women in the world of EMS

[COmedic17]

So in reality: A lot of men will be threatened by your presence. They'll think you are there to fill a quota, slept or will sleep with someone. Are weak, can't do the job and will want/expect preferential treatment.
There are women on the job who do that (ie, a woman slept with her superiors, and later sued-the comments were abhorrent, but people showing their true colors).
What people say, and think are 2 different things, especially when you are physically present vs not. Being a physical and predominantly male career, you will have an uphill battle, but it's not impossible.
Don't expect kittens and rainbows and I'm sure you'll do fine.

I'm married to a fire medic. I haven't slept with any superiors. No one makes sexual comments towards me, and I have yet to be defiled due to gender. I also do not believe anyone is threatened by me. I have had no battle. I am viewed and treated as an equal. I have had no problems that were due to my gender. I feel equally respected as my male counterparts.

Not saying this applies to you-but a lot of females that I have seen complain of sexual discrimination are complete BS. It's because they think the pshyscial standards should be lowered or any other standards due to them being female. If you can't preform at the level of your co workers - which are primarily male -then try harder. Or find a new job.

 

[COmedic17]

I feel like a should also add I also have a fire/hazmat background. I currently only do EMS, but i have done all in the past- and have never been treated differently. Ever.

Not in fire. And not in EMS.

 

[Angel]

Most of you are giving examples of private EMS, where there is usually never issues. FD is a whole different animal when there are groups of guys and one female together for 24 hours. I have never seen any animosity between them, and I have never had a problem with any one in the fire department doing what they were asked. Girls do have more to prove in any job predominately done by males. No point in sugar coating it.

Goes without saying though, if you plan on joining FD as a female, you will need thick skin with all the jokes in station etc. Do your job, and you will be fine. Don't do it? You will probably hear about it, same goes for guys not doing theirs.

quoted and bolded for truth. I mean really.