Becoming a firefighter paramedic is one of the most rewarding jobs or profession any one could ever accomplish. A lot of jobs can provide better health benefits, better pay check, better uniforms and of course, safety. Being a firefighter for one condemns you to daily hazards and dangers which you might encounter at any given moment while on duty. Aside from it being a rewarding profession this is also be far one of the noblest jobs because they go out of their way to assist and help people in danger who they do not really know. If you are interested in becoming a firefighter paramedic then it would be best to look for a good firefighter paramedic school.
These trainings are available in almost all state colleges or community colleges. If you are leaving near a community college then it would be best to inquire from the registration office of that said college. Before you are able to sit through a class in a firefighter paramedic school you are required to have an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) certificate. Either that or you can take an exam in order for you to be accepted for the program. Such EMT certificates can also be acquired from community and state colleges.
A usual firefighter paramedic school class would normally consist of 3 semesters or less than 2 years. This might be the most intense and grueling semesters of your entire life. Clinical hours and emergency trainings on the field are part of the training that you will get. Mostly you are left alone to research and study on a particular subject, therefore you should possess excellent research skills and time management.
Why train as a paramedic if you only want to become a firefighter?
Most agencies in the United States are now requiring applicants to be Paramedics in order for them to sit through an exam in becoming a firefighter. Becoming a paramedic is essential for firefighters because they are usually the first to arrive when it comes to emergency rescues and such. Firefighters not only assist us during events of a fire but they can also rescue and provide emergency life support which includes CPR.
Difference between EMT and Paramedics.
Both may involve emergency treatment to rescued civilians, EMT’s have limitations as to what procedures that they can do. They can provide basic life support until such time that Paramedics will arrive at the scene. Aside from what they can do and can not do, Paramedic training is harder and longer compared to that of EMT. Therefore, when it comes to who is getting paid more? The answer would be the Paramedics.
If you are really interested in becoming a firefighter to help your country, then it would be best if you take an EMT training course and get yourself a certificate. Afterward, look for a good firefighter paramedic school in community and state colleges near you to take up Paramedics before you become a full pledged firefighter. It may sound like you need to invest in money, time and effort, but at the end of the day, it will all be worth it. Saving a life is always worth it.
