4 answers
Lens
Student
Boynton Beach, Florida
2
Questions
Updated
2021 views
How do I become a firefighter?
I am in 8th grade I love the idea of being a firefighter, I like saving people, saving properties from hot burning fires. It seems so exciting, what are some steps to take to become a firefighter when am older?
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4 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1601
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Lens all aspiring firefighters in Florida must be EMTs. This stands for Emergency Medical Technician, and will show that you have general knowledge and skills in treating emergency patients. This includes emergency care, CPR, administering medicine, treating allergies, and so on. EMT training can take up to six months to complete.
The next step you will need to take after earning your EMT certification, is to become a Firefighter 1 and 2. Firefighter 1 is a training program that equips with you with the basics for becoming a firefighter. In Florida, in particular, it is one of the requirements. The coursework and training involves classes, lectures, physical tests, manipulative evolutions, and live-fire drills. You will need to complete the minimum of 206 hours of training to complete the program. After Firefighter 1, you can progress to Firefighter 2. Again, this is a requirement for becoming a firefighter in Florida. Firefighter 2 will provide you with extensive firefighter training, with a more advanced take on applying the basic firefighting skills you learned in Firefighter 1. By the time you have completed Firefighter 2, you can consider yourself ready to become a professional firefighter in Florida.
In general Lens, Firefighters in Florida must be at least 18 years old, possess a valid State of Florida driver's license, have no criminal record, current EMTs certification, have completed the Firefighters 1 & 2 training and able to pass a physical examination designed to test your suitability for working in this physically demanding career.
Hope this helps Lens
The next step you will need to take after earning your EMT certification, is to become a Firefighter 1 and 2. Firefighter 1 is a training program that equips with you with the basics for becoming a firefighter. In Florida, in particular, it is one of the requirements. The coursework and training involves classes, lectures, physical tests, manipulative evolutions, and live-fire drills. You will need to complete the minimum of 206 hours of training to complete the program. After Firefighter 1, you can progress to Firefighter 2. Again, this is a requirement for becoming a firefighter in Florida. Firefighter 2 will provide you with extensive firefighter training, with a more advanced take on applying the basic firefighting skills you learned in Firefighter 1. By the time you have completed Firefighter 2, you can consider yourself ready to become a professional firefighter in Florida.
In general Lens, Firefighters in Florida must be at least 18 years old, possess a valid State of Florida driver's license, have no criminal record, current EMTs certification, have completed the Firefighters 1 & 2 training and able to pass a physical examination designed to test your suitability for working in this physically demanding career.
Hope this helps Lens
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
469
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Hi Lens,
That's very noble of you to want to become a firefighter and help others. In order to become a firefighter, you will need a valid driver's license and meet the age requirement of 18 years old. Since your younger than 18, you can look into limited involvement as a junior firefighter depending on the department you’re applying to. I have a friend who is a fire fighter and he earned a degree in fire science to advance his career he also stated that he was an EMT first. Having both a fire and EMS background will improve your odds of being hired. Some departments might even require an EMT certification; larger departments may require a paramedic’s license.
Becoming a firefighter requires passing a physical ability test. The CPAT events are stair climb, hose drag, equipment carry, ladder raise and extension, forcible entry, search, rescue, ceiling breach and pull. Make sure you stay physically active and prepare yourself for the physical nature of the job as well as the demands of the test.
Working in public safety is all about community service too . Something you can do now, Volunteering your time for a great cause is one way to prove you're ready to serve your community. And it doesn't matter if it's fire-related or non-fire related. There's a lot of great opportunities out there for you to make a difference.
I think if you start there and you'll be a great firefighter in no time.
Good Luck on y our journey.
https://www.firescience.org/how-to-become-a-firefighter/
That's very noble of you to want to become a firefighter and help others. In order to become a firefighter, you will need a valid driver's license and meet the age requirement of 18 years old. Since your younger than 18, you can look into limited involvement as a junior firefighter depending on the department you’re applying to. I have a friend who is a fire fighter and he earned a degree in fire science to advance his career he also stated that he was an EMT first. Having both a fire and EMS background will improve your odds of being hired. Some departments might even require an EMT certification; larger departments may require a paramedic’s license.
Becoming a firefighter requires passing a physical ability test. The CPAT events are stair climb, hose drag, equipment carry, ladder raise and extension, forcible entry, search, rescue, ceiling breach and pull. Make sure you stay physically active and prepare yourself for the physical nature of the job as well as the demands of the test.
Working in public safety is all about community service too . Something you can do now, Volunteering your time for a great cause is one way to prove you're ready to serve your community. And it doesn't matter if it's fire-related or non-fire related. There's a lot of great opportunities out there for you to make a difference.
I think if you start there and you'll be a great firefighter in no time.
Good Luck on y our journey.
Aisha recommends the following next steps:
Andrew Rydzewski
HR Data Analyst
24
Answers
Collegeville, Pennsylvania
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Hi Lens. I live in Pennsylvania, and you can volunteer to be a junior firefighter at a volunteer fire company today! They are always looking for young people to learn the skills of the very important role of firefighter. You will not be going into burning buildings as a junior firefighter, but you will have the opportunity to participate in many of the trainings, both in class and outdoor exercises. If they do not have a volunteer fire company in your state, I recommend watching YouTube videos on training to be a firefighter. Also, look for community events in your area being hosted by your local professional fire company. You might be able to have your parent/guardians take you to an event, like a public meeting or community day event and talk to local fire company professionals. It's a great way to see if this is truly an interest for you. Good luck and stay safe.
Ryan Pfeiffer, MA
Firefighter Lieutenant / EMT
102
Answers
Fort Collins, Colorado
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Hi Lens! I'm glad to hear you're interested in firefighting. It is a great career that allows you to help other people by protecting lives and property, and it can be very exciting.
Some of the other repliers have touched on some great points. Even as an 8th grader, you can start preparing for a firefighting career by doing things like community service, by taking a CPR, First Aid, or Stop the Bleed class, becoming a Lifeguard, etc. As Anderew mentioned, some places have "Junior Firefighter" programs, sometimes called Cadet programs or Explorer programs. It would be best to do some Google-ing, talk to a school career counselor, or visit a local fire station to find out if any departments around you have such programs. That's how I started my firefighting career in 9th grade!
Certification requirements will vary widely from state to state and even department to department. I worked as an EMT in Florida for a few years, and where I was it was very difficult to become a firefighter without being a paramedic first - which takes years of experience on an ambulance and several semesters of classes to obtain. Since then, I've seen departments hire firefighters with no training or experience at all! So, it really just depends.
The one thing that every department requires, no matter where you live, is good character. You need to be self-motivated, you need to want to be a firefighter for the right reasons (to help people, not thrill seek), you need a clean criminal background (particularly your driving record), you need to be physically fit to do the duties of a firefighter, and so on.
If you have any more questions, just let me know!
Some of the other repliers have touched on some great points. Even as an 8th grader, you can start preparing for a firefighting career by doing things like community service, by taking a CPR, First Aid, or Stop the Bleed class, becoming a Lifeguard, etc. As Anderew mentioned, some places have "Junior Firefighter" programs, sometimes called Cadet programs or Explorer programs. It would be best to do some Google-ing, talk to a school career counselor, or visit a local fire station to find out if any departments around you have such programs. That's how I started my firefighting career in 9th grade!
Certification requirements will vary widely from state to state and even department to department. I worked as an EMT in Florida for a few years, and where I was it was very difficult to become a firefighter without being a paramedic first - which takes years of experience on an ambulance and several semesters of classes to obtain. Since then, I've seen departments hire firefighters with no training or experience at all! So, it really just depends.
The one thing that every department requires, no matter where you live, is good character. You need to be self-motivated, you need to want to be a firefighter for the right reasons (to help people, not thrill seek), you need a clean criminal background (particularly your driving record), you need to be physically fit to do the duties of a firefighter, and so on.
If you have any more questions, just let me know!