getting started

[skydiver7]

I am currently attempting to make a career change. I am trying to find out what is the best way to get into fire fighting. I am not an EMT and have not been to an academy. I have taken two classes at the community college (to test the waters) and took a leave of absence at my job this past summer so I could do wildland fire fighting. Unfortunately, the season ended to late and I could not take an EMT class as it had already started. This spring I may not be able to either, if I go back to wildland. I guess I basically just want some advice on how to break into structual fire fighting and get information.

Thanks!:confused:

[JimSpoor]

In one word.....volunteer.

Whether you volunteer with a local fire dept., local ambulance squad, or a combination department this is a great place to get started. Not only will you get some good training and experience you will start meeting the fire/ems "in" people. It is a relatively small world and everyone knows someone.

If you live in an area that doesn't have many volunteer opportunities, watch for announcements, take the tests, bide your time. Almost all large career depts. accept rookies into the academy with little or no experience.

BTW: Congratulations on being a wildland firefighter. It is a type of firefighting many don't experience in a career. Hot, sweaty, long hours, days, weeks, in a camp and they don't even give you a hose......usually.

Hope this helps. I know volunteering doesn't pay the bills but it IS a start.