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Permalink Reply by cap479 on November 6, 2007 at 3:14pm

Hi McCartan,
I understand your dilemma with age. In most states you are not allowed to participate in hazardous situations until you are 18 and considered to be of legal age or an adult and capable of making wise decisions on your own. This isn't only in firefighting but it includes operating heavy equipment, working in areas of high hazards such machine shops and other like industry. I understand you desire to be in the Emergency Service Field. I applaud you for having the desire to take part in a prestiegous and sometime thankless field. I was there myself 32 years ago as a firefighter. Although the laws and rules weren't as strict as they are today. A little food for thought, I don't know where you are from, but if there is a volunteer department in your area, start there as a jumior firefighter. You will be able to get much insight as to the operations in Emergency Services and when it comes time to hire that will give an edge as having some experience vs. none. But one of the best pieces of advice I can give you, is once you finish high school, try to get into a fire science program in a local college if possible. Education is something that no one can take away from you and you will be able to apply it in future endeavors in your travel of life. I wish you good luck and much success in your carrer to be a paid emergency professional whether it be in fire, EMS or LEO.
Good Luck to You.
Cap

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Permalink Reply by LadyChaplain on November 6, 2007 at 3:17pm

As far as I know, in order to join a paid ambulance company you will need to be at least 18 - but then even some companies require that you are 21 before you're allowed to drive. Also, when it comes to taking civil service exams for paid firefighting, many do require 60 college credits prior to appointment.

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Permalink Reply by CJ on November 6, 2007 at 4:39pm

all the departments around here in texas require that you be 18 because insurance wont cover anyone under the age of 18. some departments require 21, again because of insurance purposes.

if you want to get experience, try finding a local department where you can volunteer on the medic. the year of experience doesnt have to be in a paid position. having a year of being third rider will teach you alot and help you develop contacts in the fire/ems field.


good luck! stay safe.

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Permalink Reply by Bobbie Jo on November 18, 2007 at 11:22am

well the Ambulance service i want to be hired from says:
you have to be 18 years of age or older
you have to have a state License
CPR Certification
ACLS Certification
State driver's license in good standing
and excellent written/and verbal communication skills

hope this helps?

Bobbie Jo;)

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