FIRE SERVICE INFORMATION

Starting a career in the fire service can be one of the most exciting, rewarding and demanding processes one can experience. The more education and training you receive can directly enhance your qualifications and help you in the hiring process.

As the fire service evolves, so do the qualifications to become a firefighter. In the past, most fire departments only required applicants to be 18 years old and have a driver’s license. Now applicants must possess a current EMT-1 (Emergency Medical Technician – 1) certification. Additionally, due to the increasing volume of medical aids, and the increased need for service generated by these calls, some fire departments are requiring all applicants to be a licensed EMT-P (Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic).

When a fire department has an open position, everybody that is in training and looking for a job in the fire service knows about it. Most, if not all fire departments send out job announcement flyers. Fire departments also advertise at the colleges that offer Fire Technology courses. Some departments will advertise on the Internet expanding the search for qualified applicants. Interest cards can also be submitted to Personnel departments of the city or agency you would like to work for and they will notify you of any upcoming job openings. The quickest way to find out who is hiring is by “word of mouth”. Since so many people know when an agency has an opening and the demand for the position is so great, it is typical for the agency to get hundreds if not thousands of applications for the opening.

Since fire departments have so many applicants, they can raise the minimum qualifications. For example, a department can now require a Firefighter – 1 certificate, a degree in Fire Technology, a Paramedic license, volunteer / reserve firefighter experience, or even full time paid firefighter experience. To be a better candidate for the job, applicants have to stand out. The more related education and or experience you have, will better your chances to becoming a firefighter.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

There are many “roads” that can be taken to making your way to becoming a full time firefighter. One of the very best ways to start is by educating yourself. There are three colleges in the San Diego County area and an ROP program in the east county that offer Fire Science classes and EMT-1 programs.

The fire science program is a basic introduction to the fire service and what firefighters do during emergency situations. These classes will provide an introduction to fire protection and related fields; fire service terms and nomenclature; fire behavior and firefighting strategies and tactics. Some fire science classes are “hands on” where you will learn how to operate related firefighting equipment such as: extinguishers, hoses, nozzles, fittings, ropes, ladders, salvage and overhaul, and fire ground hose evolutions. You can achieve an Associates Degree in Fire Science by taking these classes.

The fire academy is designed to train and equip cadets to meet State of California Fire Marshal, Firefighter 1 Academy Standards. Firefighter curriculum is presented in classroom and the drill ground totaling 480 hours of instruction. The academy is also good for college credits which go towards an Associates Degree. There are some requirements that must be met prior to starting the academy which are (not limited to); a valid EMT-1 certificate, high school diploma or GED, 18 years old, passing score of college entrance exam, pass a physical agility test, valid drivers license, pass a medical examination, and cannot have been convicted of a felony and certain misdemeanors in any state.

The EMT-1 course is a requirement, not only to become a firefighter, but to achieve an Associates Degree in Fire Science. This course will train rescue workers and personnel to render emergency medical care using proper techniques of care and transportation. The course covers common types of injuries with recognition of signs and symptoms and proper treatment and handling to prevent further injury and/or progression of injuries. The course will also teach you medical terminology, basic anatomy and physiology, lifting and moving techniques, emergency childbirth, extrication from wrecked vehicles, IV monitoring and communications. During the course you are required to do an 8 hour ride along on an ambulance or fire engine and 8 hours in an emergency room to gain some clinical experience. The EMT-1 certificate is required by most, if not all fire departments (reserve/volunteer/paid), to be able to work as a firefighter. It would be in your best interest to take this course first so that you have the opportunity to start gaining some experience. (see FIELD EXPERIENCE)

The Paramedic program is available through two colleges here in San Diego County and others in Orange and Riverside counties. The program is quite intensive and demanding. Prior to starting the program, you must meet certain requirements. You must be a certified EMT-1 with a minimum of 1 year’s pre-hospital (ambulance or full time firefighter) experience; pass the placement test at the college for math and English; complete an Anatomy & Physiology course with a lab and a Medical Terminology class (or pass a challenge test on medical terminology). Once you have completed all the prerequisites, you must pass a Paramedic entrance exam (based on EMT knowledge). You may also have to show competency on some EMT-1 skills and pass an oral interview to be accepted into the program. This program is in high demand and vacancies fill quickly.

Miramar College
10440 Black Mountain Rd
San Diego, CA
Main Campus - (619) 388-7800
Fire Science courses - (619) 523-2929
EMT-1 courses – (619) 523-3311
www.lifesafety.org/miramarfire

Miramar College offers Fire Science classes and EMT-1 courses. These courses are part of the Fire Science Associates Degree program. The classes are taught near the airport in the old Naval Training Center (NTC) buildings off of North Harbor drive. The college has offered a fire academy in the past, call the Fire Science department for more information.

Southwestern College
900 Otay Lakes Rd
Chula Vista, CA
(619) 421-6700
EMT-1 / Paramedic Program – extension #5491, or #6460
www.swc.cc.ca.us

Southwestern College offers some Fire Science classes, an EMT-1 and First Responder class, and the Paramedic Program. These courses and programs are a part of the college’s Associate Degree program in Fire Science and Paramedicine. To learn more about these programs call the college.

Palomar College
1140 West Mission Rd
San Marcos, CA
(760) 744-1150
Fire Science program – (#2760)
EMT-1 / Paramedic Program – (#8150)
www.palomar.edu/fire

Palomar College offers Fire Science courses, an EMT-1 course and the Paramedic Program. The Paramedic program is located at Palomar College’s satellite campus in Escondido, CA. Palomar College also offers a California State Fire Marshal approved fire academy, as well as a Firefighter/Paramedic academy. These courses and programs are a part of the college’s Associate Degree program in Fire Science and Paramedicine. To learn more about these programs call the college.

The ROP program offers Fire Science courses and an EMT-1 course. Because of the high demand for these classes, there is often a waiting list. Some of the fire science classes are held in local east county high schools. The ROP program should be called for any changes in requirements, more information and application dates.

Some fire departments in the county have fire cadet or fire explorer programs. These programs are geared to younger people that are interested in the fire service that are still attending high school. Typically the ages are from 16 to 21 years of age. Cadets / Explorers have regularly scheduled drills and learn the basics of firefighting. This is an excellent way to “get your feet wet” in the fire service and gain some great experience in the meantime. Call your local fire department and ask if they have a fire cadet or fire explorer program.

It is in your best interest to gain as much experience as possible while you are working towards your goal of becoming a full time firefighter. Once you have obtained your EMT-1 certificate, you should seek employment with a private ambulance agency and/or a reserve/volunteer fire department. Most, if not all reserve/volunteer and full time paid firefighter positions in the county, require you to have obtained your EMT-1 certificate prior to working as a firefighter. While working for a private ambulance company, you will gain great Prehospital experience which you will need if you are looking to become a Paramedic or Firefighter/Paramedic. The experience you gain in the (Prehospital) field will help you successfully pass the Paramedic program. Working for a reserve/volunteer fire department will give you more valuable experience in the fire service. Some of these departments will actually put you through a modified fire academy instructing you on the basics of fireground operations. You may even work as an EMT-1 for a private ambulance company and work as a reserve firefighter at the same time and/or take fire science classes at your local community college. Basically, the more experience and education you have, the better your chances are of obtaining a full time firefighter position. See the attached list of local reserve/volunteer fire departments and private ambulance companies at the end of this booklet.

Usually the application process for a firefighter position has an opening date and a closing date. No applications are accepted after the closing date. Flyers should be read very carefully and the directions should be followed EXACTLY as stated. Some applications are not accepted if the directions have not been followed. This is actually part of the hiring process because the department is looking to see if you can follow directions.

When an application has been accepted, most fire departments have a three to five step process. The first step is the written exam, which measures general knowledge, judgment, mechanical aptitude, reading comprehension, math and some fire/medical related questions. The tests are different for each department, so it is important to take as many tests as possible! The knowledge gained in each test will help better prepare you for the next test.

There have been a few books written on fire department test questions. You can find these at your local book store or on the internet. These books will help explain the type of questions that are asked and how to go about solving them. These books are beneficial and highly recommended.

The second step of the testing process is the Physical Agility Test (PAT). A firefighter’s job can be physically demanding. The PAT determines if applicants have the physical skills and strength to perform the daily duties of a firefighter. Most PATs have multiple timed events for example: a 150’ hose drag, ladder carry, simulated rescue (dummy drag), forcible entry, carrying a simulated extrication tool and a hose bundle raise. These tests are performed while wearing turnouts and an SCBA (self contained breathing apparatus) to measure both strength and endurance.

Third, and probably most important, is the interview. The interview panel usually consists of two to four people from either the hiring agency or nearby agencies. The panel may consist of Division Chiefs, Captains, Firefighters or a representative from the Personnel Department. This interview will make or break the applicant. Be sure to practice your interviewing techniques by testing as many times as you can or by taking classes on interviewing techniques. It may be helpful to talk to others who have recently gone through interviews and get their help by giving you a “mock” interview. A lot of the questions are similar, just asked in a different way. The applicant will be scored on his/her education and experience, but also their attitude and conduct during the interview. Firefighters work 24 hour shifts and spend many hours together, so the interview panel’s job is to determine if the applicant will be a positive addition to the fire department’s work force. The fire service is a professional and paramilitary organization. The Chiefs and Captains have earned their rank and should be addressed with respect. It is very important to dress and act professionally and to maintain eye contact during the interview.

There is a fourth step in the hiring process which is directed to applicants who are testing for a Firefighter/Paramedic position. The applicants will have a second written test, based on their paramedic knowledge and protocols, which is usually taken the day of the regular written test. These applicants will have another step in the process, which is a simulated medical aid call. The applicant will go into a room, which is set up to run the call with all of the appropriate equipment. The applicant is graded by a Base Hospital Nurse Coordinator and veteran paramedics, on their knowledge of the skills and medications needed to run an advanced life support call in San Diego County.

Once the hiring/testing process is complete, the applicant is placed into categories depending on their score from the first three to four testing steps. Usually only the top group will be asked back to the next step, which is the Chief’s interview. At that point, the Chief will rank the applicants and form a list. The fire department will hire from that list when openings are available. These lists are usually valid for about one year, depending on the need.

Upon selection, the applicant will be offered a position pending the outcome of an extensive background check and a thorough medical examination. Some fire departments also require the applicant to take a pre-employment psychological exam and interview.

The background check will assist the fire department in determining your suitability for the position of firefighter. It is to your advantage to respond openly and honestly. Any negative factor in the background check will be evaluated in terms of the circumstances and facts surrounding the occurrence and its degree of relevance to the job of a firefighter. For example, being fired from a job or having an arrest record is not itself grounds for disqualification, not disclosing that information could be. Again, the investigator will inquire into the facts surrounding such an occurrence and evaluate its relevance.

The medical exam is a comprehensive physical to determine if the applicant is medically able to perform the duties of a firefighter. Some of the tests include an EKG, blood/urine, drug screening, and hearing test. There is also a respiratory clearance exam for all employees who use SCBAs. This exam is mandated by federal regulations along with a tuberculosis (TB) test.

Following the completion of the pre-employment exams, with a passing score, the applicant would be offered a position as a Probationary Firefighter. Depending on the fire department, probation lasts from twelve to twenty four months. During this time you will be tested on many different fire ground operations and other tests. Some of the duties of a Probationary Firefighter are (not limited to); respond to fire and emergency calls, lay hose, carry and place ladders, rendering medical care during medical emergencies, participate in drill and trainings, clean and maintain fire equipment and station duties, and operate emergency vehicles.

After learning all the steps to become a full time paid firefighter, one may be discouraged. This process is difficult but well worth the effort. All of the firefighters in this County have gone through it, just ask them! A career in the fire service can be a very exciting and rewarding experience.

All of us at the El Cajon Fire Department wish you the best of luck in your quest to become a FIREFIGHTER!

DEPARTMENT	AREA	PHONE NUMBER
Borrego Springs FPD	Borrego Springs	760-767-5436
Boulevard Fire & Rescue	Boulevard	619-766-4633
Campo VFD	Campo	619-478-5310
Campo Reservation	Campo	619-478-2371
Ca. Dept of Forestry	El Cajon	619-588-0364
Del Mar FD	Del Mar	760-755-1522
East County FPD	El Cajon	619-588-8112
Elfin Forest / Harmony Grove	Escondido	760-744-2186
Julian / Cuyamaca FPD	Julian	619-765-1510
Lake Morena VFD	Campo	619-478-5216
Mt. Laguna VFD	Mt. Laguna / Julian	619-473-8281
Ocotillo Wells VFD	Borrego Springs	760-767-7430
Palomar Mtn. VFD	Palomar Mtn.	760-742-3701
Poway FD	Poway	619-679-4391
Pine Valley VFD	Pine Valley	619-473-8445
San Diego Rural FPD	Jamul	619-669-1188
San Miguel FPD	Spring Valley	619-670-0500
San Pasqual VFD	Escondido	858-480-9924
Valley Center VFD	Escondido	760-751-7600

AGENCY	PHONE NUMBER
Americare	760-739-9723
American Medical Response (AMR)	858-492-3500
Balboa	619-295-1942
Barona Medical Services	619-449-5500
Care	888-647-6100
Schaefer	619-280-8603
Priority One	800-600-3370
Rural Metro	858-533-4300