Your Next Step! Firefighting Basics

The first step when looking to enter the fire service is an active Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license. With such a license, comes yet another needed certification. When looking to clock hours as an EMT, the majority of jobs will require an Ambulance drivers license. 

Way less intimidating than it sounds, an Ambulance drivers license is a certification that can easily be added to your own current state drivers license. Requirements for an ambulance drivers certification in California include;

18 Years of Age

Valid California Driver's License

Application and Certificate Fee

Passing Grade on Ambulance Driver Certification Exam 

Medical Examination Report

DMV 8016 Live Scan Form 

When looking to take your test, the questions will be based off of the DMV’s current ambulance drivers certification handbook. In the state of California, you are given three tries to take the exam. After each attempt, you have the opportunity to review the exam in order to see your mistakes. I recommend that you take such review time to go over your exam and study what you have missed. Take some time and review the handbook for why your answers were right and wrong. Spoiler alert, the handbook is only so long. If you take advantage of the review process, you will significantly improve your next attempt score.

It is imperative that you arrive at the DMV with the required documentation. Failure to obtain or hold the previous requirements will prevent you from getting your license. In the event that you have everything squared away on your first visit, be sure to be aware of unique disclosure laws. 

The ambulance Drivers Certification requires a criminal background check. On top of this, your driving record will also be screened. If you are aware of any convictions that have been “dropped” by the court, you must understand that they are still meaningful to the success of your license. Though dropped charges are still considered, exemptions are granted on the premise of the charges.

Overall, the license does not take much to complete. With a short visit to the DMV, you can easily be on your way to clocking hours as an EMT. In terms of the fire service, many cities hire their own EMT’s. If you are looking for your next job, prior completion of your ambulance certification will put you above other unqualified applicants. In the long run, getting you the job!

For more information visit the DMV:

DRIVER LICENSE CERTIFICATES AND ENDORSEMENTS

Emergency Medicine is extremely relevant when looking into the career of fire fighting. Depending on your station, individual cities may require their firefighters to be trained to the status of paramedic. In San Diego County, different cities have their regulations. Encinitas, for example, works with third party companies like American Medical Response. Carlsbad, only a few minutes north, has their own fleet of both EMTs and Paramedics. 

As a candidate, it is best to avoid limiting yourself to only a few select departments. Obtaining a paramedic license can not only give you life saving training, but it will also separate you from other fire applicants. 

Using San Diego as an example, there are multiple community colleges that offer such training. Such schools include, but are not limited to;

Southwestern College 

Palomar 

EMSTA

When working with your department, many organizations may sponsor such an education. If you're not currently working in fire, working as an EMT can grant you the opportunity to also receive such funding. Independent ambulance services offer education sponsorship for individuals looking to advance their career. AMR and Falck, two organizations working in San Diego County, offer such assistance. In terms of a job, you already have one. In order to receive school funding, many organizations will require a specific service commitment.

In terms of preparation, many schools require 1000+ hours of experience as an EMT. On top of such, organizations want their students to have already completed both Anatomy and Physiology. Such courses are required to be associated with an assigned laboratory segment. If you are really looking to prepare, there are pre-paramedic courses that get you set up for success. Spoiler alert, some schools also require those too. 

Paramedic programs can be completed in roughly one full academic year. If you are going to school part-time, the program may take significantly longer. If you are hesitant to get your paramedic certification, it is recommended that you at least get ahead, and get an EMT. If you are looking to become a firefighter, EMT certifications are a very common requirement. Depending on your area, such a certification can be completed in as little as 4 weeks. 

CAL Fire Careers - Wildland

Why Cal Fire?

Cal Fire is an organization that prides itself on its determination and commitment to the Safeguard of California's people and property. Its “all-risk” classification leaves stations working in both residential and wildland settings. In terms of the workforce, Cal Fire currently employees approximately 8,000 people. Many of such positions can be claimed as seasonal, or “part-time”. Though seasonal, Cal Fire offers highly competitive pay. Compared to that of the forest service, Cal Fires starting Firefighter I positions exceed that to the federal service’s third year service salary. In terms of career, Cal Fire’s size and diversity allows for advancement opportunities that exceed just pay.

Advancement and Opportunity

Though a career as a firefighter can be tough, the opportunities for advancement are extremely high. With experience and training, individuals can work their way from engineer, all the way to chief. As your experience level rises, so does your salary. It is not uncommon for a California Firefighter to be comfortably sitting within a six figure salary. As your service years stack, individuals can retire on a pension that supports nearly the same value.

Requirements to Work

When looking to apply for a standard Firefighter I position, it is important to obtains the following qualifications;

CAL FIRE Basic Firefighter Certificate

California State Fire Marshal (SFM) Confined Space Awareness

Certificate California SFM Hazardous Materials First Responder

Operational Certificate Firefighter Survival (Structural)

American Heart Association - CPR

FEMA IS-100: Introduction to Incident Command System

FEMA IS-700: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System (NIMS)

FEMA IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction.

On top of the listed qualifications, one must be of 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or GED, and be in great physical shape. Training Tips Firefighter credentials can be obtained through certified fire academies and selected California Junior colleges. An example of an accredited program includes Palomar College fire in the greater San Diego area. When looking at qualifications including the California State Fire Marshal, fire academies and junior colleges will be able to fulfill such requirements. Before your application, it is imperative that you have documentation for all previous training and relevant coursework. Many medical certificates have expiration dates. Ensuring that all of your training is active is essential to finding a position. Cal Fire Firefighter I

On the Job

As noted, Firefighter I calcifications are generally listed as seasonal positions. Knowing this, the term of seasonal deployment is directly correlated to the strength and duration of the fire season. Starting as early as April, Cal Fire Seasonal Employees can expect to be employed for up to 9 months following the start of their position. For extended information on the job itself, check out Cal Fire’s promotion video which provides fantastic representation of the career path.

Handcrews

Handcrews are primarily assigned to wildfires and are tasked with the construction of firelines with hand held tools. Their work is aimed to control, contain, and eliminate wildfires before they become threats. When not assigned to wildfires or emergency incidents, the primary mission of the firefighter is fuel reduction and vegetation management.

Overall Satisfaction

In general reviews and employee surveys, individuals working in the Cal Fire organization have reported high levels of satisfaction. When revealing articles from US NEWS, many firefighters reported high instances of stress. In terms of stress management, firefighters have a variety of benefits that many jobs do not offer;

Approximately 10 works days every month

24 hour shiftsMeals on the clock

Exercise on the clock

Sleeping hours

Deadlines

As seasonal employment depends directly on the fire season itself, job openings will be posted accordingly. New hires usually occur in the months of April, May, and June. Depending on the size of the workforce, the actual deadline of applications may change. Cal Fire will post the majority of their deadlines directly on their career page. Knowing this, it is important that you have a general understanding of what to do to apply.

How to Apply