Qualifications before joining a Vol. Department?

I'm 22, live in FL, and new to the fire scene. I was recommended by 6 year paid FF (works in the same area im going to be volunteering in) friend of mine to join the local VFD. I attended my first business meeting today, as part of the 3 consecutive meetings required to be voted in. I noted that some of the guys were fresh out of the fire academy or EMT training which made me feel nervous and completely under qualified.

I have no training in the fire field whatsoever.

From what i understand, after i am voted in, i am required to attend training meeting every Monday. I am in the process of entering EMT-B in the Fall semester.

My question is: Am i under qualified to join the VFD?

Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Roy Walker on May 4, 2010 at 11:53am

You'll be fine a lot of us start out the same way. Most of your initial training will start in house and then at an academy or state training facility. On a scene you will be expected mostly to observe and provide minor exterior assistance initially till you get comfortable and your chief assesses you.

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Permalink Reply by ashfire on May 4, 2010 at 12:36pm

When I started I didn't have any training. I had to be there for the first meeting and the second to be voted in for 6 month probation and after 6 months voted in as a regular member. I ended up riding after the second meeting and taking American Advance First Aid and CPR. I had to learn from the other members. Then the county started sending people to recruit class to learn basic firefighting. Then we started taking EMT and more classes came along from both the county and the state training academies.
That was 30 some years ago and I was 18 years old.
Anyone coming in now must have volunteer recruit class, EMT and FFI before they get on anything now.

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Permalink Reply by Shayne Henry on May 4, 2010 at 3:07pm

i gotta agree with the other guy i myself was in the same boat now im just finishing up firefighter and emt classes so you are not under qualified. so dont underestimate yourself give it all u gotlet them know u want to do what u signed up for. jus because your not trained in anything doesnt mean you cant do it. dont let anyone tell you that u cant. go with it you will enjoy the outcome!!!!!!!!

Qualifications before joining a Vol. Department?

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