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What to expect?
Hey I just started out being a junior firefighter just 2 days ago. I didnt know what to expect then and Im sure I dont know what to expect now. Can anyone help me out here..
Brian.
Brian.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by 27-9-17 on
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hi my name is mike and im a senior member for about three yrs now and do u really want to know wut to expect on fire calls bc there is so much too say with that. Theres just two things to tell u if you cant handle death or blood then ur in the wrong business thats all i have too say thats wut i was asked when i joined and thats wut im askin u give my a reply back bro ok im not being mean im just tellin u the truth
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Permalink Reply by Lawrence W on
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The most important thing for your right now is to watch, listen and learn. Keep your eyes and ears open, and listen to the experienced folks around you. There is a lot to learn and you may feel overwhelmed at times. Keep your head in the game and you may be at the start of a very rewarding experience.
Best of Luck to to you.
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Permalink Reply by Joe Stoltz on
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Hey Brian, welcome to the ranks! I don't know what your department's specific policies are, but most don't let their junior members get close to really tough scenes until they are full members.
What to expect? Well, in our department juniors help with truck checks and work details, and so become familiar with the tools of the trade. At drills they get nozzle time, jaws time and sometimes "volunteer" to be crash victims during extrication drills. Juniors ages 16 and 17 can go to emergency scenes, and help with lighting, accountability, SCBA bottle changing and management, and distributing bottled water to the working troops. Also rolling hose, picking up and cleaning tools, reloading hose, etc.
With this involvement, by the time they are ready for full membership at 18 they have at least a basic knowledge of the business.
Your department's policies may vary a little but it's probably similar enough to give you the idea. There will be times when you are ignored by the older members, but that's kind of normal. There are other discussions on this on this site. Just learn all you can and hang in there.
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Permalink Reply by jpzxzp47mmhn on
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im going to be head explorer in may and ive only been on the post a yr so all i can say is i watched so close that peo[ple almost get annoyed but they understand i became friends with the ff and talked to them about how they do stufff to get a feel for it and train as much as possible
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Permalink Reply by Matt on
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We don't have a jr. ff program in my home town but congrats on considering a very rewarding career. Just keep your head in the game and keep your eyes and ears open. Some of the Sr. older firefighters will probably give you a hard time but don't let them know it bother's you because they will pick on you that much harder. You are getting ready to see some things that are pretty hard to see but that 1st person you pull out of a fire will make it all worth it. You are going to go from moments of complete boredom to moments of sheer terror in seconds. Good luck. and welcome to the ranks.
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thats stupid no offence but my dept we join at 14 and do everything that they do except go in the buildingwe run handlines outside and everything and at 18 we do our probation but we get to go to calls on the rig from day one even at 14-15 yrs old
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Let me clarify a little: Our youngsters also join at 14. And, up until this year we did the same thing as you describe, 14-15 years old and riding in the fire trucks, and fighting grass fires and other such activities, rolling hose washing trucks etc.
This year we have had an attorney reviewing SOPs and by-laws, and one result of this was changes to the Junior program. It's just a matter of time before all states adopt similar laws and regulations.
Hey, we're just trying to keep you safe, bro!
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Permalink Reply by ee779 on
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Our junior program is pretty much as Joe stated. The main thing you can do is learn! If a class is available tell your training officers you want to take it. I can't stress it enough "Get as much training as you can!" Here in PA we follow the state guidelines for members under 18! This means, ladders, power tools and going inside, is out for anyone under 18. I know it sucks as someone posted but, it's so you can learn before doing. We want you young guys around a while!
If I may, let me tell you something. This year most of our juniors turned 18, as of right now we only have 1 junior he's 14. The other night we had a structure fire and noticed 1 thing missing! The job we rely on our juniors to do wasn't getting done. We didn't have anyone to help with rehab! So, even though it sometimes seems like a waste of time going to a fire and changing air bottles and running equipment and drinks to the staging area, IT IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS FIGHTING THE FIRE!
Sorry if I seem to be preaching! Good luck and welcome to the brotherhood!
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Permalink Reply by Paul Montpetit on
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Welcome to the family little brother.....First keep your mouth shut and listen closely....Do as you are told when you are told to do so....and most impt of all....Avoid the person that comes across like he knows everything.....that guy will get you killed....its a great family to be part of....Always remember that the #1 thing is that EVERYONE GOES HOME ALIVE...!!!! And don't try to be a hero....heaven is full of heroes....if we each do our job the way we were taught then maybe...hopefully...no-one will get pulled from a fire.....Stay safe little brother.............Paul
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Permalink Reply by Ray Smith on
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Okay I'm no expert I have only been a junior a little over a year now. Soak up all the info. you can, listen, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Take an afternoon, go up to the station and look over the trucks. Ask what the tools are, how to use them, and what are they for ? Most importantly don't take anything personal. Trust me I've gotten my balls busted alot. Hope that helps.
Ray.
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