Man, I so badly wish I would be able to take advantage of this opportunity. I miss firefighting more than anything! 2.5 more years of active duty, then I know I’ll be able to become an invaluable asset to the department.
The requirement to be an EMT or Paramedic is the stupid stuff that will keep many from even considering a career in fire fighting. The EMT system is designed to take advantage of people and the seedy companies that run ambulances know it. The EMT thing is an unnecessary grind that you can spend years of your life on to hopefully be a firefighter. Sorry but not even close to a smart decision to bet on the come like that.
You can become an EMT in less than 5 months. It’s not easy. But it’s a necessary component of being in the fire department. 80% of the calls are medical.