Volunteer Firefighting/ Ems

[gedalyahu]

I am a 17 year old High School Student and my questions are How does a person go about becoming a voulnteer EMT/ Firefighter and what are the requirements(age, etc.)?  

[Matthew]

Laura, I would say until you are 18 you might not be able to be a full time volunteer. But you might be able to be a cadet or explorer for some departments. Let me share some information that might give you an idea of what it is all about.

So You Want to be a Fire Fighter

This information deals with the State of Illinois but is very similar in most states.

What do fire fighters do?

Fire fighters today do much more than fight fires. The provide rescue services; handle hazardous chemical emergencies; and conduct fire prevention, investigation and inspection activities. Fire fighters also do most of the cleaning and maintenance work required to keep their tools, equipment, buildings, and apparatus ready for immediate response. Many Illinois communities depend on their fire departments to provide emergency medical services, sometimes including ambulances. If you become a fire fighter, you will be assigned to a team, called a company, that provides some or all of these services.

Fulltime firefighters in Illinois will probably work a 53-56 hour work week arranged with one 24-hour work period followed by 48-hours off duty. Additional days off will be provided to comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act. You will eat, sleep and work, in a fire station with this team of fire fighters. Volunter firefighters will put in seveal hours a month at various functions.

Does Illinois law establish requirements for fire fighters?

Illinois law requires most cities and fire protection districts, with full-time paid fire fighters, to have either a fire and police, or civil service commission. These commissions handle the hiring, disciplining and promoting of fire fighters. Illinois law sets some guidelines as to how this is done, but local communities, especially home rule units, have considerable latitude in accomplishing these regulations.

What are the minimum requirements?

In most communities, you must be 21 years of age. A few will hire 18 year olds. You will need to be a high school graduate, or equivalent, and not have been convicted of most felony crimes. A few municipalities have higher education requirements. Some communities require you to be a resident, or become one, after joining the department.

How do I begin the process?

Choose the communities where you would like to live and work. Go to the fire department, or city personnel office to see if they have openings and pick up an application. Determine what the municipality's requirements for fire department employment are. The fire or personnel departments can tell you what testing procedures will be administered during the employment process.

What happens next?

After your application is reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum requirements, you will be notified that certain tests will be required. Illinois law requires that selection be made on merit so most communities have selected physical agility, written tests and oral interviews to determine the applicants aptitude for the job. From these tests, an eligibility list of successful candidates will be established. If you are considered for a position, psychological, polygraphs and medical evaluations, including drug testing, will be required. A background check of your character and criminal records will be conducted. So you've been hired, what's next?

You will begin a probationary period of one year. Most full-time paid firefighters are required to be certified in the State of Illinois during probation. This requires participation in specified training at the local level, or at a state approved academy. At the end of the training, you must pass the state certification exam. Those communities which provide emergency medical services will also require you to become a state certified Emergency Medical Technician of the appropriate level. This training could extend your probationary period. If you pass this training and show aptitude as a fire fighter during the probationary period, you will become a permanent member of the fire department.

What can I do to improve my chances of becoming a fire fighter?

Look for colleges and universities that have programs in fire science and/or emergency medical technology. Many departments prefer candidates who have already met state certification requirements for fire fighter, Emergency Medical Technician, etc. If you are a recent high school graduate, and not yet 21, this is a good way to spend the time while waiting to meet the age requirements.

Since the State of Illinois will not certify anyone who is not currently a member of an agency providing fire or emergency service, check out some of the local volunteer fire departments. Many of these will accept members at age 18, and many need members badly. Not only can you meet certification requirements, you can bring the advantage of previous experience to the job.

Good luck!

Fire fighting and emergency service is a rewarding career. However, it requires a certain amount of sacrifice and willingness to endure some unusual and difficult circumstances. You'll need to be a real team player. It offers good pay, ample job benefits, an attractive work schedule and a sense of having made a difference in your community. It is a career well worth your effort. If you have any additional questions please ask.

Dan Hite