I am going tomorrow to put in an application to be a volunteer firefighter I have never done anything like this before but am willing to learn. What pointers does any of yall with firefighting have for someone just starting

 

Shut up and listen. That's it. I've been a Firefighter for about 5 years now. 4 Volunteer, 1 paid. I was an EMT-Basic for 3.5 and now a Paramedic for about 6 months.

I still am in the shut up and listen mode at least 80% of the time.

Seriously, train hard. Actually listen and take note of the things they teach you as it can literally save your life or your buddy's life. Pick up after yourself and others at the firehouse. Be the first to volunteer in training and for the crappy assignments. Don't kiss butt. Don't get caught up with being in the "in crowd". Do your job well.

Also I'm always around here to bounce things off of, so PM me if you need advice.

Mike

 

Just use you head.You are going to meet people who think they know everything,but when things get hot,,,you realize they dont know diddly.Be courteous to all your fellow firefighters,listen and observe,,,after you have been there a couple of months,,you will realize who the dedicated firefighters are,and who the parade group are,,,that is,,,the guys who only show up so they can ride in the parades,,,,The dedicated guys are the ones you want to learn from.But as far as helping yourself by educating yourself,,,well there are some things that you can learn on your own that will help you out as you train,,,such as,,ropes and knots,,,,yup,,it is part of your training and you will need to know the different types of knots and how to tie them,,,,Ladders,,another thing you will be tested on to become certified,,,learn the different types,and their parts,,,for instance,,,do you know what I mean if I say,,,he is on the fly?It means he is on the upper half of an extension ladder,,,,learn fire extinguishers,,,there are different types,,,used for different types of fires.There is a ton of stuff you can learn on your own just from going to the library and checking out books.But,,no,,,you really dont need to do all of this on your own,,,,you can do all of your training inhouse and become a certified firefighter through them.The only benefit you would have by doing the extra studying on your own would be becoming certified faster,,,But most of all,,,,find out if you like it first,,,some guys think they will like it ,,and then when they find out that after fighting a house fire for hours and hours,,,that the job is only half over,,,the trucks still need to be resupplied,,refueled and hoses washed and hung,scba`s cleaned and recharged,,,that they end up quiting ,,,trust me,,,it is a alot of work,,,,,But I cant think of anything I love doing more!The smiles I get from some of the people we have helped makes it worth the effort!

 

I did it for seven years until I went to school, got further educated, and now get paid to do it. It is an amazing job that is very satisfying. I have gotten away from the firefighting aspect and moved more to the medical aspect. I have been a paramedic now for 10 years. I have seen alot but learn something new everyday just by looking and listening. The chain of command is HUGE in most fire depts., so follow it wisely and listen closely to your superiors, they may save your butt one day. Good luck, and glad to have you as a brother....

 

I've been a volunteer fireman for 17+ years and have seen all types of firemen. Like others metioned above, stay calm and use your head. Don't run banzai style with lights & sirens to the station just so you can be one of the first ones there. Drive sensibly and think about what you'll need to do to get the job done right and safe. Also, don't be overwhelmed with all you'll be learning, there's a lot to learn and you never stop learning. Don't worry about being able to handle some not so pleasant things, your training will take over and you'll just do it. Afterwards talk about it with others who have done it before. Good Luck!

 

Welcome aboard!

I'm a 15yr., so far, professional FF-PM with Norfolk, VA. Like others have said, keep your mouth shut and your ears open. I'm still learning. My city has a very diverse population, residential, commercial and industrial demand. There are so many tactical considerations for each that it would be impossible to list them here.
Attend a regional fire academy if its offered in your area.
A few simple rules will help:
1. Be sober.
2. Be safe, be aware-use mature judgement.
3. Wear your seatbelt! (In your POV and the fire apparatus)
4. Wear your issued protective gear as you should, don't half-*** it.
5. Be a team player, don't talk about other people-they won't about you.
6. Check your air, equipment and supplies, every shift.
7. Have a positive attitude, be ready to get dirty.
8. Be prepared to respond to the most horrific sights you can imagine, don't expect a free cup of coffee for it when you're done.
9. Don't freelance, follow your instructions, work as a team under your boss.
10. Have fun. It's the worst job you will ever LOVE!!

Visit this website, http://www.firefighterclosecalls.com

 

1.See if your can tolerater extreme temps, here you can be called at 3:00am in the middle of winter for a stucture fire and in a matter of moments go from an enviroment of -20 to several hundred degrees.

2.How are you with confined spaces and the dark from my personel experience most probies quit bucause of clostrophobia and fear of the dark than the heat, than unpleasent images they are exposed to.

3.Dont expect people to treat you with any degree of higher respect or pleasentness because your a firefighter(you will find this out when your on traffic controll and have to shut down an entire highway for several hours).

4.As bruker said dont fly to get to the station, just last week a local firefighter was killed when she lost controll of her vehichle and stuck a tree. Police estimate she was going 40mph faster than the speed limit. Remember your going there too help at an emergency scene. Dont creat more work for your dept by becoming one yourself.

5.One the most importent and most often stated piece of advice you have been given here is listen to your officers and higher ups. This extremely true because they actually have experience fighting fires and handling emergencies. Training is there to help you learn the essentials.Actually doing something is the best way to learn,so pay attention to those who have actually been there and done it.

Good Luck and be safe
Member S.V.F.D