*+Schedules and Timelines+* Most commonly firefighters work in 24-hour shifts, reporting to work at 0700 and work until 0700 the next day. Firefighters usually work a total of 56 hours per week (but since these hours are worked on a continual basis, firefighters enjoy a lot of time off). On the average, firefighters work ten 24-hour shifts each month, leaving them ...

*+Volunteer Firefighters+* Over ninety percent of the firefighters in the United States are volunteer firefighters. These men and women live in the community and want to make it a safer place. Frequently the local firehouse is the focal point in the community. The fire engines, and trucks are purchased with donations raised from the community. Becoming a volunteer firefighter is not ...

Human instinct is to run away from fire for fear of being injured or killed. Firefighters are the only ones who run toward a burning building in search of people in need of help. They are willing to risk their lives for complete strangers regardless of race, creed, color, or socioeconomic status. What is it that motivates them to do this? ...

Firefighting is often touted as rewarding, challenging, demanding, and exciting. These descriptors are all factual, but there's one thing that's often not on the list that is equally true about any career in emergency response: it's addictive. Maybe not in the same way that some chemicals are habit-forming, but those feelings of excitement and camaraderie you get during a good call ...

In today's uncertain economic times, you - like many others - are probably focusing on saving more and spending less. You may be anxious about your job security, salary and employment opportunities. Over the years, I've found the best way to combat stress is to put together a plan and stick to it. Here at FireLink we are 100% focused on ...

The truth of the matter is that most people sabotage their own interviews. Instead of putting their best foot forward, they put off the interviewer by acting cocky, unsure of their talent, having bad manners, or by simply acting abnormal. FireLink has interviewed several recruitment experts to bring you unbelievable true stories of what actually happens behind interview doors. If ...

This week I received a fun email from a former Marine who likes to push himself still and those around him. He writes: Stew, I have been using your workouts to get my pushups up to 100 in 2 minutes (as a Marine we focused on pullups as you know) and got it last week. Now I an thinking of doing ...

On day number one we all have it beat into our heads that the primary killer of firefighters is heart attacks. But as probies, we feel that we're invincible, at least for a while. After all, we're young and tough, years away from having to worry about our health…. Or are we? As young firefighters, our hearts may not be at ...

It’s time for the reality check. America is in a recession and jobs are fewer while competition is greater. It takes even more hustle, dedication, and tenacity to land a job today than it did for your parents. Having a degree isn’t always enough and, sorry to break it to you, but you aren’t likely to get your dream job ...

If you don’t have bunker gear you don’t have anything. That’s why, as a probie, being issued a set of bunker gear was the first step in equipping me with the tools that probies want and firefighters need. Before you can learn to handle a hose, force a door, or carry a victim, you have to be able to put on ...

So, You Want to Be a Paramedic? Be warned: it takes sacrifice, long hours, horrible weather conditions, heavy lifting, being bled and spat upon, and exposed to who knows how many bodily fluids from…we’ll just let you imagine. Still interested? Then let’s continue, because in actuality this is can be one of the most rewarding jobs available. As a Paramedic, you ...

Whatever you do, do not ever think that TV emulates EMS. . If television is your sole guide, than I suggest watching the Learning Channel Series on paramedics. While this is a narrowed view with mainly an urban focus, it is at least factual. I suggest you go to your local firehouse or volunteer department and ask to speak to a ...

Lets look at some of the intrinsic/extrinsic factors which will assist you in deciding if this is the right choice for you. • Basic Eligibility- You are in a position of trust. Whether a volunteer or career paramedic, you will need to undergo some type of background check. In other words, if you have felonies on your record you can stop ...

One positive component of volunteering is the opportunity to meet people. Also, if you volunteer in a combination departments you get to see the inner workings of the department before you apply. More importantly you get to have face time with people who can help you along the way. Look for someone to mentor you. Read the numerous trade journals and ...

I'll just give you a short story about how I decided to become an employee of the Forest Service.....It was in the firestorms of 2003 here is southern California. It was my first year as a volunteer. I was with my partner Kathy Barnes, we had gone up to Lytle Creek where the fires at that point was raging to help ...

Okay, you got hired…now what? Well, that depends on the type of job. If you are going to be a fire based medic, you will probably have to go through the fire academy for up to 12 weeks. One of the conditions of hiring being hired was probably a pretty strict physical, back-ground examination as well as having to pass the ...

You've done the hardest part, you survived your initiation years and become a valuable part of your department. Now what? Most promotion advice resources neglect public service jobs such as career firefighting so here's your chance to learn what it takes to move up in the ranks. FireLink featured writer Battalion Chief Paul Lepore has offered a multitude of resources to ...

This is dependent on the type of service you are in. Most fire based services run a 24 on and either a 48 or 72 off schedule. Some do a 24 on, 24 off, 24 on, 24 off than 4 days off. Typically, the fire based services work an average of 8 days a month. Some EMS departments run this type ...

Setting a plan of how to reach your promotional goals can be a very intimidating process. There is a multitude of information and it can be overwhelming. I encourage promotional candidates to look at their future exam through a different set of glasses, those of the person creating the exam. Become the Test Maker One of my favorite sayings is, Become ...

The term “Assessment Center” often sends promotional candidates into frenzy. It is unfamiliar to many people and as a result their already increased anxiety over the promotional process is heightened. The purpose of this article is to shed some light on the process. No department wants to have quality candidates get lost in the testing process, rather it’s an opportunity for ...