2 answers
Connor
Student
Kerrville, Texas
6
Questions
2 answers
Ryan Pfeiffer, MA
Firefighter Lieutenant / EMT
96
Answers
Fort Collins, Colorado
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Hello Conner. That is a good question, which I am asked often. There is no correct answer, however. It is your personal preference. Here's the Pros and Cons of each though:
Option 1: (EMT First, then FF Academy):
EMT class is significantly more academically challenging, requiring lots of studying things like anatomy, pathophysiology, and pharmacology. It can also be challenging for people who don't like seeing blood, vomit, and other severe bodily injuries or death. If you are concerned you may not be able to stomach being an EMT, or may not be able to complete the class academically, then TAKE EMT FIRST. This way, it's out of the way. If you fail EMT after completing FF Academy, your months of hard work and thousands of dollars spent completing the FF Academy will be wasted, because it is very difficult to be a municipal career firefighter without your EMT or Paramedic license.
Another advantage of taking EMT first is that you can start working full or part time as an EMT on an ambulance or in an ER while you're going through FF Academy. This is useful if money is tight for you. It's also good experience that will help you get hired by a fire department later. Lastly, if you fail out of FF Academy for some reason, you have your EMT to fall back on and still have a job.
Option 2: (FF Academy First, then EMT):
FF Academy is significantly more physically challenging, in terms of cardiovascular fitness and strength training. It can also be very difficult if you are claustrophobic or afraid of heights. If you are concerned you may not be able to physically meet the demands of FF Academy then TAKE FF ACADEMY FIRST.
Another advantage of taking FF Academy first is that you can probably start serving as a volunteer firefighter somewhere after you graduate FF Academy and enroll in EMT, which will give you valuable experience and get your foot in the door so you can be hired quickly after completing your EMT.
I hope that helps! Let me know if you have any follow-up questions.
Option 1: (EMT First, then FF Academy):
EMT class is significantly more academically challenging, requiring lots of studying things like anatomy, pathophysiology, and pharmacology. It can also be challenging for people who don't like seeing blood, vomit, and other severe bodily injuries or death. If you are concerned you may not be able to stomach being an EMT, or may not be able to complete the class academically, then TAKE EMT FIRST. This way, it's out of the way. If you fail EMT after completing FF Academy, your months of hard work and thousands of dollars spent completing the FF Academy will be wasted, because it is very difficult to be a municipal career firefighter without your EMT or Paramedic license.
Another advantage of taking EMT first is that you can start working full or part time as an EMT on an ambulance or in an ER while you're going through FF Academy. This is useful if money is tight for you. It's also good experience that will help you get hired by a fire department later. Lastly, if you fail out of FF Academy for some reason, you have your EMT to fall back on and still have a job.
Option 2: (FF Academy First, then EMT):
FF Academy is significantly more physically challenging, in terms of cardiovascular fitness and strength training. It can also be very difficult if you are claustrophobic or afraid of heights. If you are concerned you may not be able to physically meet the demands of FF Academy then TAKE FF ACADEMY FIRST.
Another advantage of taking FF Academy first is that you can probably start serving as a volunteer firefighter somewhere after you graduate FF Academy and enroll in EMT, which will give you valuable experience and get your foot in the door so you can be hired quickly after completing your EMT.
I hope that helps! Let me know if you have any follow-up questions.
Bradly Philippi
firefighter paramedic
2
Answers
Omaha, Nebraska
Updated
Bradly’s Answer
Hello,
EMT first is dependent on where you would like to work. Some fire departments may require you to have the training before being hired.
A lot of departments have EMT training as part of the academy.
An advantage of getting your EMT completed first is possibly finding a job on a private ambulance service while you apply for firefighting jobs. \
As mentioned by others volunteering as a firefighter is a great way to gain experience and often time have your training paid for.
EMT first is dependent on where you would like to work. Some fire departments may require you to have the training before being hired.
A lot of departments have EMT training as part of the academy.
An advantage of getting your EMT completed first is possibly finding a job on a private ambulance service while you apply for firefighting jobs. \
As mentioned by others volunteering as a firefighter is a great way to gain experience and often time have your training paid for.