Finding a job in the current state of the economy is hard enough without having to worry about how well your pay compares to the rest of the country. FireLink has research some of the most reputable sources on the internet to provide you with this two-part series showcasing the best and worst cities to be a firefighter. The first ...

Fire departments traditionally spend thousands of dollars to advertise, recruit and hire firefighters. The departments sift through applicants using written examinations, physical agility tests and comprehensive oral interviews, but only do a cursory check on their backgrounds. They eventually produce a list of top candidates. It is now up to the organization to ferret out those candidates who were less than ...

Generally, a high school diploma is required to enter a training program to become an EMT or paramedic. Workers must complete a formal training and certification process. h4. Education and Training A high school diploma is usually required to enter a formal emergency medical technician training program. Training is offered at progressive levels: EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, and Paramedic. At the EMT-Basic level, ...

[photo:126248] Whether it's department SOPs, SOGs, or just the word from the old-timers, we in the fire service have rules that govern the way we do things. Especially when it comes to moving water. Some of these rules have been established from years past, while others are more recent. What are rules based on? They can be anything from fire service ...

Earnings of EMTs and Paramedics depend on the employment setting and geographic location of their jobs, as well as their training and experience. Median hourly wages of EMTs and paramedics were $14.10 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $11.13 and $18.28.The lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.08, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $23.77. ...

Employment for EMTs and paramedics is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2018. Job prospects should be good, particularly in cities and private ambulance services. h4. Employment change Employment of emergency medical technicians and paramedics is expected to grow 9 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is about as fast as the average for ...

EMTs and paramedics held about 210,700 jobs in 2008. Most career EMTs and paramedics work in metropolitan areas. Volunteer EMTs and paramedics are more common in small cities, towns, and rural areas.These individuals volunteer for fire departments, emergency medical services, or hospitals and may respond to only a few calls per month. Paid EMTs and paramedics were employed in a number ...

The first few minutes of a fire attack can be quite intense, especially with a fire demanding a large flow. Often times it’s the actions of the first-in company that will make or break the operation. The key to a successful big water attack is to flow as much water as possible with a minimum manpower situation. In past articles I ...

[photo:133053] The Federal Bureau of Investigation defines arson as being any willful or malicious burning or attempt to burn, with or without intent to defraud, a dwelling house, public building, motor vehicle or aircraft, or any other personal property of another. Loss of life and property are some of the unfortunate outcomes of arson, and due to the serious nature of ...

Each department across the United States differs in testing exercises and measuring criteria, most NEW fire fighter personnel will be tested in challenging and physically demanding events. Most will use the CPAT – Candidate Physical Assessment Test. For those who properly prepare themselves, the Academy PT can be just another workout – a stress reliever even! For those current fire fighters, ...

*If still in high school look into a Regional Occupational Program (ROP).* Many local fire departments have community outreach recruitment programs. *Graduate from high school or obtain your GED.* A diploma is much preferred. Talk with a counselor at a community college that offers fire science courses. Set up a course curriculum that allows you to obtain a two-year degree in ...

Many of the pumpers manufactured in recent years are equipped with pre-connected handlines mounted in the front bumper. These lines are usually small in size (1” to 1-3/4”) and are most commonly found in lengths ranging from 50’ to 150’. They are very effective for fighting the smaller type fires such as vehicles, grass, rubbish, and dumpsters, etc. The hose tray ...

In this “Kitchen Table Debrief” I will discuss some familiar types of instantaneous and near instantaneous combustion (also known as explosions and near-explosions), their warning signs, and some techniques for surviving these events, where they exist. On the fireground, the major antagonists are our long-time adversaries: flashbacks and overdrafts… NO NO! I mean flashovers and backdrafts. These two hostile events are ...

Whatever women do they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good. Luckily, this is not difficult. -Charlotte Whitton Nothing frustrates me more then the firefighter that believes women don't belong in the fire service. Now, I am not one of those "die hard" feminists. I don't believe women are better then men at everything. I ...

Looking to raise money for your department or charitable cause with a unique and successful fundraiser? FireLink understands the importance of raising money, and we have done our best to supply you with some new and creative ideas for your next fundraiser. Check out some of our suggestions below and share your stories of success with the rest of the ...

[photo:128002] You have all seen them in the magazines. They are the big monster pumpers. New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, they all had them at one time or another. These beasts are designed to move large volumes of water at the BIG ONE. They have 2000 GPM pump capacities and larger and use multiple large supply lines to support them. They ...

The Worst Call: Nightmare Bank When people find out what I do for a living, I get asked the same question time and time again: What is your worst call? Many thoughts run through my head when I am asked this. What constitutes a ’worst call’? A parent’s reaction when I tell them their child has died? Having treated a 12 ...

1. The fire service is a dangerous profession. Every year, on average 100 firefighters die and another 80,000 are injured. To stay safe, study and learn about your emergency work and its hazards. Knowledge of your job enhances safety. 2. Heart attacks are the number-one killer of firefighters. Remain in good physical and mental condition. A lifelong commitment to exercise and ...

We all know being a firefighter has its social perks, especially for guys. I go out with the guys from work often and watch certain phenomenons take place. For example, my fellow brothers can walk up to a table full of girls, with a wingman in place of course (as I learned all about the importance of wingmen when I began ...