Who in a Fire Station should I contact about job-shadowing opportunities?
Hello, I'm 14 years old and will be job shadowing soon. I want to do it with EMS, specifically an medical first responder. I figured since I will likely not be able to do it with EMTs that use ambulances as I don't know how old I would have to be for a ride along, I would go for firefighters instead. I do not know how high up the list I should contact with something like this, but I was thinking administrative assistant. Any guidance before I try them?
#firefighter #ems #advice #jobshadowing
4 answers
Alexander’s Answer
Helene’s Answer
If your area has a volunteer department, the best time to talk to them is when they hold their monthly meeting because the leadership will be there (for this call the station or your local government Clerk's office, for example). Either the Fire Chief or Assistant Chiefs and Captains are the ones who can approve your shadowing.
If it's a full day shadowing, try and find a paid department, easier to find in cities, big and small. You can also find junior programs but often they are only available starting at age 16 because of liability. Whether the emergency is fire or medical, it is difficult for a ride-along. You are correct about the EMS ride-along because of COVID and patient privacy concerns it would be more difficult.
However, I encourage you strongly to contact the agency in your area because the decision is always up to them. Even if you just get to check out the station and the equipment and talk with firefighters and medics, this will help with your understanding about these professions. See optional next steps below:
Helene recommends the following next steps: