Paramedic-Firefighter/Pilot

OnTheFly7

OnTheFly7

Well-Known Member
Sometimes it takes an event, maybe two or more, to make us realize just what it is that we are here to do. After having jobs that offered the opportunity to earn good money, I realize that it may be nice, but you have to have an interest. The opportunity to POSSIBLY make decent money means very little, if your heart is not in it. Seems simple enough, yet how many out there are working jobs just for the money? They hate it, they come home misserable and the dread getting out of bed the next day. It is no fun.

All of the above leads to this; having finally settled into our new home in the North Valley of Phoenix, the job search has begun! Since I have the opportunity to evaluate what it is I want to do, I am beging to really look at becoming a Paramedic-Firefighter. I understand how difficult this can be to accomplish (especially with funds being cut by the current administration), however, I really enjoy helping others. I would much rather help someone in distress, rather than try to sell them something that doesn't mean squat to me or them!

After having said all of that, I still want to get my ratings. The intention would be to eventually land a 135 or 91 job as a fill in on my off days. The other option would be to become a pilot with a medical transport company, which would combine both careers.

Anyone in the JC family a Paramedic and/or Firefighter and are there any of you who are pilots for medical transport companies? If so, I would love to hear your thoughts on the careers.
 
PGA07 said:
Anyone in the JC family a Paramedic and/or Firefighter and are there any of you who are pilots for medical transport companies? If so, I would love to hear your thoughts on the careers.
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Firefighter/EMT and still active. And from Phoenix, but in Tucson now.
 
I left being a police officer in Glendale after 13 years. When I did it, I loved it. But eventually the flying bug bit me and away I went. I have always loved to fly. Now on the FF/Paramedic thing, now is a great time to go to a JC and start working on the whole fire science program, as well as get the EMT cert done, so that when hiring does begin again, you can be competitive. Also get yourself in great shape, I mean great. Their physical is no joke (at least it used to be)..

I do not fly for a medivac company, but would love to someday.. But that is a tough and cherished spot. their minimums are 2000 TT (if I remember right), with many wanting an ATP and much turboprop experience (this comes from an industry requirement). I have been doing teaching full time now for over three years (850 hrs per year), and still would not be able to get a look at this point (aviation industry overall is not in it's best form right now).

You can do it, but it is going to take a while... Plus most air evac companies are on 7 days on and 7 days off schedule (as far as I know)..

Hope this helps.

Justin
 
My long term girlfriend is a Firefighter/Paramedic. It seems like a pretty sweet job with a good schedule (24 on/48 off), and after three weeks you get a "Kelly" day, which gives you about a week off. I've done a ride along with her crew, and it's pretty cool stuff.

Unfortunately, lots of people want to do it because it's a cool job (like flying). They recently had a job posting in her dept and had over 500 resumes submitted. Also, these days people have to pay for fire school, where before the cost was covered by the dept.

There's probably still places that will cover your fire training (like OCFA), but it's probably becoming rare with nationwide state/county/city budget cuts.
 
I appreciate all of the replies!

There is no doubt that you have to be a certain someone to do the job, and yes, there are a TON of people who are trying to get into the field. That is why I laugh when I hear people tell others to just go get on a FD! As if all they have to do is walk down, fill out the app and go through a process similar to working at Home Depot. :mad: If most only knew the amount of work that goes into it.

You are correct to point out that just about all departments now require you to have your EMT or Paramedic AND your Firefighter II Certs along with your CPAT cert. The gobmnt is no longer fronting the bill for anything. In fact, they are cuting funds!

I gues that is why the older I get, the more I laugh at people who say to go get a good, stable job and make good money! Ha! Good jobs still exist, stable jobs do not, regardless of the industry or sector (with the exception of the Military. Even PD and FD are experiencing layoffs).

More and more I become a believer of going after what it is that you enjoy, living within your means and treasuring your loved ones and friends! Time doing what you enjoy and time spent with those close to you means more than any dollar amount ever could! It take some longer than others to realize this and some never do. I am thankful that it occured to me later rather than never!
 
PGA07 said:
I gues that is why the older I get, the more I laugh at people who say to go get a good, stable job and make good money! Ha! Good jobs still exist, stable jobs do not, regardless of the industry or sector (with the exception of the Military. Even PD and FD are experiencing layoffs).
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The Maritime industry is about the most stable career field I can think of.
 
I am a FD chief in Washington State, however my department doesn't have paramedics working full-time. We do employ firefighters with volunteer experience and EMT is strongly encouraged among recruits. Your situation in AZ might be a little different than here, but two suggestions.

1) Get experience testing, subscribe to announcements at the Dailydispatch.com to find out where the hiring is taking place near your home. Apply as often as you can, look for agencies with civil service minimums of High School / GED unless you're already qualified at a higher level under NFPA 1001.

2) Get experience in pre-hospital work; find a FD that offers volunteer training and would sponsor you to an EMT or EMT-P program.

Good Luck in your endeavors
 
Hey PGA07,

I think I was pretty much in your shoes a while back. I went toPan Am in Ft. Pierce in 2001/2002 and left with my initial CFI and about $60,000 in debt. Got hired for a couple of CFI jobs here in VA after moving back, but couldn't make the numbers work on the loan so got back into Healthcare Sales and did that for six mostly mind-numbing years. Eventually paid off the loan and asked myself the same question you are...what do I really want to do...and decided to look into being a Firefighter/EMT as well.

I applied here in Virginia at 35 years old with no prior experience and no EMT certificate. The physical test and written went well, and I found myself with an interview. Every step of the way I felt that there were people more qualified and with more experience, but I stuck with the process and eventually was offered the job. It's been an amazing experience and as disappointed as I was about not being able to get back into flying (now have a wife, daughter, house...just not willing to make the sacrifices any more), I am thrilled with the way things have worked out. I have an awesome shift and work for a great department, we're all trained as Jumpseat Firefighters, Driver/MPOs, and EMTs and alternate riding the engine and the medic. We have the opportunity to pursue paramedic certification, becoming an officer, medflight...the opportunities are unlimited.

I'd say apply as many places as you can. I got lucky applying with one department but a lot of my buddies applied multiple times at multiple departments. Get yourself in good physical shape because not only the physical test but especially recruit school are challenging. Network and meet people in the departments you're interested in or go through a volunteer school. If (when) you get to an interview, use your flying experience to your advantage. The department is looking for people who will be successful not only throughout training but throughout a career. You've shown the ability as a pilot to master a certain amount of technical material, to think on your feet, and to keep your head under pressure. Sell yourself to the interview panel and use this experience. Sometimes I forget that not everyone has the ability to get into an airplane and go flying and it's a competitive advantage that not many other applicants will have. Most importantly, don't sell yourself short (like I almost did). Sometimes departments will look past people with far more experience because they can teach you their way from the start and don't have to overcome bad habits you've already learned. Be humble, keep your mouth shut, and learn everything you can and you'll be just fine. Good luck!

Bigs
 
Just to let you know as far as air medical transport - as a member of the flight crew you don't venture too much into the medical realm. In fact I know at a number of programs the keep it quiet not wanting to the pilots to push harder if it is a kid or someone they know.
 
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