TBN Firefighters

[lmalcomb]

Full time since '83 24 years as an Instructor.

Listen closely, ask questions if You don't understand.

Maintain a life away from the station, If You try to go at a pace you can't maintain You will burn out.

 

[deerefan]

I started in my local vfd nearly eight years ago. I started as a probie for 6 months, went thru basic firemanship and extrication training, was bumped to firefighter then to equipment captain. Stayed equipment captain and was voted chief last September. We are a very small department, about 20 members. We used to be much larger, about 35 members, but have since shed people for various reasons. We are 100% volunteer, no paid members. It is both a very frustrating and rewarding experience. The politics are ridiculous, but the relief and smiles you see on peoples faces when you arrive trumps all that. I can think of no better way to help your neighbors. You are making a wise decision, one that will teach you many important lessons and provide you with an experience that will last a lifetime.

 

[farmboy12]

Well guys, here's a little update.

I turned 16 in November, but found myself too busy to take it on. Well, earlier this week I turned in my papers to Baden VFD. For those who don't know, thats a small town on the country side of Brandywine if you're familiar with the area. I know they will not be as busy as Waldorf, my original choice, but some other things led to my decision. It's the same distance as the Waldorf station to my house, but I get off my school bus at BVFD. And it's in a country area where I know many more people. They also needed volunteers. I feel like this was a good decision, I should know very soon how things will work out. If I find myself dissatisfied or not busy enough, I will consider a move to a busier station. But, for now, this is where I think is a little better.

Reading back on this thread, I want to thank everyone for their support earlier in this thread. TBN is like my second family, I will keep up to date as my FF life grows.

Take care.


Kyle

 

[powerpace]

How many people on here are volunteer or career firefighters? I'll be 16 in November and plan to join a local VFD. Anybody have any good advice on how to go about it or things to look out for in a department? I've had a job for the company for years, and paychecks and hours the last few years, so I can report and stay up responsibly. I don't plan on making a career out of it locally but think the qualifications and experience will help me when I apply for the Marines in a few years. I've even considered being a marine firefighter. So yeah, sorry for rambling, really just want tips or advice on what to look for and how to go about finding the best VFD for me. Thanks!


Kyle

Having been a Marine and paid Firefighter I can say it may help but their aren't too many Aircraft Crash crew firefighters. There are no Marine structure firefighters. It's all civil service. Talk to a recruiter for information. Talk to a veteran for a reality check. When I joined the only choice was Aviation or take your chance. Even with Aviation you still had no choice. They place you.

That being said join a Volunteer department as soon as you can. Do everything you can and go to all the schools offered. Look into the Firefighter training courses offered at the Community College. You will enjoy it.

I joined a Volunteer Department shortly after I left the Marine Corps. One year later I was in a paid position in paid and volunteer department. Two years later I was Captain/Training Officer/Paramedic. Loved it. The bad part was each budget year Paid positions were threatened with layoffs if the Budget didn't pass. After five years of that I left. Worked in a Hospital for a few years.

Even with the troubles do it and go as far as you can. Learn everything.

Good luck!!

 

[RobertN]

Have you looked in to Fire, Search and Rescue, and/or LEO Explorer programs? All those programs are active in my area. I know a few firefighters that started that way; one just retired after 30 years... Locally, there is also a high school ROP(regional occupation program; may be called something different in your area). Our fire district participates in that program.

Go sign up for every CPR/AED and First Aid training you can find. Remember, more than 85% of calls are medical related. Actual fire calls are a very small percentage of the modern fire service. As soon as you turn 18, sign up for EMT classes; they are offered at the local junior colleges here. Get BLS CPR/AED. EMT is a good skill to have for fire, leo, and military...

Start considering Paramedic programs. Take anatomy type classes. For full time firefighter in the area where I live, they won't even talk to you unless you are a paramedic, or in paramedic school... As volunteers, it is mandatory to get certified First Responder or EMT; during my academy my district provided First Responder training and cert. I went on to get EMT-B.

Are you in Scouting? Can you get Eagle Scout? Eagle Scout looks VERY VERY GOOD on your resume... Fire/LEO, and Military like that. So do many colleges. Most military branches boost your grade and pay right out of boot camp if you have Eagle Scout... I know people who work in the aerospace industry; Eagle Scout resumes got right to the top of the stack of resumes... USMC really likes Eagle Scouts...

 

[DABSGT]

A few things I've learned from others...
If it felt good saying it, it was the wrong thing to say.
Air goes in and out, Blood goes round and round. Any deviation from this is a bad thing.
All bleeding stops eventually.
If the child is quiet, be scared.
Trust Newbies. They've had the least amount of time to forget their training.
The more stuff a guy has on his belt, the newer he is.
People do stupid things when they see flashing lights.
If you respond to a TA after midnight and no one is drunk... someone is missing.
Patients in a mass casualty incident who complain are obviously alert, responsive, and have an open airway. Move on to the next patient.
Normal people are not cut out to be firefighters or EMT's. You will have that one incident when you learn whether you are cut out for it or not. If not, be happy you're normal. If yes, be happy you're a firefighter/EMT.

:laughing:
Or a cop,

Yes this is all from my past. I have been a licenced EMT-P for 30 Years and worked in EMS for for 38 years. As an EMS instructor I have found that Firefighters are some of the best people I know and I have many as friends.(I still don't know why I became a cop, Might be because I don't like hights HAHA)

The advice given in this post is all good.
Earn respect with brother Fire fighters by learning ears open, mouth shut.
Also some advice I haven't seen remember that the public best intrest is in a community whrere Fire, EMS and Police all work together we are all on the same team.

Good luck with this rewarding future

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Well guys, here's a little update.

I turned 16 in November, but found myself too busy to take it on. Well, earlier this week I turned in my papers to Baden VFD. For those who don't know, thats a small town on the country side of Brandywine if you're familiar with the area. I know they will not be as busy as Waldorf, my original choice, but some other things led to my decision. It's the same distance as the Waldorf station to my house, but I get off my school bus at BVFD. And it's in a country area where I know many more people. They also needed volunteers. I feel like this was a good decision, I should know very soon how things will work out. If I find myself dissatisfied or not busy enough, I will consider a move to a busier station. But, for now, this is where I think is a little better.

Reading back on this thread, I want to thank everyone for their support earlier in this thread. TBN is like my second family, I will keep up to date as my FF life grows.

Take care.


Kyle

Best of luck to you! I have been a FF for 10 months now.

 

[farmboy12]

Thank you guys for the support. It means a lot. I got a call from the cheif, when I was not home, and my dad has the message and number and he will be returning soon. I will call then, as it is in regards to setting up a meeting later this week. So I will definitely have more to share after that, and they will tell me everything I need to do then.

Also, at this VFD, you must be an EMT as well as a FF. So I will need to get certified in everything, I hear they supply the classes, but if not, they will let me know then. So I will keep you informed and as up to date as I am.


Kyle

 

[grnspot110]

29 years full-time, small town (8-10 paid FF)! Retired 6 years ago. ~~ grnspot

 

[tommu56]

I did 25 years as a volunteer.
I've been out of it for about 10 years now.
tom

 

[RobertN]

Let us know how things progress! Curious minds want to know

In our district you have to be 18. They'll take you in academy if you will be 18 at graduation. Our local multi district academy trains to about 70% of FF1 level; rest is done at home station training.

Here, EMT is a semester class at the junior college. It is a 5 unit class, compared typical 3 unit English, Math etc.

Go for it!

Also, at this VFD, you must be an EMT as well as a FF. So I will need to get certified in everything, I hear they supply the classes, but if not, they will let me know then. So I will keep you informed and as up to date as I am.


Kyle

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Tonight is my last night of our three month long transition course as a district. The new EMT training schedule will be nice. After this one transition course we'll be able to re-certifiy every three years and use our regular monthly trainings. There will be no more need for a 24 hour refresher course every cycle.

I like the new curriculum. There's a lot more of the why.

 

[farmboy12]

Well, I had that meeting. Went really well. Got all my paperwork done, now later today alls I gotta do is get my fingerprints done and turn then in with all the other paperwork. After today, they will send for my FF ID. It could take anywhere from a couple weeks to a few months. In this time I will start attending meetings, drills, training, and taking tests. This whole process is moving very smoothly. Thanks again to everyones support!


Kyle

 

[imgone52]

Some of the best people in this world are in public safety occupations. While you travel the roads of your career (paid or volunteer) be sure to take the time to appreciate those working with you. Go to the station and keep your eyes and ears open. There will always be lessons to be learned. As the years go by, share your knowledge with the new members that follow your path. Enjoy the job and the people. I have enjoyed the ride since 1970 and it continues.

 

[farmboy12]

Another update. Just got back from the firehouse. It was a member meeting, I got introduced to everyone and got to hang out with the responders, which are largely made up of people under 25. Also got to wash some apparatus. Will be going back later this week to help with some dinners, and parties in the hall, as well as some landscaping work. With that, I will begin to get into training and ridealongs. I still wanna thank everyone here for their support, and I will try to keep these updates less frequent, so I will let you know whenever something big happens.


Kyle

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Another update. Just got back from the firehouse. It was a member meeting, I got introduced to everyone and got to hang out with the responders, which are largely made up of people under 25. Also got to wash some apparatus. Will be going back later this week to help with some dinners, and parties in the hall, as well as some landscaping work. With that, I will begin to get into training and ridealongs. I still wanna thank everyone here for their support, and I will try to keep these updates less frequent, so I will let you know whenever something big happens.


Kyle

Great! :thumbsup:

So are you an official member now?

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I'm a little groggy this morning. We had a fire call last night at 6:00. Then I had an EMS call at midnight. There was a third call (fire call) this morning before 6:00 am. As I was lying in bed falling asleep at 2:00 am I kept thinking to myself, "I love being on the fire department."

Seriously. It's very rewarding and can be a lot of fun despite the inherent frustrations.

 

[CompactTractorFan]

I'm a little groggy this morning. We had a fire call last night at 6:00. Then I had an EMS call at midnight. There was a third call (fire call) this morning before 6:00 am. As I was lying in bed falling asleep at 2:00 am I kept thinking to myself, "I love being on the fire department."

At 7 a.m. today we were dispatched on a full box alarm in the next town over. Dwelling fire with possible entrapment. Fire visible in the windows. Called in by a neighbor. Turned out the be the reflection of the sun rising...:confused3:

 

[Iplayfarmer]

At 7 a.m. today we were dispatched on a full box alarm in the next town over. Dwelling fire with possible entrapment. Fire visible in the windows. Called in by a neighbor. Turned out the be the reflection of the sun rising...:confused3:

I've actually learned to really appreciate calls like that. I'd much rather show up on a hotdog roast that was called in by a cocerned neighbor than show up on a fully engulfed structure due to a chimney fire that someone thought they could handle on their own.

I primarily run EMS rather than fire. We have the same kind of thing. When I started out I always felt disappointed when I was toned out to a "I've fallen, and I can't get up" Call. Nowadays I really enjoy some of those calls. They're low stress. Everyone is happy when you're done, and you know that the outcome will likely be good.

 

[farmboy12]

Great! :thumbsup:

So are you an official member now?

I get voted in this coming Monday. There should be no problems with that. All the volunteers seem to like me and I have a good name in the community. And comes the process of my physical, waiting for my ID, beginning classes, etc.


Kyle