r/firefighter • u/hearingimparedbitch • 4d ago
How do I become a firefighter?
Alright I’m a 15 year old female and when the time comes I would love to be a firefighter. I don’t want to waste the time I have now just envisioning it I want to work out, study, learn the ropes. It’s always been my dream to help people (no joke from 3-13 I wanted to be a doctor and from 14-15 I have been undecided wether or not to keep that or become a firefighter until about three months ago)
Here’s some things about me. I’m 5’2 I can pick up a grown man weighing 200 pounds (I don’t workout but I do have the discipline to because I know it’s not enough) I’m an empathetic person but it doesn’t get in the way during serious situations.
I do have hearing loss but it’s not severe. I wear a hearing aid (not often cause it broke) but it isn’t necessary and I can hear people just fine.
I’ve always had a way with children animals special needs kids and any people that are “different” but I can be firm and strict.
I follow orders relatively easy but I don’t take disrespect. Which I know I will receive so I need to understand how to just get over it. Last man (about 40 years old) that was disrespectful to me almost lost his job and he picked fights with me regularly. I didn’t take the disrespect and argued back on many occasions. No it wasn’t an over reaction the police even hated this man for me. I don’t know how to just roll over and take people being disrespectful towards me my beliefs and my family. I’m fine with banter.
What are things to avoid mentioning?? Do they turn people away with mental health issues? I have struggled for approximately 7 years with my mental health but I’m much better and haven’t been a danger to myself or anyone else in over a year.
What are not safe conversation topics?? Politics are already off the table because I’m well informed and people don’t like that where I’m from. But like other than that??
What are good workout routines??
Should I get a degree?? I’m for sure smart enough for it I just don’t want to mess it up and choose the wrong one.
What’s the minimum I need to be able to lift??
Which problems with physical and mental are worth disqualification ?
I need to train and get ahead but I will also have a back up trust. I know I could search everything up (and I have) but honestly I’d rather get hands on explanations that arent promoting things to me that I don’t need. I don’t plan on having kids any time soon nor will I honestly have life outside of working for the first few years cause I already have a partner and if thing don’t work out I’m not finding a new person until after I’m stable at work.
Sorry if this is unintelligible I tried to make it sound intelligent without sounding uptight but quite frankly my grammar is shit.
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u/Electrical_Hour3488 4d ago
First of all. All of us are sick in the head, mental health issues are the name of the game. Secondly a solid foundation of fitness will get you far. You want to go career don’t worry about going volley, most places down here do their own academy and really want fresh minds. Fitness fitness fitness. Theres no sugar coating it. Your a woman and even if you pass the bare minimum everyone will look down till you prove their fat ass wrongs.
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u/laxcargo 3d ago
Volunteering is a great option to tell if you’ll like the gig tho. Thinking you want to be a firefighter vs actually liking being a firefighter are two completely different things lol
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u/Apprehensive_Value37 4d ago
"What are things to avoid mentioning" >> ill be kinda blunt, probally dont bring up democratic politics since most stations have that kinda niche if you know what I mean but theres nothing really to avoid mentioning I would say your mental health wouldnt be something to bring up unless relevent
"Should I get a degree" >> a degree dosent hurt like you could get a degree in fire sciences which would be if you wanted to go for officer positions in the future when you have more experience and help you get hired in a paid department
"What’s the minimum I need to be able to lift" >> I wouldnt really say theres a minimum, https://youtu.be/x2RgfYyJi4A thats a good video that goes over it, youll probally do a high rise pack raise and carry (50-75lb)
"Which problems with physical and mental are worth disqualification" >> I mean physical problems is kinda common sense, like if you have a really bad back, maybe knee surgery stuff like that might be a issue
You didnt really ask this question directly but ill answer it anyway, if your wondering how to join a department a good start would be a volunteer department (if there are any near you) you can actually start at 14 in most departments as a junior member and when you turn 18 go through fire school (for your certifications assuming your in the US) Fire 1 (atleast here) allows it so that you can go inside and do interior firefighting operations aswell as use heavy equipment etc. With volunteer departments you dont need anything to join but a application and most will put you through schooling for free.
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u/laxcargo 3d ago
On the topic of lifting. Being able to carry the equipment is nice, but the majority of the job is endurance and cardio. Sure it’s a good idea to be able to drag a 200+ pound person, but you’re going to be doing that after pulling hose, throwing ladders, forcing doors etc. so if you don’t have the stamina you’ll become pretty useless pretty quick in the fireground
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u/hearingimparedbitch 3d ago
That’s the plan! I’ll do workouts simulating what I have to do and work on endurance until I can do it fast enough for my comfort then work on escalating the weights and endurance for that. My dad’s a veteran and he’s gonna help me out with workouts.
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u/Unusual_Ad_5905 3d ago edited 3d ago
This isn’t the kind of job for someone dealing with mental health issues, especially at 15.. This is an extremely stressful and hazardous career. 2 out of 3 firefighters will develop cancer within 10 years. And it’s not just the physical risk. the stuff you see on a daily basis would rattle most people. You’re rolling up on overdoses, doing CPR on people in the street, watching lives fall apart in front of you. That’s heavy, and it doesn’t stop. If you’re already feeling mentally worn at 15, It might be better to look into something that fits someone a little more sensitive. there’s nothing wrong with that, but this career chews people up who aren’t built for it.
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u/hearingimparedbitch 3d ago
I struggle with depression and anxiety. I know that. I have struggled since 8. That will never change. But what I also know is I’ve hit rock bottom countless of times but I picked myself up off of that goddamn floor and continued. I know I will see disastrous things. I didn’t watch a show and go “oh that looks fun” what I did was go and meet some firefighters explaining the reality of their jobs and research so much and seeing so much. I at 15 have seen multiple dead bodies. I’ve seen OD’s I’ve seen abuse I’ve seen so much. I’ve been the kid in the accident. I’ve been the kid dying ( unintentionally) I’ve seen a lot but not even close to all. I’m sensitive but not freak out and cry sensitive. I’m empathetic but not I’m going to blame myself for your death empathetic. Cancer is likely. It’s serious but honestly that just means I go through screenings more often. I’m no stranger to cancer but I am when it comes to having it. Health risks and health problems are apart of the job. Thank you for your view and advice. Honestly I know more areas to work on now.
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u/Leather_Ambition435 4d ago edited 4d ago
Where you live now, and where you want to work in your future matter as well. Some larger school systems have dual-credit fire science or emt-basic programming available in high school. Some junior colleges that teach this stuff at night will allow you to enroll and earn credit that way. As mentioned, fire explorers or a junior firefighter program (if available in your area) are fantastic ways to learn and grow. Consider athletics programs in school that allow you to strengthen your muscles, but don't neglect cardio. . . Jeez, there is so much to cover.
I ran junior firefighter programs at both my volly fd and my career department. I taught at every level from high school to college and specialized facilities. Never was a female unable to complete the work required for training if she tried, but don't settle for minimum. At the same time, don't take any crap from anyone who says you can't because you are a girl. That mentality is toxic in the workplace.
To be brutally honest, the hearing might be an issue in some areas. Screenings vary by department and/or state. Whatever you do, protect the hearing that you do have. Hearing loss is common in this industry.
Mental health takes a toll, not gonna lie. Because you have a history, you've got to keep a close watch on this. As far as a disqualification, probably not. You are young we all struggle from time to time. How you handle it matters more. Seek help, know when to and don't delay. Learn to work through it with healthy coping skills rather than violence or worse.
I'd you have more questions, I would be happy to help.
Edit because I missed mental health discussion.
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u/hearingimparedbitch 4d ago
I am not in person when it comes to school. I attend online school. A kid at my old inperson threatened to kill me multiple times. I am aware of the whole hearing loss issue sadly it follows me everywhere. Honestly I’d argue they let vision impaired people be firefighters and that can be much more risky than my hearing loss as I have good sight and my hearing loss is only for very high frequencies and very low frequencies. Thank you for your help
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u/Leather_Ambition435 4d ago
Sadly, the best way to become a firefighter will be with lots of in person education - hands on the tools and skills. There is a program that many folks do use, www.trainijgdivision.com, that allows for a mix of online and in-person education. Not the easiest way to do it, but if you have the discipline to do the work, it may be what you want.
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u/Exact-Location-6270 3d ago
Never seen them posted before. Just curious if they’re accredited and recognized as IFSAC//Proboard and how they manage to do all the hands on stuff in only a matter of days it sounds like
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u/Leather_Ambition435 2d ago
TBH I have no idea. I'm guessing since it's good enough for TCFP, so you can for sure get IFSAC seals. I know a lot of departments wouldn't accept training from them back when I was involved in the hiring process BECAUSE it was unproven. This may have changed by now. Your milage may vary.
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u/Exact-Location-6270 2d ago
Interesting. You’d think the seal would be enough but it sounds like they’ve been around quite some time now. I mean you should get OJT with your dept no matter what.
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u/Leather_Ambition435 2d ago
My department has changed over to a zero to hero model - no training required. This seems to be a pretty hot trend lately.
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u/hearingimparedbitch 4d ago
Ok so with the firefighting sleep is a big issue how do I condition my bodies to go days without it?? Also with nutrition. It’s very hard to eat properly when constantly on the move and working out. What should I eat? Then when it comes to testing now just physical attributes what do i start studying?
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u/Vprbite 4d ago
Who told you that you need to go days without sleep? Some places run 48hr shifts, but they are usually districts that rarely get hit with so many calls as to not get sleep for 2 days straight. I mean, never say never, but I feel like it would be pretty rare.
Stand up 24s happen but those departments usually have a day or 2 or 3 off before you go back to work
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u/Unusual_Ad_5905 3d ago
Saying stuff like 'train yourself not to sleep' is a red flag it honestly sounds like you’re dealing with a lot. Even people who are completely stable and well prepared struggle to get hired for this kind of job, let alone handle the day-to-day reality of it. This isn’t just physically exhausting; it takes a serious mental toll too. I’m not saying this to be harsh, but I really don’t think this path is right for you. You should seriously consider looking into something else this job demands more than most people can handle and it sounds like you have problems everywhere you go.
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u/hearingimparedbitch 3d ago edited 3d ago
The reason I was asking about training for sleep is honestly because I needed all bases. I can do it. Yeah my mental health might suck but I’m in fact way better now. I’ve dealt with serious shit and continued thriving. I know it takes a serious toll on physical and mental health. Which is why I’ve already talked to my doctors to make sure I will be OK to do this. It’s not like I haven’t done physical labor and no not to the extent firefighters do which is why I want to train now. I’ve always been an active person. I’ve spent 12 hours doing manual labor just recently out in 102° weather Ik it’s not a lot but it does count. I am determined and I will try my hardest. I do spend a lot of time doing manual labor and things outside including camping hiking yadayada. I’ve beat the odds countless of times through sheer will and hard work. Sleep is necessary and sometimes my body simply doesn’t shut off. I have insomnia I’m asking to help train my body because in the case that I can’t sleep(unlikely) I gotta be prepared. The “stuff” on my plate right now is just school. I may teach myself since the teachers won’t do it right but honestly that’s easy. I work outside for about 2 hours everyday with dogs and it’s not hard at all so that’s not that much on my plate. I play softball and have like three practices a week. And maybe a game every other Saturday. I have time and I’m not in a bad situation. So I’m trying to take advantage of it. My mental health is in its best condition in 4 years and you don’t know me but that is a lot for me I’ve worked so hard. I know my limits I know the reality I’ve talked to in person firefighters about this. It’s always been a part of me. Some deep rooted thing that makes me want to help. And honestly I can’t help being a doctor. Medical school and a lot being at a desk is hard. And I will not be a police officer. I can’t honestly deal with the amount of hate they get from the media and I’m white so I don’t wanna be accused of being a racist pig. I can’t sit still and I learn and do better with my hands. It’s not as if I’ve never seen death or been touched by it. Yeah it will be hard but I have accepted it. I know it will happen and I know it’s gonna affect me. Which is why I’m working with my therapist so I can be better at dealing with it. I will see gruesome things people I love might die I might die I know. Kids all the way to old people will die or be scared and it will be my team’s job to save them and yeah we will lose someone. It’s hard to watch so many die. It’s hard to carry around all that gear and try to breathe. It’s hard doing all of the physical things. But guess what life is in fact hard. Life will never be easy for me. So right now I’m asking for help because it’s something I need to work hard for. I’m a girl (shocker) and men can be misogynist as fuck. So honestly if I want to make it I need to be better than almost everyone. They are going to be jerks they are gonna be sexist I’m well aware and I’m used to it. I’m going to have to deal with that. So I’m using the next few years of my life to get ahead without rushing myself. I have come a long way and I’m going to go farther. Also if I sound ungrateful for your advice I’m NOT!! You are right to think it might not be for me. I haven’t given all my info honestly I gave you what I need to work on so it makes sense. I read back on this and I see now this could have come across as very rude so I’m sorry. Thank you for your advice!!
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u/hearingimparedbitch 3d ago
Perhaps I should have also rephrased “how do I train my body to be able to function even without proper sleep?” Meaning how do I get through it and not let people down? I was to extreme with my words. I am sorry sir/ma’am
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u/Leather_Ambition435 4d ago
Sleep is not as big an issue as folks thing. We do have bunks, and do get sleep. It may be interrupted, obviously, but conditioning to go days without is nonsense. Your body needs rest.
Food is another issue. Different departments handle cooking and meals differently. Where I'm at, we cook 2 or 3 meals a day. Sometimes super healthy, sometimes absolute trash. Depends on the shift and crew. If you are concerned, consult a physician and/or dietician who can give you specific plans for your current body type and goals.
High school matters now. Focus on that. If you want to dabble in the fire science or emergency medicine, but all means. You'll likely have to obtain both one way or another. Some departments provide all of the training, others require all of the basics before you can work there. Knowing where you want to work will help you plan that out. Look at their last hiring announcements for an idea of what they want.
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u/laxcargo 3d ago
Honestly I wouldn’t talk any politics or mental health (unless you need to in which case go to a professional NOT the breakfast table).
I am a little skeptical about your hearing loss. Unfortunately I can’t give any clear cut answer to whether or not it’ll hinder your chances of getting hired. Most departments have some form of physical you need to undergo to be accepted, but as for what those thresholds are for hearing I have no idea. But if you say that you can hear fine without a hearing aid you’ll probably be alright.
In terms of fitness id focus a lot on fitness/endurance but still try to build your strength. Most departments have a very lenient minimum strength (like 75-150lbs) but that shouldn’t be your end goal. Unfortunately there are a lot of very over weight people in the world, some of which are firefighters. You may need to drag an unconscious or injured individual from a burning building so you need to have the strength to drag them as well as the endurance and good cardio health to drag them out the door. HIIT (High intensity Interval Training) is a big push from my department when it comes to workouts, you can google a number of workouts online to get an idea of what to do. CrossFit fits into a similar niche, but normally those gyms are expensive and if you’re not careful you can injure yourself pretty easily.
I’d highly recommend volunteering to start, helps you get a feel if you actually want to do this job. Most places have some sort of junior program that allows certain age groups under 18 years old to participate.
If I were you I would go check into your local firehouse and talk to them. They’ll know more about how the jurisdiction handles volunteers and what age you could possibly start. They’ll also be able to tell you if there is any career options in that jurisdiction or if you need to look elsewhere. Maybe bring some cookies or brownies, every firefighter has a sweet tooth 😁
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3d ago
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u/hearingimparedbitch 3d ago edited 3d ago
Thank you sir. I don’t normally open up about personal life in fact everything I wrote here is the bare minimum surface level only needed. I’m only opening up about it so people can get a grasp of where I may need help or can improve but it appears people think I shouldn’t do this. I’m not gonna listen because I know myself and who I am. I am very thankful to those who are giving advice even if I don’t agree. But please believe me sir I’m cut out for this work. I always have been. I’m used to jerks and jokes mostly directed towards me. Considering I’m in Texas I’m more democratic than most but I’m my own person I don’t follow either party I have my own views. I only respond if directly questioned and only to answer questions very minimally. I know it is part of me to help and honestly with who I am this is the best option. None of my irrelevant disorders are mentioned and maybe .1% of my past is mentioned. I am looking into all of that. But honestly all this advice is so helpful. I love brutal reality checks even if I’m already somewhat aware. And these lovely people have given me some.
Sorry for the wrong pronouns!!
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u/Apprehensive_Pipe763 3d ago
Set up a grindr account.. start volunteering for your local FD and you should be a shoe in
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u/_shirime_ 2d ago
Go find a fire and pour water on it- you are effectively a firefighter
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u/hearingimparedbitch 2d ago
Ima go do that is anyone’s house prepared for a fire?? Maybe a brother or two??? (All jokes)
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u/Ok-Construction-5365 2d ago
Look up for local departments hiring in your surrounding area apply directly and have them send you to take the NTN test
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u/SoCJaguar 4d ago
Find a volunteer department when you turn 18 and see if you like it. If so you’ll need certs anyway from them to be able to apply for most career positions.