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Color blindness
Hey there.
I have just finished training to be a firefighter and was NFPA 1001 and 1002, and 1006 certified. I completed the 6 month program and a 3 month workterm. After completing these courses I had a regular eye exam completed and found out I was colorblind. Where I have already been certified do fire departments still have sound reasoning to deny me a position? and why?
I have just finished training to be a firefighter and was NFPA 1001 and 1002, and 1006 certified. I completed the 6 month program and a 3 month workterm. After completing these courses I had a regular eye exam completed and found out I was colorblind. Where I have already been certified do fire departments still have sound reasoning to deny me a position? and why?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Jerry Stafford on
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I had the same problen but I only had to do a basic color test to pass.
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Permalink Reply by Zack Parrell on
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So you never had to do the Ishihara or Farnsworth D-15 test?
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Permalink Reply by Oldman on
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I'm sure it would depend on the severity of the colorblindness. You probably have had this problem for a while and have learned to compensate for the deficiency. I have the common red/green blindness, yet I can fly a plane because I can tell the difference between white, yellow, red, and green airport and aircraft lights. I can drive because I can tell the difference between red, yellow, and green traffic signals and stop signs. It is just certain shades of colors I cannot see especially when they are close together such as in a rainbow. I've been in this profession for almost 30 years, and I've never had trouble seeing fire, or had a fire ask me if I can see the numbers in a bunch of dots. I would say that if you can pass a basic color test, you probably won't have an issue. BTW, I do have far better visual acuity at night.
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Permalink Reply by Bill Brierton on
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Well if you are already certified then it would be a difficult to deny you a position. I'm sure it can be done but then you might have the makings of a good lawsuit and that in the long run would cost the department more money.
While I am not color blind, I do have to have glasses while driving, reading, or just to see where I am going. When I put on the SCBA, the glasses come off and I can see that well but I know enough or shall I see can see enough to know where the fire is, to listen for a cry for help and know when the heck to get out if the situation gets over my head.
Best advise I or anybody else can offer you is to talk to those who are in charge and see what happens.
Good Luck and Stay Safe
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Permalink Reply by Robby on
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A lot of departments will DQ you because of your colorblindness, but you have to stay in the fight and see it through. I was DQ by LA County and put in an appeal over a year ago. It recently got overturned and I was allowed to continue in the process. I didn't have any firefighter experience, but was in the military for over 8 yrs. I couldn't believe how unfair the system was when it came to color blindness. I showed LA County that there was no way I couldn't perform as a firefighter after all the things I had done in the military without problems. I knew I had a problem with colors when I joined the military, so prior to getting DQed I had already started putting my appeal package together. I went to a civilian Optometrist and obtained a letter from him stating the severity of my color blindness and how it wouldn't impede me from doing any job. I also obtained letters from my Commanders in the military explaining things I had done ,while enlisted, that required color vision and had no problems with. I wrote a letter myself stating all my experience and enclosed LA County statistics. I was already NREMT certified so I stated EMS Statistics(Over 80% of all calls are EMS related). Being EMT certified, I already qualified to conduct over 80% of the job.
After getting the run around some more, I filed a complait with the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Office and stated discrimination on the grounds of color blindness. Maybe this is what made the difference because I don't think they wanted to deal with the legalities of it. Finally, my appeal was granted.
If you know you have a color vision problem I advise you to get your appeal paperwork(letters of recommendation, Optometrist letter, etc.) ready as of right now, so that when you get DQed you will be ready to bring the fight. In LA you only have 10 days from the day you get DQed to submit your appeal, so it's best to be prepared prior.
Good Luck!!
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Permalink Reply by Brian Dumser on
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Here in the State of Illinois (Chicagoland) I know 2 Firefighters who are red/green colorblind. They've had no problems that I'm aware of and have each been in the Fire Service for at least 10 years now. Good luck and stay safe!
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Permalink Reply by Valeri Semjonov on
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hi. i.m from Estonia and i have question about colorblind, in your country can firefighter have colorblindes or not? In Estonia I cannot be firefighter because of my colorblindes / Fank you for answers and I,m sorry about my english, because my mother tongue is russian
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Dosvidonia Valeri. Yes, in the U.S. you can still be a firefighter if you're colorblind. At least in my State. Good luck and stay safe!
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So have you gotten in? I'm in a similar boat, with time in the Corps and a known color deficiency I'm curious to know how the process has worked for you. This seems like a dream job, but I'm hesitant to put in all the work it requires just to have the rug yanked out from under me just a few feet from the door. Are you a confirmed red green colorblind or whats the deal?
Thanks for any feed back,
JMB
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Permalink Reply by Michael C. Harrison on
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If DQ'ed and it is truly something you want to do......fight for what you believe in.
Some states have already had precedent set, and some havent.
Get a good lawyer who is well versed in the Americans With Disabilities Act, and fight the good fight. It will depend on if an extended battle is worth it to you....Good Luck
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Permalink Reply by Cody W. Nelson on
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I know you have to be able to differentiate between green, red and yellow in Texas to drive any apparatus on a paid service.
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Robby-
I was wondering if I could talk to you about LA Co FD's appeal process and hopefully talk to you about your letter of acceptance. I am in the same boat. I'm a veteran, almost through paramedic school, and have recently been hired by another FD but would definitely change to LA Co FD. I had to jump through the hoops to get hired with them. I would like to talk to you in person or email. Please respond if this is agreeable.
-JHW
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