Can anyone Spare some time?

I really want to be a firefighter. It's a reoccuring dream of mine. I am trying to get a lot of info on it right now though. I am pretty damn determined as well.
Okay, question.
How hard is it to get into?
How long is the training course and how expensive?
What do FF's do when not saving lives and putting out fire?
Does size matter that much? ( I only ask this one because I am 5'7 and 117 pounds)
Ummm, if you can think of anything else, please let me know, I'm very curious.
Ummm, I just got out of high school, working on G.E.D, currently no college as I just moved. In San Diego. Don't get me wrong, I am fairly intelligent.

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Permalink Reply by T.J. on November 19, 2008 at 11:43am

Well to start of are you talking about going full time or volunteer?

Its harder to become fulltime than it is to become a volunteer. If you want to go fulltime I'd go through an academy.

I believe the training is around 200-300 hrs for just the fire taining I &II, plus you'll need ems training if you plan on going fulltime so that about another 100 hrs.

I do ems for my fulltime and firefighting part time which might as well be fulltime as we're really busy.

The size does not matter aslong as you can pull your weight.

Permalink Reply by Lillie (Shirley) Lund on November 19, 2008 at 11:47am

I would like to do it as an actual career, so full time.
That's good to know, I've been iffy about my size for a while now. I am strong though.
What goes on behind the scenes?

Permalink Reply by T.J. on November 19, 2008 at 11:57am

It's a lot of fun thats for sure and I would not change it for anything, but at times it can drive you crazy and sometimes on the brink of falling apart as you'll see things that you don't EVER want to see and you need to be prepared for that and know how to deal with it. But it's a real rewarding career thats for sure:)

Permalink Reply by Lillie (Shirley) Lund on November 19, 2008 at 12:03pm

Yeah, I'm mentally strong when it comes to that stuff. I don't know whether thats good or bad. My cousin, the sweet heart he is, let me watch Nightmare on elm street, hell raiser, and child's play when I was five. OH! and a bit of candy man and Halloween. he was a sweet heart.....
Kind of nothing to do with that except I have been seeing messed up stuff since I was little. I know life will be a lot different though. I think I'm prepared for the bad, if it means I can make a difference and hopefully do much more good.

Permalink Reply by Irons38 on November 19, 2008 at 12:13pm

Its not to hard to get into a volunteer department. Its harder to try to get onto a career department with no certs or experience. My recommendation is to get on a volly department first, get your training and certs with them and then apply to career departments. Training can be difficult depending on how you learn and who teaches it. Some stuff is expensive while other things you can obtain if you join a volly house. Your size doesnt matter as long as you have good stamina and strength.
All sorts of stuff goes on when we arent fighting fire or going on calls. Trust me, some stuff you dont want to know about LOL.......Usually we do training or house work when there isnt alot going on call wise. Working out during shift helps me pass the time if its slow and we arent training. Hope this helps. Good luck

Permalink Reply by Lillie (Shirley) Lund on November 19, 2008 at 12:25pm

While it sounds pretty narly, I think i would prefer to know so it's not such a shock later. I considered volunteer, but I am looking for a full time job )for rent. it's pricey up here) and I have a bf as well.

Permalink Reply by Lillie (Shirley) Lund on November 19, 2008 at 12:50pm

Thanks a lot everyone, this has been highly encouraging.

Permalink Reply by Jay Nicholson on November 19, 2008 at 8:16pm

If you are planning on staying in San Diego, you would almost have to have a paramedic cert to get hired by any dept in the county. At 5'7" you're an inch taller than I am. That's not going to hurt you. There are a couple of dept in the county have still have reserve FF. That's a good way of getting your foot in the door. But they will require you get EMT before a year has passed. EMT and Paramedic classes can be taken at some Community Colleges. Check Southwestern and Miramar.
Let me know if I can help you further.
Jay

Permalink Reply by Meaghan on November 19, 2008 at 8:46pm

Hey, I'm a junior, 5'1" 105 lbs. I do just fine, beat the guys at alot of things. So dont let size get you down, yea some extra work, start working out trust me! If I havent been workin out, I'd fail!! Keep it up!

Permalink Reply by Paul Montpetit on November 19, 2008 at 8:59pm

You might consider trying a volunteer Department first to see if it is really your "thing"...Not hard to get into..(for volunteer)...basic interview...then a background check and a physical with pulmonary function check and an EKG, then a probationary period...(My Department it is 1 year)...If you want to go "Interior" the Firefighter 1 Course here in NY is now something like 98 hours of training....requires some sweat and study but not too difficult....then there is in-house training as well....as far as what you do when not out playing with fire....well there is tedious work that has to be done...like maintenence , cleaning,checking equipment and whatever else needs doing around the firehouse....if we don't do it then it doesn't get done.....Try it you might like it....Stay safe and keep the faith........Paul

Permalink Reply by Lillie (Shirley) Lund on November 20, 2008 at 1:58am

I think I will volunteer for a bit first to make sure. Take some classes at the college. Thanks again all. How long does basic EMT/paramedic take? I am a very quick learner, and a quick thorough study.

Permalink Reply by Trenton on November 20, 2008 at 7:25pm