shirt & steel toe boots (if possible). For a more detailed look at what to wear (and how to act), check out our page “Ride Along Etiquette“. For other gear, pack a backpack with workout clothes and tennis shoes, a sack lunch, some energy bars, a book from which to study and some cash in case the crew steps out for coffee or a snack.

Check out a video blog on this topic here.

What kind of eating habits will help me become a FirefighterMedic?

This quote captures a good way of looking at things in general, “Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper”. If you can, in addition to eating healthy foods, take a hard look at your meal sizes as well. A big healthy breakfast, a moderate lunch and a small dinner allows you to burn calories in an efficient manner throughout the day.

For more info, check out a video blog on this topic here.

What is the difference between CPR cards? Does it matter which one I get?

There is and can be a BIG difference between CPR cards! There are generally 2 different types of CPR cards you’ll be asked to submit as a prerequisite to enroll in EMT class – either the “BLS for Healthcare Providers” card, issued by the American Heart Association (AHA), or the “Professional Rescuer”, issued by the American Red Cross. There are many different companies that you can find online that promise CPR training, but in the end will not help you meet the minimum requirement to enroll in EMT class. This is largely because you MUST attend a physical skills evaluation in order for you to earn the 2 cards mentioned above – in the absence of that, you may be paying for a card that ultimately does not help you meet your goals.

Check out our video blog on this topic here.

What does it mean when someone asks me to prepare the coffee, newspaper, and/or flags?

Most Fire/EMS Stations will have a daily routine that you may be asked to do or participate in when visiting. The most common tasks are making coffee, bringing in the newspaper, and raising or lowering the flags.

Check out our video blog on this topic here.

Why is it important to keep track of my career journey and ride-alongs?

If you can start a journal of sorts early, when you are in your first year of your career journey, it will help you immensely. Reasons for doing this: first, it’ll be pretty cool to look back on your first experiences when you’re old and grey! The more important reasons you’ll want to do this include writing down the questions (and subsequent answers) that you uncover through your journey. By documenting the calls you go on as a ride-along, you can reflect on those and potentially use those experiences as a reference point during future job interviews.

Check out our video blog on this topic here.

What is the appropriate blend of diet vs. strength training vs. cardio work for a FirefighterMedic?

The general recommendation to help you get into appropriate shape for the Fire or EMS service is to consider that diet may be up to 70% of the equation, strength training about 20%, strict cardio 10%. This is based on experience working with personal trainers and working on the job – and while obvious a very broad brushstroke view of things – gives you a platform to start from.

To learn more about this approach, watch our video blog here.

What is an interest card?
Many times a city or municipality will not have an opening for the job you seek, but the Human Resources department will have you fill-out an “interest card”.  This will typically ask for basic information such as your name, address, phone number and/or email.  Once a job opening is created, the city or municipality will mail you a notice of the job opening, based on your interest card.

What are good books to read that will help me in my quest to become a Firefighter?
Some outstanding books that we recommend are all 3 books written by Long Beach Fire Battalion Chief Paul Lepore (The Aspiring Firefighters 2-year Plan, How to Smoke your Firefighter Exam, How to Smoke your Firefighter Interview) and the IFSTA Essentials – a must read for every rookie Firefighter candidate.  The Essentials cover all basic Fire knowledge, while Chief Lepore’s books discuss the hiring and testing process.

Do I drop off applications and resumes?  How do I find out about job openings?
You can find out about job openings by becoming a member of this website, and also by checking with the department or agency of your choice on a personal basis as well.  Once a job opening is made public, pick up an application, fill it out and turn back in as soon as possible – many employers will hire on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Scan the application and determine if a resume is allowed – if they are, you should submit one along with the application.  If they are not allowed, do not include a resume! – this is a quick way to disqualify yourself from the testing process.

How often does a city hire firefighters?
This will depend, as each city has different needs.  Typically, once a Firefighter retires there will be a promotional process internally within the department to replace that employee.  Since many older Firefighters have promoted to positions such as Battalion Chief or Captain, the process to replace them takes some time (weeks, months) as there is testing for their rank, and the ranks below them.  Eventually the department will open up positions at the Firefighter rank.  Larger departments will typically hire more often, and smaller departments typically test less frequently.

How do you even get started (the first step)?
The first step that we recommend is actually two-fold.  First, find a local fire station and introduce yourself to the crew – be respectful and ask questions about their career and find out for yourself if this career sounds like something you’d like to pursue.  Second, sign up for a CPR/First Responder course – this is now the prerequisite in order to take an EMT class – and there are virtually no paying Firefighter jobs that do not require at least an EMT certificate.  In your CPR/First Responder course and EMT class you’ll get a feel for an important part of the career of a Firefighter, as well as having a chance to meet peers you’ll be working along side of during your career journey.

How much does the training cost? (EMT, Paramedic, FF1 academy)
1. Typical cost for: (all costs are approximate)
2. CPR/First Responder – $50-$100
3. EMT – $100-$200
4. Paramedic training – $3000+
5. Firefighter I Academy – $1000
6. Is there hazing for rookies?

Yes.  Although the days of verbal or physical abuse are long over, a rookie in any field (EMS or Fire) can be expected to endure some good-natured ribbing, long days and nights of menial tasks, and lots of quizzing, testing and other means of ensuring the rookie knows his or her role within the organization, on top of their basic job duties.  It’s important for a rookie to follow this simple rule, and not get offended when the crew takes them to task:  Take your job seriously, but don’t take yourself seriously.  Nothing anybody says or does to you is personal, and everybody who is on the job has gone through the same process.  Consider the jokes, the tests, the training all part of the journey, and enjoy it as being something that separates a career in EMS or Fire from a typical desk job.

1. Job announcement
2. Applications accepted, and filtered for qualified candidates.
3. Written exam administered – candidates will be expected to display minimum competency in math, reading and writing, memory and basic mechanics and/or physics.
4. Results mailed to successful candidates.
5. Interview(s) – can be anywhere between one to three interviews. If there are multiple interviews, each successive interview will be conducted by department officers of higher and higher ranks, and will include less and less candidates.
6. Conditional job offer made – “Conditional” based on the results of:
   1. Medical clearance – a physical exam and drug screening
   2. Physical Abilities Test (PAT) – candidate will be asked to perform a series of basic manipulative skills typical of a Firefighter.
   3. Background investigation – candidate will have all employment, educational and personal history examined and verified.
7. Official job offer made.
8. (Optional – depending on size of the department) Basic Fire Academy: 12-16 weeks. Typically, larger departments will hold their own Basic Fire Academy, regardless of each candidate’s prior experience, and smaller departments will require their candidates to have passed a Basic Fire Academy in order to apply.

How long will it take to get hired?
This depends entirely on how much the candidate is willing to do during their career journey.  If a candidate is doing everything they can to take advantage of opportunities and free time – studying, training, and taking every test they are eligible for, they will greatly increase their chances of getting hired quickly.  The candidate that takes their time, attends only one class at a time, or only submits one or two job applications per year may see their career journey take years.  Please refer to our Example Plan for examples of how a strong candidate can address their respective career goals in a timely and efficient manner.

What do the Firefighter testing exams consist of?
Nearly every Firefighter exam will follow the same order of events (This process can take anywhere from 2-12 months):

What should I wear on my interviews?

Candidates should wear a suit and tie – no exceptions, no matter what level job they are applying for.  Female candidates should wear clothes that are consistent with conservative business attire.  If you cannot afford a suit and tie, borrow one from a friend.  If you don’t have a friend that can help you out – business slacks, collared shirt and tie, along with dress shoes – would be the absolute minimum. Males should have a clean shave, any make-up and jewelry should be kept to a minimum, and under no circumstances should a phone or pager come with you into the interview.

What are extra classes I can take during my journey to help make me a more desirable candidate?

The types of classes you can take generally fall into one of 4 categories: EMS, Rescue, Wildland or Command. With the exception of a short class designed to introduce students to EKG readings (EMS category), it’s our opinion that an entry level candidate would be better served to spend their time & energy seeking volunteer or reserve firefighter employment or volunteering within their community vs. taking a high-level or advanced class from one of these categories. You’ll make yourself stand out as a candidate with a solid work history and a strong oral interview, not a list of classes that many career Firefighters don’t have even after 5-10 years on the job.

For more on this topic please watch our video blog here.

What can I expect during my background check, and how should I be prepared?

Expect to submit a document to the agency you’ll be working for that is anywhere from 30-50 pages in length – it will combine the questions of a personal background and a job application. You’ll be asked to show official school documents outlining where you went to school and what your grades were. Your credit score will be checked, as well as any social media pages (like Facebook) that you use. Friends and family will be interviewed to make sure your story matches up with theirs. You will be put through a physical and more than likely undergo a drug screening.

This is a large topic, for more on this you can watch our video blog here.

What does a Paramedic do?
A Paramedic is an experienced EMT who also has extensive training in advanced life support, including intravenous therapy, pharmacology, cardiac monitoring, and other advanced assessment and treatment skills.

What are the personal qualifications, skills and abilities needed to become a Paramedic?
In addition to the skills outlined in what it takes to become an EMT, a Paramedic must have the commitment to the field of EMS that can help them through an incredibly tough educational process. It is not uncommon for a Paramedic student to spend 8-10 hours per day in class, then come home and study for another 4-6 hours. This obviously takes a patience, and strong work ethic, and strong support system.

How much does it cost to become a Paramedic?
Total approximate cost to become an EMT: $300. Total approximate cost for Paramedic school: $3000. Total approximate cost: $3300+ over 3 years time.

Should I wear EMS gloves on every call? If so, how is the best way to do this?

Without question the answer to this is “YES”. Every medical aid that you respond to, whether you are the person in charge of the assessment, in charge of the overall scene safety or just visiting on a ride-along….you should be wearing EMS gloves. These act as an important barrier between you and bodily fluids that may be present, and since you can’t anticipate when or where those fluids may present themselves, you’ll want to be ready at all times. As we mentioned, even as a ride-along, it’s important to wear gloves: you help to maintain a consistent public image for the responding crew, and you’ll never know if you’ll be asked to help pick up gear, or lift a gurney – all of which may have things like blood, vomit or worse on it – you’ll want to be protected!

For more on this topic visit our video blog here.

What are extra classes I can take during my journey to help make me a more desirable candidate?

The types of classes you can take generally fall into one of 4 categories: EMS, Rescue, Wildland or Command. With the exception of a short class designed to introduce students to EKG readings (EMS category), it’s our opinion that an entry level candidate would be better served to spend their time & energy seeking volunteer or reserve firefighter employment or volunteering within their community vs. taking a high-level or advanced class from one of these categories. You’ll make yourself stand out as a candidate with a solid work history and a strong oral interview, not a list of classes that many career Firefighters don’t have even after 5-10 years on the job.

For more on this topic please watch our video blog here.