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  1. O

    Newbie

    I'm a volunteer and I work with a guy that was hired on at 39. I also went to a FF1 academy this last summer and a 43 y/o passed, kicked *** and took names. If I get hired in this economy, I'll be surprised if it happens before 35 years old for me. Point is...If you're going to do it, jump in...
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    Age when you joined EMS

    There are many ways to "go into emt" as mentioned in another thread. What are your goals, and how much are you willing to sacrifice what you already have for what you really want to do? Since this is an "age" thread, do you think age will be an issue? A couple of our volunteers....well, let's...
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    Age when you joined EMS

    This a great thread to see all the different ages of people involved in EMS. I've been doing this for just about a year. Started when I was almost 25, and I just turned 26. I'm trying to see how I can become employed as a FF within the next 2 years or so. For now, I have a Bachelor's in...
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    What to wear to a Firefighter written exam?

    Thanks for the suggestions. I've got confirmation that it's just for the written portion. Looks like I'll plan to go dressed "business casual" in polished black shoes, gray slacks, and a dress shirt. I'll pack a tie to throw on just in case, and I'll be prepared to chat if they want to meet...
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    What to wear to a Firefighter written exam?

    I've applied with my first agency for a Firefighter/EMT position. I've been invited to take the written exam this Saturday. This is my first application process, and the goal with this (and any others) is to pull everything off carefully, conscientiously, and professionally. From what I can...
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    Feeling out of place at the fire station...

    If you ever come back to read this...I can identify with being an "outsider volunteer" as well, but I am male. There really is pomp and circumstance to winning the acceptance of a crowd of male firefighters especially if you don't fit into the typical age/sex/personality category. As others...
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    Educate me: Firefighter Testing/Application Process

    Let's chat for a moment about testing for multiple agencies. Let's assume I'm geographically planted in the Seattle/King county area for the next 2 years, but that I do testing in every county/locale that I can. By chance, I'm offered a job somewhere like Yakima -- different county, about 1.5...
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    Educate me: Firefighter Testing/Application Process

    Thanks for the info, guys. As I understand there is extreme competition surrounding the Seattle/Eastside FF and Medic job pool. I'm curious to know, though, if going through a testing agency (i.e. publicsafetytesting.com) or the likes has any advantage -- other than making wallets lighter...
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    Educate me: Firefighter Testing/Application Process

    Well, I started a volunteering adventure with the local FD earlier this year. I received my EMT-B cert in March, and have been attending weekly drill/training at the FD since then. I feel an enthusiastic need to do more with this...but I also want to get some more experience and really think...
  10. O

    a career-changer asking for advice

    I'm just starting an EMS career as a volunteer myself. I read that you are 41...You make yourself sound old like you're thinking you might be past your prime for this career. I'm sure flexible bones and a bit more muscle mass could be useful at certain points, but think of it this way--only 2...
  11. O

    motorcycles

    Avid rider here...Have a 2003 Ducati 749s. I understand people's concerns about riding "murdercycles," I really do. However, I'm a strong proponent of rider education programs, a HUGE gear advocate, and promoting safe, legal riding on public roads. Those three things mitigate some (not all)...
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    In need of help from creative minds

    +1 Unless it's put in context, it doesn't really make a connection. When I was in school, there was an ETOH high-speed MVA where a high school student (driver) died, and the 9th grade junior high girlfriend lived. 2 years later, the responding EMT's and Paramedics came in to discuss what...
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    Where are you from?

    Sammamish, WA
  14. O

    TONS of Questions!

    I've got one of those big corporate jobs with lots of manufactured a/c (and a lot of hot air from bosses and coworkers). I also have a strong interest in EMS, so I'm taking up a volunteer EMT opportunity with a local fire department to see if it "fits" before I start making big life changes. (I...
  15. O

    In need of help from creative minds

    You can also do lanyards (with a keyring) attached at the end. Those are popular esp with the sports crowd because you can hang/tie/toss/stuff your keys places AND you can fit a really long slogan on them. Just an idea: "Buckle up--It makes it harder for aliens to snatch you from your car"...
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    Vitals/scenario question

    It's hard to know what you need without seeing the specific assignment. Chances are, the information has already been given to you in the text or via lecture. Your job is to make logical sense of it in a superstar presentation. Off the top of my head, I'd start with the common...
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    In need of help from creative minds

    Any of the above phrases would seem good, although I think you may be using the wrong medium to convey the message. What are 15 and 16 year olds going to do with a wristband? Lance's "Livestrong" yellow bands were popular, and all the celebs were wearing them, but that's because he's Lance B)...
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    Vitals/scenario question

    I'd say a good one for bad Food Poisioning in the late stages (hypovolemic shock) would get you a cool, slightly moist and very pale/cyanotic looking individual with a rapid pulse (110?), respirations of 20, and a falling BP of 98/62. ..At least in my reading of the poisioning chapter of my...
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    Am I insane to even think about this?

    You're still able bodied, and in addition, you've got 20 years of life experience over those 20 y/o meatheads that are turning out for EMT certification. I'm 25, and there are 3 40+ guys in there turning out for the volunteer program. One is an ex-cop turned IT professional. The other left...
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    How did you become a paramedic? What's your story?

    For those of you who are paramedics, how did you arrive at your careers? I'm going through somewhat of a life questioning phase right now and would love to hear your responses. What is the pay range for a paramedic in a metro area? (Seattle/San Fran/LA) Long story short--I'm just under...
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