How do I become a firefighter?

[u/hearingimparedbitch]

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.

[u/Leather_Ambition435]

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.

[u/hearingimparedbitch → u/Leather_Ambition435]

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?

[u/Vprbite → u/hearingimparedbitch]

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