All very correct. Small departments, like Auburn Washington, may have one opening for a firefighter and receive 1000 applications. It's difficult to get a fire job in Washington, but not impossible. It just takes tenacity. You need to be prepared to wait 5, 6 or 7 years. Many people increase their chances by becoming a paramedic. This, obviously, does not play into the hiring process in King County… However, if you're applying for a paramedic firefighter position in Pierce County or Snohomish County, it will definitely move you further up the list. If you're looking for a fire job, my best advice to you is to start testing immediately. Public Safety testing, National testing and the Bates Consortium all offer testing for different departments. Also, take a CPAT ASAP.
Just a little clarification, only Seattle firefighters must wait three years before applying to become a paramedic. If they are selected, they attend the Harborview paramedic program. Other departments in King County either hire paramedics laterally and then send them to Harborview or they will send current FF/EMTs to Harborview's paramedic program. Nobody works as a paramedic in King County without attending the Harborview paramedic program. That's a hard idea for many to grasp, especially people who been paramedics for many years and apply to a King County department. While I don't necessarily agree with it, it works for them… And it ain't going to change anytime soon.
We discuss the Washington EMS world here frequently. It should be known that it's very different than anywhere else in the country and you need to approach it with an open mind. Comparing EMS to the way things are done on the East Coast is so far beyond apples and oranges... it's like pineapples and mangoes.
