Courses school for firefighting

[RopeRescue101]

What are you best courses to take for firefighting in the medical and rescue fields ? I know paramedic would be the best option but let’s go down a different route ... what about say NL national lifeguard and maybe an EMR or ski patrol .. what are some things a guy should take if he didn’t wanna spend 2 years in school for paramedic

[sparky2018]

How old are you? Assuming you're still quite young, you should be investing your time into getting some more life experience rather than filling your resume up with cookie cutter courses that everyone these days has, and I speak from experience. Besides, once you get hired by a department, they're going to train you to their standard. I'm not saying don't do any courses, but don't go spending every pay check you get on them. They can quickly add up. The reality is most recruits aren't typically hired until their around their mid-twenties. Lifeguard certification and ski patrol are great ways to gain some experience, absolutely, but don't rely on them as being the golden ticket to a job.

Have you considered a trade? A lot of departments do like their candidates to have a trade, as it shows they know how to use tools, problem solve, have knowledge of building construction and work as a team to complete projects. It can be a good option for younger guys as it gives you that life experience that departments desire, while at the same time providing a decent pay check and paid schooling. Plus when you get hired, it could allow for some extra income on your days off.

Also keep in mind that fire departments are very involved within their community. They like to see individuals who have a dedication to volunteering. My advice would be to not just volunteer with somewhere to pad the resume, but find something you're genuinely passionate about.

Anyways, thats just my $0.02

[MasterStream]

There is no perfect path for getting hired. And if you take a look at recruit classes they are almost always diverse in backgrounds. That being said...Recently it seems that there has been a push for those with trades, paramedics, and volunteer firefighters.

Long gone are the days where you can graduate from a fire program take a weekend rope course and expect a job. It happens but is VERY rare. It seems now that NFPA 1001 is just a minimum requirement that almost everyone has.

If I could do it all over again I would work towards a trade right after high school. While working at that trade I would do the online texas program just so it would open all doors for me to apply to all departments. I would also pick ONE maybe two organizations to volunteer as much time as possible. Not a little bit of time with a bunch of different ones. Then once hired on I would continue working my trade on the side and continue to volunteer

Also** start working on interviews TODAY. If you wait until you get that call.. its WAY too late...Interviews are the most difficult and under prepared for portion of the process in my opinion

[RopeRescue101]

Thank you guys so much ... I need as much info as possible I’m currently 31 years old I have a steamfitting ticket as well as a welding ticket. I currently work in these professions ... I don’t wanna do paramedic as I wouldn’t be finished until 33 at best so I’m looking for a semi quicker approach per say... I know EMR, but more courses would be great too

[sparky2018]

I'd say you're a lot further ahead than most people having two tickets. I wouldn't worry about doing the paramedic program, you seem to have experience that most departments would like. Do you have your 1001? Theres a few options depending on where you're located that you can get it done in a few months. For medical courses, a lot of departments require First Responder, but having Emergency Medical Responder is usually an asset. Check the requirements on the websites of departments that you're interested in to see what they list. Again, most larger departments will train you to their standards, and usually have crews with years of experience that are assigned to specialized rescue trucks, whereas smaller departments may value those courses higher. And MasterStream is absolutely correct with regards to preparing for interviews. There are lots of websites and businesses that cater to interview prep that can be very beneficial.

[RopeRescue101]

This is so very helpful thank you so much I’ am registered with FESTI for NFPA1and2 doing online portion now... I am gonna get DZ as well as EMR and I wanna do courses like rope and lifeguard to add assets to my resume.. I’m thankful you told me about the interview practising thank you guys so much for your help with everything

[TheGuy]

This is so very helpful thank you so much I’ am registered with FESTI for NFPA1and2 doing online portion now... I am gonna get DZ as well as EMR and I wanna do courses like rope and lifeguard to add assets to my resume.. I’m thankful you told me about the interview practising thank you guys so much for your help with everything

Hey there,

I would say to be honest, if I were to pick between NL or Ski patrol, I would go with the ski patrol HANDS DOWN.

Just my opinion

If you have any more questions hit me up

[cmollison]

What are you best courses to take for firefighting in the medical and rescue fields ? I know paramedic would be the best option but let’s go down a different route ... what about say NL national lifeguard and maybe an EMR or ski patrol .. what are some things a guy should take if he didn’t wanna spend 2 years in school for paramedic

Take any course you are interested in. A course that you can help you succeed in your current profession or career. Any business course, OHS is an upcoming field (with a lot of well paying jobs i might add). It really depends what your interests are. If you are looking for fire only courses look at NFPA.org online training you can get your Certified Fire Inspector Level I,II and Certified Fire Plans Examiner designations for under 400 bucks each american.

[RopeRescue101]

This is awesome thank you so much !!! Gonna look at that site now that sounds perfect .

[RopeRescue101]

Is the NFPA fire inspector IFSAC or pro Board accredited ? Looks like a good course... are there pre reqs to taking it ?