GW

Male

Portland, OR

United States

Profile Information:

Type of Organization: Fire/Rescue Department - Paid
Job Function: Firefighter / Paramedic (or Other ALS)
Years in Fire/EMS:: 7
Primary Fire/EMS Department:: Portland Fire Bureau
Years With Department/Agency: 2
Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations: Eugene Fire and EMS
Lane County Fire District No. 1
South Wasco County Ambulance
Lane County Sheriffs Office Water Search and Rescue
My Training:: NREMT Paramedic
NFPA Rope Rescue Technician
NFPA Swiftwater Rescue Technician
Dive Rescue 1 Certification
NFPA Firefighter I/II, Apparatus Operator, Aerial Operater
Relationship Status:: Married
Why I Joined Fire/EMS: What a job. When you love what you do for a living--you never have to work a day in your life. I love the pleasure of helping others, the excitement of a first in box, and the endless possibilities and sub-specialties that are available.
Why I Love Fire/EMS: Best job in the world. If you gotta work--why not love what you do.
Top Issues Facing Responders:: Varies from department to department. In some places the call volume is too high, in others it is too low. Some places there are not enough things to do for the people who want to do them--and still in others there are insufficient numbers to adequately staff specialty positions. Funding perhaps, though we are partly to blame for this.