r/Firefighting • u/Obviouslythrowaway_- • 3d ago

General Discussion Fire vs Fire/EMS Departments

What has your experience been in either department? All I keep hearing is guys complain about how EMS departments are dreadful and miserable but get paid more. When, in my area I hear that the big City (fire only) gets paid the most and has the best benefits. Have I been lied to this whole time? Are there ANY benefits to EMS departments?

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u/Mszsin 3d ago

What planet is the the fire only departments from? West coast FF run up to 80% medicals calls. I’ve never heard of a fire only Dpt, but I’ve only been a FF for 35yrs, doesn’t mean they don’t exist. But it’s pretty odd concept to me. My agency has only hired FF/P since the late 80’s. And all the agency’s around us are the same way.

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u/Ok_Buddy_9087 Edit to create your own flair 2d ago

There’s a fire department near me that doesn’t even go to MVAs unless it’s on the highway or unless EMS calls them. If EMS gets a code, fire shows up, somebody drives the ambulance to the hospital, gets out, gets back in their engine and drives away while the 2 medics take the patient inside.

You’re never gonna believe this, but they’ve had layoffs twice during my EMS and fire career.

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u/hiking_mike98 2d ago

The UK? lol