What Certifications Do I Need to Become a Firefighter?
Nearly every fire department in the U.S. requires firefighters to have an emergency medical technician certification, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some new firefighters also have to complete many hours of training and pass a state exam in order to obtain a certification to work in their state.
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Fire Department Requirements
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The BLS indicates that many fire departments only require firefighters to have the first level of medical technician certification, known as emergency medical technician-basic. However, the bureau notes that more departments in large cities want firefighters to have a paramedic certification, which allows them to provide more medical care at the scene of a fire, traffic accident or other incident.
EMT-Basic Certification
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Sometimes firefighters have to obtain EMT-Basic certifications on their own whereas others receive the necessary training and certification at a fire academy when they start their careers, according to the BLS. A firefighter with an EMT-Basic certification can assess an ailing person’s condition and provide initial care to deal with bleeding, broken bones, heart failure and emergency childbirths. An EMT can provide additional care under the direction of a physician.
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Paramedic Certification
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Paramedics receive training that allows them to provide more types of care than EMTs. For example, paramedics can give patients medications when necessary and interpret electrocardiograms to monitor a patent's heart rate. Paramedics take courses in anatomy and physiology, and they may receive an associate's degree if they complete their training at a community college or technical school. Training programs for paramedics generally take one to two years to complete.
State Requirements
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Some states have their own training and certification programs for firefighters. Florida, for example, requires firefighters to complete the state's minimum standards course and pass a state exam to get a firefighter certification. Firefighters from other states who can show they already have training to meet Florida's standards still must pass the state exam to work in Florida. Completing the state’s minimum standards course requires 360 hours of study, which includes classroom work and participation in fire-simulation drills. Firefighter applications exceed the number of available positions in most states, according to the BLS. Applicants who have completed some firefighter college courses and have an EMT or paramedic certification may have an advantage over other applicants.
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References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition: Firefighters
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition: Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics
- Brevard County Fire Rescue: How to Become a Florida State Certified Firefighter, EMT, or Paramedic
Resources
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